Trying Something New: Embroidery Design

I've been working hard to spruce up the Arctic Peak Design Studio website. It's not quite where I want it yet, but it is a big improvement (honestly, when is something like this ever "done"?). I've also been taking care of back-end business tasks like updating my database structure and automating some cost and pricing calculations. These mundane but unfortunately essential tasks have kept me from doing what I want to do: produce new designs. That ended today (at least temporarily).

I finally decided the back-end tasks are far enough along for now to sit down and do some design work. An embroidery design, which is a new process for me, was at the top of my list to try.

Retro Moose Design for My First Embroidery Project

One of my suppliers dropped their prices for embroidery, and I found a very cool and practical-looking organic cotton apron that I think is just begging for a unique Alaskan embroidery design in one of the artistic styles I like to work in.

Embroidery, like all design work destined for a physical product, has some very specific requirements. I'm primarily used to working with print designs, producing everything from editorial layouts for magazines to smaller brochures, and I am no stranger to meeting specific requirements. The canvas or end result I'm working on is always the first consideration when I start a new design. I take extensive notes and, when I need to, contact the printer to make sure I'm meeting the design requirements.

I think it's important to realize that the end product is the purpose of any design work and that it's a waste of time to create a design that can't be produced using the intended media or methods. Understanding that one's designs have to be built on the foundation of producing a product that can be produced to meet the needs of the intended audience is one of the things that distinguishes a good designer. I like to think I'm pretty good at this, but I'm always working to improve and expand my knowledge of how things are produced, presented, used, and consumed. In the end, client and customer satisfaction are my business and trade.

Groovy Moose Embroidery Design Files in Adobe Illustrator.

Possible Printed (not Tee) Design Based on the Original Embroidery Design

In any event, I need to move on to other tasks before this blog post becomes a novel. I've included some pictures of my first attempts at embroidery design. This will show up in my shop soon on some aprons, tote bags, and maybe a t-shirt. If you want to know exactly when, please subscribe to my newsletter or blog. I promise, I won't spam you. If you want to see it on something else, please drop me a line using the contact form, and I'll see what I can do. I might also do some "Groovy Moose" Ts. I've not yet made up my mind about that. Drop a comment and let me know what you think.

Be Well and Wander More

James and Revna