10 Best Surface Pattern Design Courses and Certifications Online

Surface Pattern Design courses provide comprehensive training for individuals interested in creating unique and visually appealing designs for various applications. With the increasing demand for skilled professionals in this field, many online courses have emerged, offering diverse learning opportunities for beginners and experienced designers alike. This article aims to provide an overview of the best online courses available for Surface Pattern Design, highlighting their unique features, and helping you make an informed decision.

Here’s a look at the Best Surface Pattern Design Courses and Certifications Online and what they have to offer for you!

10 Best Surface Pattern Design Courses and Certifications Online

1. Seamless Repeats and Pattern Brushes:A Procreate Masterclass by Muhammad Bilal Moten (Udemy) (Our Best Pick)

Seamless Repeats and Pattern Brushes: A Procreate Masterclass is an online course designed to teach surface design enthusiasts how to create various seamless patterns using the Procreate app. The course is instructed by Muhammad Bilal Moten, a self-taught hand lettering and calligraphy artist. The course starts with the basics of pattern making in Procreate and goes all the way to the more advanced types of patterns and pattern brushes that can be made.

The course starts with a brief introduction and a video lesson on the basics of Procreate, followed by a lesson on the different types of patterns that will be covered in the course. The instructor will then teach how to create general repeat patterns that have one characteristic from each of two groups: dot style vs. seamless toss style, full drop vs. half drop horizontal vs. half drop vertical.

After that, the course moves on to specialized patterns, such as dot style diamond repeat, seamless diamond repeat, and grid patterns. The instructor will also teach how to create a brush out of a simple one-color design/motif that can be used for texture or grid patterns. The next module of the course covers creating a complex brush set that can be used to simulate a polychromatic repeat pattern.

The course ends with a video explaining the class project. The instructor provides brushes used in the course as well as some favorite brushes in the resources section of the course. The course is suitable for both Procreate users and those who have never used the app before. The only requirement is that the student puts in the effort and follows along.

Overall, Seamless Repeats and Pattern Brushes: A Procreate Masterclass is a comprehensive course that equips students with the skills and knowledge to create various types of seamless patterns and pattern brushes using Procreate.

2. Modern Patterns: From Sketch to Screen by Catherine Coquillette (Udemy)

The course “Modern Patterns: From Sketch to Screen” teaches students how to create professional-quality surface design patterns in Adobe Photoshop. In this course, students will learn the techniques to transform their hand-drawn art into a digital pattern. The class covers the basics of illustrating elements for patterns, scanning/photographing tips, deleting the paper background, setting up the file, and copying and pasting to make patterns. Additionally, the course covers three types of patterns (grid, geometric, seamless), color exploration, and adding metallic textures. By the end of the class, students will have a variety of custom-designed patterns as well as the skills to continue creating unique and on-trend surface designs.

To take this course, students will need Adobe Photoshop, a scanner (or phone or camera), and paper and art supplies (such as markers, paint, pencil, etc.). This class is for anyone who wants to learn this skillset, whether they are an established creative or just looking to learn something fun and new. While no prior experience is necessary, having a basic understanding of Photoshop will make the course easier to follow.

The ability to create surface designs is highly desirable right now, and learning how to put patterns together is crucial for anyone looking to sell designs on sites such as Spoonflower, Society6, or Redbubble. The course is divided into the following sections: Introduction, Supplies, Simple Pattern, Painting Our Elements, Digitizing, Removing the Background, Geometric Pattern, Seamless Pattern, Color & Metallics, Saving, and Earn Money with Art Licensing. By the end of the course, students will be able to create custom patterns and have the skills to continue exploring and creating unique and beautiful designs.

3. From Drawing to Pattern in Adobe Illustrator – a Masterclass by Helen Bradley (Udemy)

The From Drawing to Pattern in Adobe Illustrator – a Masterclass course is designed to teach individuals how to turn their hand drawings into marketable surface pattern designs using Illustrator. The course is suitable for individuals with all levels of experience and provides step-by-step training through a range of seamless repeating patterns. Participants can use the patterns for various purposes, such as scrapbook papers, stock imagery, and backgrounds, or upload them to Spoonflower for fabric and wallpaper design. Course instructor Helen Bradley is focused on helping students learn Illustrator practically and smartly, with a commitment to answering all student questions and adding extra videos to a course to assist with complex topics.

Upon completion of the course, participants can digitize and vectorize their drawings and create surface pattern designs from them, create multiple color ways for designs, save designs in various formats, and confidently create pattern-filled objects from their art for a range of design and commercial uses. The course offers a fun and practical way to learn Illustrator, making it less scary and more enjoyable. Participants can start creating from day one, without the need for hours of learning before getting started.

The course provides an alternative to the dreaded Pen tool by focusing on the use of various Illustrator tools and techniques. The course is suitable for individuals with basic knowledge of Illustrator, as it elevates their skills to a new level, reinforces existing knowledge, and introduces new tools and techniques in real-world design situations. The course content includes various video demonstrations, with the instructor explaining what is being done and why.

