Rorschach Beetle
This surface pattern set is a response to an “Opulent Creepy Crawlies” trend, which explores the theme of insects and studies their ornate detailing. This often results in crafting these bugs into mirror imagery and kaleidoscopic arrangements.
This surface pattern is an independent ‘Karolful.Designs’ design and is available for purchase and/or licence through Adobe Stock. Please follow this LINK to view the entire “Entomology” collection.
Alternatively, please get in touch to discuss custom arrangements that suit your project’s needs.
Collection Overview
The set of patterns showcased here are part of a wider series called “Entomology” that encompasses a wider range of designs that depict six different species of beetle.
Overall, this series is unified by its colour palette, and the usage of the same techniques. Patterns within a given set depict a specific insect, exploring various colour-ways and arrangements. Each set also includes a standalone illustration of that species of beetle.
Colour Palette
The PANTONE TCX colours chosen here are inspired by palettes from Kidspattern. The two main base colours for this set of patterns are both shades of yellow: a radiant ‘Aspen Gold’ and a warm ‘Golden Rod’. These are meant to evoke the opulence of golden scarabs from ancient Egypt.
To provide a contrasting counterweight a ‘Jet Set’ black was aded. Lastly, to round out the palette a sage green shade was picked, ‘Chinois Green’. This last addition offers a flavourful modern twist.
Inspiration
Insects have wide range of impacts on the planet’s ecosystem. Due to this important role in our lives, iconography that depicts them has become thoroughly embedded in human culture, from arts and crafts to mythology and religion.
The beetle represents hard work, devotion, persistence, as well as cooperation and solidarity.
Many insects are valued simply for their beauty. Insect imagery is commonly celebrated in jewellery, textiles, and ceramics.
Element Development
The depiction of the insects was stylised to highlight their decorative aspects. The original elements were fully vectorised and use a total of 4 colours. However, they can also be easily simplified into 2 colour versions. In this set you can select a version that best suits your project.
A full illustrations set is available to licence HERE.
Development of the Set
I selected each colour from the palette as a background and then developed a corresponding arrangement. Together, these patterns create a matching set that can be used across a plethora of potential products whilst retaining a consistent look. This beetle collection is ready to go and easy to use.
Here the beetles are simplified to use only 2 Pantones and blend in with the background. They are positioned at an angle, creating a diagonal and dynamic arrangement. Clustering them together creates the illusion of them forming chains. The final result is a rich, textured, versatile surface pattern.
Click HERE to licence this design.
Here the beetles uses merely 2 Pantones and are arranged in a kaleidoscope formation within an ornate, checked design. The shape of the insects merge together to offer a modern, slightly abstract, and creative arrangement.
Click HERE to licence this surface pattern.
White Background
This surface pattern has the beetles arranged in a vertical manner, in both upwards and downwards directions. Additional small dots of colour are interwoven between them.
The illustration uses a total of 4 Pantones, thus incorporating the full scope of the palette, making it a perfect hero print.
Click HERE to licence this pattern.
The version above features a simplified single-colour beetle that is arranged in a brick repeat. The design resembles black lace, making this a sombrely elegant design.
Click HERE to licence this surface pattern.
This surface pattern also features a horizontal arrangement but this time on a green background. It is more spacious and therefore a great option for a secondary print.
Click HERE to licence this design.
Black Background
The version is laid out on a dark background. It is particularly striking due to the high contrast between the golden beetles arranged vertically and their backdrop. It resembles an piece of ornate golden jewellery.
Click HERE to licence this design.
Lastly, this set rounded out with a selection of basic, simplified patterns that use only the silhouettes of the beetle. These are easy to recolour and great for using in smaller sizes. For example, as a supporting or background print.
Click HERE to licence a set of these designs.
“Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain”
