My favorite tools for creating joyful patterns—from traditional to techy.
I’ve been designing for over two decades, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned—it’s that the right tools can change everything. Whether you’re just starting or are knee-deep in your 40th pattern collection, having the right setup makes the creative flow smoother and more joyful.
So here are the 10 tools I return to again and again in my surface pattern design work.
1. iPad Pro + Apple Pencil
A game-changer. I sketch directly in Fresco or Procreate, then refine and color before bringing it into Illustrator. It’s freedom in digital form.
2. Procreate App
Perfect for rough sketches, brushy textures, and getting playful. I especially love using custom brushes for florals and texture.
3. Adobe Photoshop
This is where the magic happens—building repeats, refining lines, and finalizing pattern layouts.
4. Wacom Tablet (Optional, but Loved)
For vector drawing on desktop, I still enjoy the hand-feel of a Wacom tablet. It’s like old-school sketching but smarter.
5. Pantone Color Guides or Swatch Books
Color is my love language. Having tangible swatches helps me fine-tune palettes that feel rich, emotional, and on-brand.
6. Gouache Paints + Watercolor Supplies
Sometimes you need to step away from the screen. I use these for textural base work and idea generation. Plus—joy.
7. Scanner (like Epson V39)
To bring in hand-drawn or painted elements. Crisp scans = better detail and less cleanup. I love this scanner because it is light weight and I can easily scan at 1200dpi.
8. Pattern Mockup Files (Photoshop)
I use mockups to visualize how a pattern will look on products—pillows, notebooks, phone cases. Great for licensing decks. I get most my mockups from Creatsy.
9. Notebook or Sketchpad
Nothing beats pen-to-paper when you need a break from the screen. I jot down collection ideas, sketch motifs, or test color palettes. My favorite sketchbook is the Hahnemuhle Akademie Aquarell Watercolor Book.
10. Surface Design Templates + Worksheets (My Own or Purchased)
Having structure helps. I use collection planners and repeat-building checklists to stay on track and remember all the tiny details.
What’s one tool you can’t live without?
With love and color, Jules