Creating a Pattern Swatch

Sometimes I need to create my own pattern swatch to use on designs or as a background in a surface pattern.

I start by drawing a shape in Illustrator, rotate it and duplicate it until I get an interesting motif.

Then I add some color, duplicate the motif and create the basics for a pattern swatch.

Once I get the composition I like, I drag it to the swatch palette. Later on I can change the colors to suit the design I'm working on.

Now I can draw any shape, or add text and fill it with the custom pattern swatch I created.

You can notice a similar pattern background I created for this spring surface design.