Surface Design Process

The goal of this design project was to use creative analysis of design to create a pattern and letter form based on a word the describes one's self.

This is my mood board, where I pulled all of my inspiration from. Seen on this document are fonts, designs, and colors that are native to Denmark (my home country) and use Danish design principles.

Seen here is my mind map, where I have visually organized personality traits, my interests and hobbies, as well as other words that describe who I am and what I'm about. The three words I narrowed down to use are "heritage", "ancestral", and "rooted."

This is a breakdown of my chosen word; "rooted." Word origins, multiple definitions, and other design ideas that I can use for this project are written down as well.

These are some font ideas I created based on my word. Incorporating Danish modern design and other design elements that pertain to my heritage and my "roots," the foundational concept has been translated into font.

I studied some writings my grandfather, who passed away two years ago, created including lists, notes, and reminders. I also looked at official documents from General Electric, his life-long employer, where his signature was stamped onto financial documents and business letters. This led to creating a font from my grandpa's handwriting, and I considered using this as my final letter form.

Instead of using organic handwriting script, I chose to use a hand drawn modern letter form to better fit my overall aesthetic. Here are some examples of my new letter forms. By using versatile colors paired with an overall design, I was able to create multiple versions.

Here is my final letter form of my word, "rooted." The red color and white lines represent the Danish flag, where my grandfather immigrated from. The Dalecarlian horses are a traditional crimson color. Each member in my family has one made when they are born, and by tradition our Dala horse is taken wherever we live– mine is in my dorm room.

This Danish, Z Lounge Chair is the first of many pieces created for the Surface Design Project. Using Adobe Illustrator, this image was relatively simple to create using a reference image. Color styling and textures are temporary, since a cohesive and foundational color scheme has yet to be decided on.

This Ball Chair was the second Danish furniture piece to be made using the same style from the Z Lounge Chair to create a cohesive look.

These Dalecarlian horses are shown in all other traditional colors; navy, golden yellow, and crimson.

These patterns were created using my design elements created in Adobe Illustrator. The Dala horse, Ball Chair, Z Lounge Chair, and all combined create separate, unique patterns.