Feather Horned 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.
Elements 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.
Set Development
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.
In this pattern the elements are arranged in a circular fashion and partially blend in with the golden background. The inclusion of the additional small dots serves to emphasise the regular rhythm of the repeat. This monochromatic supporting print uses a total of 2 Pantones.
Click HERE to licence this design.
Here, the antlered beetles form a kaleidoscopic mosaic. Recoloured in gold, they sink into the light yellow background to produce a pleasingly decorative texture. This rich surface pattern design uses just 1 Pantone.
Click HERE to licence this design.
Golden Ovals
This pattern design has the beetles arranged close together in a vertical, regular repeat. The small dots are now peppered in-between them and their feather-like horns form a diagonal chevron, adding a nice dynamic touch.
The white of the background stands in contrast to this bold and compelling surface print option, which employs a total of 3 Pantones.
Click HERE to licence this design.
This surface pattern arranges the tinted gold beetles in a criss-crossing repeat. Once again their decorative feathered horns are used to connect them, this time in a snake-like weave around the regularly spaced small dots.
Click HERE to licence this design.
In this contrasting version the beetles are arranged horizontally in a brick repeat. Their golden antlers create a further supporting vertical chevron. Placed atop a light yellow background, this bold print uses a total of 3 Pantones.
Click HERE to licence this design.
Black and Gold
In this surface pattern the golden beetles shine out from the elegantly black background, offering not only a striking colour-way but also a fabulously luxurious mood.
Here the elements are arranged in the form of a regularly repeating cross, with the small dots used to add a glint of colour along the diagonals.
Click HERE to licence this design.
Lastly, this set is rounded out with a selection of basic, simplified patterns that use only the silhouettes of the feather horned 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 this design.
“Insects are living metaphors for me. They are so alien and so remote and so perfect, but also they are emotionless.”
