Face masks aren’t something to avoid — they’re a new surface for expressing yourself. I’ll show you how to make unique patterns to decorate masks.
I’ve provided some files to get you started, and Adobe has curated a collection of Adobe Stock assets you may want to use as you try these techniques. If you follow along, I’d love to see your project — just share it on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #MAXcreativechallenge.
RESOURCES
Before you start.
Click the Add library button to get the mask mock-up and pattern elements shown throughout this tutorial. Feel free to use them to play with making patterns, or follow along with your own illustrations.
Step 1. What's on your mind?
Think about things that are special to you or about something you’ve been interested in illustrating. On a piece of paper, sketch a few things that come to mind. Lately, I’ve been thinking about flowers and clouds, so I drew some in my sketchbook.
Step 2. Choose your favorite.
Look over your sketches and pick your favorite elements to take into your custom pattern. I’ve highlighted my favorites from my sketches.
Step 3. Go digital.
Open the mask template in Adobe Illustrator and bring in your analog sketches as guides while you illustrate. (I usually take a photo with my phone and import that.) You can drag and drop an image into your document from files on your computer. Once imported, place your sketch on a layer and bring down its opacity.
Tip: Locking the layer will keep the sketch from moving while you illustrate. Start a new layer for the artwork so you can hide or reveal the sketch while working.
Step 4. Use the Pattern tool.
Select all of your objects and go to Object > Pattern > Make.
Step 5. Move it all around.
Play around with placement of your pattern elements and watch them create a pattern in real-time. It’s like a little dance, seeing how the pattern lays out as you change settings and move things around.
Tip: If you deselect your pattern, you can go back and make edits by double-clicking the swatch in the Swatches panel.
Step 6. Mind the gaps.
Do you see empty spots in your pattern? Make shapes or bring in new elements to fill in the blank spaces.
Step 7. Explore color options.
To try different colors, make a new swatch of your pattern. Be sure the swatch is highlighted and then click the plus sign in the Swatches panel. Name your new pattern and double-click on its pattern swatch to edit. Now have fun experimenting with different color palettes and pattern layouts.
Step 8. Apply the pattern.
When you're happy with your pattern, it’s time to add it to the mask template. Click the fabric part of the mask template and click on your pattern swatch. You can change your pattern by going to Object > Transform and selecting options from the dropdown menu.
Tip: When using Object > Transform, be sure to check only the pattern box so you don't change anything else.
Step 9. Export the design.
To export your mask design for social media, go to File > Export > Export for screens. From here, choose the file dimensions and its export destination. You can also output the final results yourself with printable fabric and an inkjet printer, or send your file to a company that will print it for you, such as Spoonflower. File > Save As > PDF is a good option in these situations.