Participants require access to any version of Illustrator CC or Illustrator CS6 for the course, as the Pattern Make tool was introduced in Illustrator CS6. The course offers more than just pattern design, as it also covers the use of tools like the Blob brush and the Smooth tool and techniques for everyday use in Illustrator. The instructor also introduces the Recolor Artwork tool for exploring color schemes in art.

The course consists of video content that participants can follow along with to create their own patterns.

4. How to Draw Cute Illustrations Into Products by Winda Lee (Udemy)

The course titled “How to Draw Cute Illustrations Into Products” is designed to teach individuals how to create cute illustrations and turn them into products. The course is instructed by Winda Lee, an experienced children’s book illustrator since 2007. Participants can learn how to create cute products from scratch and potentially earn income from it, making it a valuable lifetime skill. The course is suitable for all ages, whether a beginner or a professional artist, and has step-by-step tutorials that are beginner-friendly.

The course is divided into two main sections. The first section focuses on developing the product, which includes product decision making, product design process, starting with basic shapes, inking, coloring, and applying cute illustrations to products. The second section focuses on turning the drawings into real products, which includes using Photoshop to prepare artwork for production, tips on scanning, and getting to know the materials.

The course has subtitle options available for participants. The target audience is all ages, whether a hobbyist or a professional artist, who are looking to learn how to draw cute illustrations and turn them into products. The course is easy to follow, and it has a lifetime value as participants can potentially earn income from their creations.

The course content includes an introduction, dog wall poster tutorial, autumn fox pouch seamless pattern tutorial, and how to put everything together to get the products on hand. The tutorials are step-by-step and beginner-friendly, making it an accessible course for all.

5. Psychedelic SCRIPT Patterns / Geometric Art / VECTOR COURSE by Lily Lu (Udemy)

The Psychedelic SCRIPT Patterns/Geometric Art/VECTOR COURSE is a beginner-to-advanced corel draw course on design patterns for tattoo and psychedelic art. The course instructor, Lily Lu, shows how to create SCRIPT patterns from scratch, which is helpful for beginners and advanced graphic designers. The course covers basic lessons on pattern design and how to create unconventional script patterns that go against typical pattern rules. The course also provides vector files, patterns, and everything created during the process to support designing, creating, and exploring simple art for multiple purposes.

The course offers tips and techniques for creating psychedelic pattern designs using two categories of patterns based on straight lines and crosses. Additionally, a fast and easy basic Corel Draw workshop lesson is included, and the course explains why Corel Draw and vectors are preferred over pixels. The instructor, Lily Lu, is a full-time graphic designer, content creator, and artist with almost two decades of experience, and the course is suitable for anyone with or without previous experience in graphic design or Corel Draw.

The course covers everything a learner needs to know to start designing their own patterns, including calculation and understanding of the “base/fundament lines,” different shapes of patterns, layouting, planning, adding details, and playing with outlines. Techniques for shading, filling, coloring patterns, and playing with contours are also explained, alongside special tips and tricks. The course includes visual examples and work-along assignments, and all resources used during the course are available for download.

6. Botanical Pattern Design: Floral patterns in Illustrator by Catalina Navarrete (Udemy)

The “Botanical Pattern Design: Floral patterns in Illustrator” course is designed to teach students how to digitize their analog drawings and transform them into a pattern using Adobe Illustrator. The main focus of the course is floral pattern design, and students will learn how to create their own botanical repeating patterns. The course instructor, Catalina Navarrete, provides different approaches to pattern design in Illustrator to cater to different learning styles.

The course begins with drawing botanical line designs, and students can refer to the instructor’s Skillshare class for tips on achieving botanical line drawing illustrations. Next, the course covers different ways to get artwork into Adobe Illustrator and convert it to a vector. The instructor also explains various kinds of patterns and the process of creating unique compositions.

Finally, the course covers how to make a unique color palette to bring life to the pattern, as well as how to export the pattern for digital or printing purposes. For the class assignment, students are required to draw floral illustrations and transform them into a digital illustration, then use Adobe Illustrator to create an amazing composition that will convert into a pattern design with a variation of colors.

The course is divided into five sections: Introduction, Drawing your motifs, How to digitalize your motifs, Create a Pattern in Adobe Illustrator, and Class Assignment – Create Your Pattern. Overall, this course is ideal for anyone interested in floral pattern design, and with the help of its detailed instructions, students can create their own unique patterns.

7. Make Patterns to Sell in Adobe Photoshop – A Masterclass by Helen Bradley (Udemy)

This masterclass course, titled “Make Patterns to Sell in Adobe Photoshop,” is intended to help individuals boost their graphic design skills through in-depth training for all experience levels. The course instructor is Helen Bradley, an experienced teacher with a focus on practical and efficient learning.

Participants will learn to make seamless patterns in Photoshop that can be used for a variety of purposes, including print on demand, fabric printing, scrapbook papers, stock images, and backgrounds. They can also sell their designs on sites like Zazzle and Redbubble. The course is designed to be fun and interactive, with a “learn by doing” approach.

