Defining Your Rug Design Style
A workbook for reflection.
The first time someone asked me how I developed my rug design style, I had to stop for a minute, because I didn’t fully realize I had a specific style. Of course I did! But I hadn’t ever sat down to think about what defined it. I always just chalked it up to making work that felt right and felt like me.
But when I began to put what defined my style into words, I found it a helpful tool to guide my designs, especially when something wasn’t feeling quite right. I could look at my personal style rules and they would often help me pinpoint what was needed.
This doesn’t mean that I never move beyond these style guidelines, or that I must follow them, or that I can’t develop another style later on.
But for now, many of my rugs have the following in common:
No shading or gradual colour transitions, I prefer distinct colour blocks
I punch concentrically, not in rows
My patterns often play with symmetry and are balanced
My patterns are simple/primitive
My aesthetic is folksy, rustic and charming
I sometimes experiment with undersized or oversized motifs
I like to convey meaning through symbols that hold subtle meaning to me, or have inherent meaning within my heritage
I am inspired by Pennsylvania Dutch/Mennonite folk art
I like to incorporate a mix of fibres or techniques
My colours are inspired by nature and botanical dyes
These design aspects are part of my artistic voice, and are what make my work feel authentically me. (I also highly recommend the book “Find Your Artistic Voice” by Lisa Congden.)
If you’ve been wanting to develop your own rug design style, or feel you have a style but aren’t sure how to define it, I’ve put together a workbook to help you get started.
Don’t design your own patterns? Guess what? You still have an artistic voice and can develop it further. Patterns are a great starting place for your creative choices - aka your style!
The workbook is comprised of:
A quiz, to help you narrow in on what rug design elements you are drawn to and/or currently incorporate.
A set of questions to help you reflect on your quiz answers, and
A page to record the top 5 components of your personal rug design style, or 5 elements you would like to explore further in your work as you continue to develop your style.
You can download the pdf workbook here.
Keep exploring, practicing and making rugs and your style will shine through.
PS: If you are hesitant to design your own rugs, you may like to dip your toes into pattern design with the Making Meaning mini course that is part of Midnight Musings.
Until next time, be kind, be curious and make things.
