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I'm Bärbel Dressler, a surface pattern designer and educator living in Stockholm, Sweden - where I run my business Bear Bell Productions.
My big creative passions ever since I was a kid are drawing and history. When I discovered that surface pattern design was an actual profession I found the perfect way to combine these two.
Studying historical patterns and styles is how I've learned advanced pattern design and it also helped me develop my own style.
With my courses I want to share this magical world of drawing, pattern design and history, help aspiring pattern designers learn how to create patterns in their favorite classic styles and develop their skills and style along the way.
I believe in community over competition. That's why I’ve made it my mission to help other people who want to learn more about pattern design & illustration and develop their skills.
I do this through a row of actions:
- My Skillshare courses => Scroll down to check them out
- The Evolution membership which is designed to be an extension to my courses here on Skillshare.
- My blog <= Read articles about historic pattern styles and pattern composition.
- The Bear Bell newsletter <= Sign up to get news, tips and inspiration.
- The Pattern Design with Bärbel Dressler Facebook group!
<<Join here (and remember to answer the 2 questions :-) >>
History nerd that I am, I tend to mix in a bit of history in almost everything I do, my courses included. I love immersing myself in a topic, and want to know EVERYTHING about it and a lot of time is spent on research, both for my patterns & illustrations and my courses. With my courses I want to give you some shortcuts, so that you don't have to spend as much time as I have on gathering all the information and from different places.
Here are my current courses, enjoy!
PATTERN DESIGN
Classic Pattern Styles - Learn To Design Arts and Crafts Patterns Part 2
This is the second course in the Arts and Crafts series. In this episode you'll learn about an iconic pattern type within this style with a meandering structure and stylized motifs. You'll learn about the specific influences, typical motifs and other characteristics and then how to create this type of complex and advanced patterns yourself, with my step-by-step process that makes it easy. You'll also get drawing exercises and a workbook to accompany and help you throughout the process.
TO THE COURSE >>
Classic Pattern Styles - Learn To Design Arts And Crafts Patterns Part 1
This is the first course in a series about designing Arts and Crafts patterns. In this first episode you'll learn about the history of the Arts and Crafts movement, what influenced its designers, the characteristics of their patterns and how to make patterns in the category I call Trailing, with winding branches, leaves and flowers in one or two layers. In class you'll also get a row of drawing exercises and a workbook to accompany the step by step process I teach for creating and Arts and Crafts pattern.
TO THE COURSE >>
Join my 3 week long email workshops with 10 easy steps to create your own Arts and Crafts pattern designs.
Sign up below to join the workshops and receive exclusive emails with actionable steps and extra resources to support you in designing your own layered and flowing pattern in the Arts and Crafts style.
And get the extended workshop workbooks!
>> Sign up for the TRAILING Arts and Crafts Email Workshop here <<
>> Sign up for the SERPENTINE Arts and Crafts Email Workshop here <<
Classic Pattern Styles - How To Create Damask Pattern Designs
In this course you'll learn how to create patterns in the classic and intricate Damask style. In class we'll cover the history behind the style, typical motifs, how to draw them and how to create reflected medallions and how to assemble them into the pattern repeat. You'll learn how to create Damask patterns in 3 different categories - from a more simple to complex composition. This course is for you who want to step up your pattern design skills and take on something more advanced.
Said about the course:
"This class is exceptional in every way! Barbel has outdone herself! I’m so inspired and feel confident because each discrete skill has been so well covered with precise demonstrations, clear explanations and practice built in. Watch and learn in real time. She’s thought to include every step! What a treat! A wonderful bonus workbook is included, as well."
Classic Pattern Styles - How to create Paisley Pattern Designs
In this course you'll learn how to create 4 different types of Paisley patterns. But first we take a look at the history behind this timeless and ever so popular pattern, where it originated, what has influenced it and how it's evolved. Then we'll study the patter close up with both antique textiles and contemporary designs - the composition and the motifs. The class is packed with fun exercises to help you get into the Paisley mood.
Said about the course:
"A comprehensive, but easy to follow class, which discusses the paisley pattern from an historical perspective as well as practical steps for creating various types of paisley patterns. Very helpful, interesting and inspiring for anyone who wants to create their own paisleys."
Classic Pattern Styles - How to create Indian Floral Pattern Designs
In this class I share everything I know about the Indian floral pattern design style. It includes the history behind the pattern style, what categorizes it, the common components, how it's composed, drawing exercises and tutorials on how to build the pattern in Illustrator. At the end of the course you'll have all the skills and tools you need to make an Indian floral pattern yourself.
Said about the course:
"This was one of the very top classes for me! I loved all the content and tips. The love of Indian pattern has been in my life for a long time and I may be able to finally create a design I love. Thank you so much for the easy to understand lessons!!"
In this class I unveil the mysteries behind making the beautiful and decorative pattern design style called Toile de Jouy. You'll learn about how this pattern came to be and the story behind it. Then I give you a step by step process on how to make your own Toile pattern.
Said about the course:
"Great course, loved the history and drawing lessons in the beginning. Good and easy to follow explanations. Very inspiring, can't wait to get started with my own project! Highly recommended."
DRAWING & ILLUSTRATION
This course is for all you who likes that classical, ornamental illustration style, and also for all you who want to know how to draw the typical motifs used in Damask & Arts & Crafts styled patterns. In this class you'll get some history and background to the Acanthus as a motif in art and design, plus 8 drawing exercises where you'll learn to create bending, twisting and turning Acanthus leaves, tendrils and scrolls.
Said about the course:
"Barbel's teaching style is so engaging and approachable. The class is holistic, which I appreciate - history, plant form, and stylizations of the form. It is this approach that teaches the students the origins of the motif. This knowledge then allows the exploration and development of new styles and approaches to a classical element. Reinvention and juxtaposition is only possible with understanding the origin. Barbell provides that underpinning knowledge that enables her students to launch this classic design in new directions. I look forward to her new classes."
In this course you'll learn how to create an illustration by referring to objects and/or images, with the help of a range of useful sketching- and drawing techniques. You'll also get some tips and tricks about how to vectorize your illustration, to edit it and the best way to print it.
Said about the course:
"I really enjoyed this class, great to see the artists' method for creating art and tips for illustrating and "seeing" your subject in an artistic way. The sections on scanning and vectorizing are very useful too."
COLORING WITH MARKERS
This class teaches the basics on what alcohol based markers are, the color system behind them and the basic strokes and techniques you need to get started. I also provide you with a guide to what to buy when you start your own marker collection.
Said about the course:
"Lovely class on marker use, really useful even for someone who has been using markers for years! Thank you!"
In this class you'll learn how to create diverse and complex illustrations with alcohol based markers and especially how to use the special marker called the blender. You'll learn a handful of techniques to give your illustrations a realistic look.
Said about the course:
"Excellent class, what a grat collection of tricks and tips on making the most of markers! Gave me some ideas for sure..."
In this course we'll dig deeper into the world of markers and how to use them for creating realistic and stunning illustrations with lots of contrast and details. These techniques will also allow you to use your markers in a more flexible way, working around missing colours and shades. For the class exercises we're illustrating shoes and all students get a mini coloring eBook with shoes to use for the exercises, class project or just for fun.
Said about the course:
Such a delight to learn from Barbel again! This class is so well structured that it flows from one drawing to the next, it's packed with detailed instructions and comes with a cool coloring book! Honestly, it's a pleasure to watch and a fun way to learn.
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