From Stickers to Bauhaus: Behind the Scenes of My New Course

When I first started out in surface pattern design, I thought I needed hundreds of ideas to build a portfolio. The truth is, you don’t. Sometimes the biggest creative breakthroughs happen when you slow down and really explore just one.

That realisation has shaped so much of my work — and it’s the seed that grew into One Motif, Endless Patterns. But before I tell you about the course, I want to share the story behind it, because it didn’t appear out of thin air. It came from years of teaching, experimenting, and one very simple pack of coloured stickers.

Where the Idea Came From

One thing I’ve always told my students is: don’t stop at the first idea. Even if it looks great, even if you love it — keep pushing. Take it apart, try it in a different way, and see what happens. That’s usually when the unexpected magic starts to appear.

That mindset comes from my own art school training. As an undergraduate, we were constantly encouraged to experiment, to play, and to think as makers as well as designers. I loved that freedom, and it shaped everything about how I work. When I went on to study for my Master’s in Textile Design, I pushed those ideas even further, stretching and testing them in every direction.

But the moment the idea for this course really clicked was when I was preparing a workshop for a group of art teachers. I wanted to give them something playful and approachable to use with their own students who were brand new to surface pattern design. So, I sat down with a pack of coloured stickers, cut them into halves and quarters, and started arranging them into little pattern postcards.

It was such a simple exercise — yet so powerful. Just by moving those small shapes around, repeating them, and rotating them, I suddenly had endless variations. It reminded me that sometimes the most exciting ideas come from the simplest starting point.

Finding Inspiration: From Bauhaus to Endless Patterns

One of the things I value most in my role as a senior lecturer in design is the importance of research. For me, it’s not just about making; it’s about looking, questioning, and gathering knowledge that helps us expand our creative horizons. Visual research is such a vital part of the design process — it gives us both a foundation and a springboard for new ideas.

By exploring references from both historical and contemporary sources, we deepen our understanding of visual language, uncover unexpected connections, and make more informed creative decisions. Historical research, in particular, offers a rich tapestry to draw from — whether that’s traditional craft practices or groundbreaking design philosophies. These influences can bring real depth and context to the work we create today.

Why Bauhaus?

For this mini-course, I turned to the Bauhaus movement for inspiration, focusing especially on the work of the remarkable textile designer Anni Albers. Her approach to pattern, structure, and material continues to shape the world of textile and surface design. What I find so exciting about her work is how she bridged the gap between art and function, using bold motifs and repetition in a way that felt both disciplined and full of energy.

Albers’ influence is still everywhere — in modernist branding, editorial layouts, and contemporary textiles that embrace rhythm, repetition, and geometry. Her work reminds us that a single motif, when explored fully, can open up endless creative possibilities.

Why It Matters for Designers Today

Looking back at movements like Bauhaus isn’t about copying the past — it’s about finding new ways to carry forward their ideas. Research gives us permission to be curious, to connect dots across time, and to discover fresh perspectives on our own practice.

That’s why I encourage my students (and myself!) to always keep researching — because when we root ourselves in both history and contemporary practice, we’re better able to push design forward in ways that are meaningful, playful, and full of possibility.

As I explored Bauhaus ideas and Albers’ approach to motif and repetition, I realised how closely they echoed something I’d been exploring in my own practice — the idea that one motif can hold endless possibilities. That simple but powerful principle is what eventually grew into my course, One Motif, Endless Patterns.

For me, it’s a reminder that design is a conversation across time: we learn from the past, play in the present, and create work that shapes the future.

The Challenge Many Designers Face

If you’ve ever opened up Adobe Illustrator and found yourself staring at a blank artboard, not quite sure where to start, you’re definitely not alone. I think every designer has been there at some point — I certainly have.

Sometimes it’s the pressure of trying to come up with something new or different. Sometimes it’s worrying that all your designs are starting to look a bit too similar. And other times, it’s just that nagging feeling of not being fully confident with the tools, which makes it harder to play and experiment.

I know that feeling all too well. It can be frustrating, especially when you’ve got so many ideas bubbling in your head and you just want your work to reflect the creativity you know is in there.

 Why One Motif Matters

Over the years, I’ve seen so many new designers get caught up in the idea that you need a huge number of concepts to create a strong portfolio. But in reality, the opposite can be true. By digging deeper into one idea, you can often discover more variety, more originality, and more cohesion than if you spread yourself too thin.

For me, working this way has been freeing. It takes away the pressure of “what’s next?” and instead turns the creative process into a journey of discovery. One motif can spark dozens of patterns — each with its own personality and style — if you just give yourself permission to explore.

Looking Ahead

That’s really the heart of One Motif, Endless Patterns. It’s not just about Illustrator techniques (though those are in there too). It’s about rediscovering the joy of play, curiosity, and experimentation — and realising how much can grow from something small.

Every pattern starts with a single mark. And sometimes, that one mark is all you need to unlock endless possibilities.

Enjoy the process of learning!

Jules x