Pattern Systems Built from Characters

the character systems project explores how the visual identities of fictional characters can be translated into surface pattern systems. the project was inspired by two contrasting characters from the series peaky blinders: thomas shelby and ada shelby. their distinctive personalities, clothing, color palettes, materials and visual atmospheres served as starting points for the design process. for each character, i collected and analyzed visual references, focusing on characteristic colors, shapes, textures and material qualities. these elements were then abstracted and developed into individual motifs, resulting in two contrasting pattern families that reflect the different identities of the characters. through repetition, reflection, rotation, changes in scale and rhythmic variation, the selected motifs were transformed into interconnected surface pattern systems. while the compositions move away from their original references, they retain the recognizable character and atmosphere associated with each figure, creating new rhythms, structures and surface dynamics. photographer: ágota mucsi