PATTERN: waligore 03
The generation of a pattern relies on a unit of repetition. The resulting effect might either be complex or simple. Repetition of image elements can produce a rhythm, which ultimately relates to music and a sense of timing.

A motif is the basic visual component of a pattern. A motif can also connect to content present in an image or design.

A formal grid structure can be used to facilitate pattern development.

Geometric patterns may be repeated in a formal, mathematical arrangement.

Units can be combined or repeated in blocks.

A block repeat pattern produces the simple repetition of image elements

A drop repeat pattern produces a diagonal effect as in a black and white checkerboard.

A drop middle pattern creates a zigzag effect as in the placement of bricks that are offset rather than aligned on a conventional grid.

Concentric patterns are organized around a center point and may have a marked outer border.

Methods that can be used to vary pattern repetition include:

-alternating figure and ground

-inverting color or altering the selection of color

-vary the color scheme: primary, complementary, contrast of value, hue or saturation

-rotating a block 1/4 turn

-flipping the design element to create a mirror image

-use of a visible or invisible grid

Regular patterns utilize an image element that retains its size and orientation.

Irregular patterns repeat image elements with alternations of scale and orientation, Image elements may be reduced or enlarged in size, rotated or repeated with greater variation to ultimately produce a more active compositional structure.

Combined patterns pull together a variety of motifs in alternating structures, which result in greater visual complexity. An example would be a mixture of vector graphics and bitmaps.

Patterns that we view on a daily basis, applied to decorated surfaces such as clothing, wallpaper, or upholstery may include random irregular pattern, irregular repeating pattern, rigid repeating pattern, or run together pattern.

Patterns may rely on an informal, irregular distribution of image elements. Through this use of repetition, the distribution of lights and darks, a value pattern, is produced. Gradation can be an important factor in the generation of a pattern, especially in terms of its reference to depth. Through the use of gradation we may see a range of values and a direction of implied movement that create an visual illusion and spatial depth.

Joyce S. Hertzson, et. al., Design Dynamics: Integrating Design and Technology