Participants will learn from a range of different types and styles of patterns in Photoshop, which will help to extend their knowledge of Photoshop tools. They will also learn new tips and techniques that they can use every day, and be able to confidently create pattern-filled objects for a range of design and commercial uses.

Even if participants are new to Photoshop, this course will help them overcome their fears and learn in a practical way. They will be making designs that they can sell, give away on their blog, or use themselves. Drawing skills are not required, as the course is designed for individuals who can use a computer mouse.

For those who already know the basics of using Photoshop, this class will help elevate their skills to a new level. Participants will learn to use tools and techniques in a practical situation and will learn three different ways to make patterns in Photoshop. The course will reinforce their existing knowledge as they apply it to real-world designs.

The course is made up of 100% video content, with each pattern shown in detail, and explanations provided for what is being done and why. Participants will receive starter photos or images to follow along with in some sections, and all student questions will be answered promptly by the instructor.

8. Creating Patterns by Using Principles by Hans Fleurimont (Udemy)

The “Creating Patterns by Using Principles” course aims to provide learners with the necessary skills to create aesthetically pleasing patterns through a comprehensive understanding of principles. The course is led by instructor Hans Fleurimont and is conducted using Adobe Illustrator. The course spans over several tools and techniques that can assist learners in pattern creation.

The course has a total of six main topics that will be discussed in detail. Firstly, learners will be taught how to create and use a Pattern & Principle Grid system. Next, a technique that employs the Fibonacci Sequence will be covered. Thirdly, learners will be taught ideation and sketching techniques to help them develop their patterns.

Following this, learners will be taught how to use the Reflection Technique to create patterns. Moreover, they will be taught how to use the Rotation Duplication Technique. Lastly, two Pattern Tessellation Techniques will be discussed in detail.

By the end of the course, learners will have a deeper understanding of how to use Adobe Illustrator to create pattern designs. The course is divided into six sections, namely, Introduction, Pattern & Principle Grid System Creation, The Fibonacci Sequence Technique, Ideation and sketching Process, Creating a New Pattern, Tessellation Techniques & The Rotation Technique, and Outro.

9. Charming Illustrator Pansy Brushes for Sweet Pattern Repeats by Delores Orridge Naskrent (Udemy)

This course, titled “Charming Illustrator Pansy Brushes for Sweet Pattern Repeats,” is led by Delores Orridge Naskrent and is designed to teach students how to create custom brushes and pattern repeats using Adobe Illustrator. Throughout the class, students will learn how to effectively use Illustrator’s custom brushes feature, create coordinating flowers, and add brushes to their assets libraries for future projects. The course is suitable for designers with some knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, and basic brush construction is reinforced.

The class is broken down into 10 lessons, each covering a specific concept related to Illustrator and pattern design. These include using brushes to create complex art brushes, creating a pattern tile in Illustrator, working with tools in a unique way, such as the eraser tool, knife tool, and pathfinder palette, and learning about new tools introduced in Illustrator 2020. Additionally, students will have access to several bonuses, including over 60 minutes of instruction, a free brush set, and a project sheet with step-by-step instructions.

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to participate in the projects section and benefit from the constructive advice and support of fellow artists. The outcome of the class is for students to successfully create a sweet repeating pansy pattern design and try out the instructor’s methods. The class is intended to help build true proficiency in Illustrator and surface pattern design.

The course is structured as a series of 10 lessons, each covering a specific topic related to pattern design in Illustrator. Lesson 1 covers inspiration and reference, setting up your workspace, and creating color swatches. Lesson 2 focuses on drawing initial shapes for the pansy brushes, and developing brushes to review brush construction. Lesson 3 covers dividing the petal using unique methods with the eraser tool, knife tool, and anchor point tool, and working with the layers palette to stay organized.

10. Creating Repeat Patterns On iPad Using Assembly App by Mandar Marathe (Udemy)

The Creating Repeat Patterns On iPad Using Assembly App course is designed to teach learners how to easily create geometric and hand-drawn patterns using only an iPad. The course instructor, Mandar Marathe, will guide learners through the process of creating seamless repeat patterns using the free Assembly App.

The course will begin with an overview of the importance of repeat patterns and the necessary features needed to create a seamless design. The Assembly App provides a wide variety of design elements, and learners will be taught how to use the app’s tools and features to create a simple repeat pattern that looks visually appealing.

In addition, the course will cover how to upload patterns to a print-on-demand platform such as Redbubble, to print on a wide range of products. The last section of the course focuses on how to draw unique design elements using a free vector drawing app and import them into Assembly App to create custom repeats.

The course is suitable for anyone who is willing to learn, regardless of prior design or drawing experience. The content is divided into four sections, including an introduction, Assembly Application Features and Creating Geometric Repeats, Using Hand Drawn Elements In Repeats, and a bonus section.

The course offers a practical approach to creating seamless repeat patterns and provides learners with an opportunity to explore their creativity using the Assembly App. By the end of the course, learners will have the knowledge and skills to create visually appealing patterns to print on their desired products.