Pattern Pulp

Homegoods: Kelly Wearstler for Pickard




Kelly Wearstler is a force to be reckoned with. Carving out a stylish nook for herself in the home-goods sector, she’s managed to capitalize on Hollywood’s desire to be decadent and different. You’d be sleeping under a rock if you’ve missed all of her carefully placed press editorials over the past month. Everyone from The New Yorker to Lonny Magazine to Elle Decor in Australia has weighed in to compliment her maximalist style and make note of her new book, Hue. Wearstler is a well crafted luxury brand and has skillfully inked deals with like-minded product labels, such as Schumacher, Sferra and Bergdorf Goodman, expanding her reputation, influence and quite frankly, her appeal. This collection of Pickard China is one of her latest collaborations and a perfect example of what a style EKG can do to an otherwise stiff brand.

January 6, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Creative City Tour: Echo Park, L.A.




Today, we’re featuring a walking tour of Echo Park by the talented J. Nordberg. Nordberg is a Creative Director, photographer, musician and designer, not to mention, a recent transplant to the area. It’s no secret that artists from around the globe have been migrating to Echo Park for years, making it one of the most appealing neighborhoods of Los Angeles. When he’s not directing a team, Nordberg is out and about observing his surroundings, be it graphic, green or architectural. Follow along, take the tour and let us know what you think!

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  1. Curran St. Stairs
  2. Vista Gordo
  3. Elysian Park
  4. Elysian Park
  5. Elysian Park
  6. Elysian Park
  7. Echo Park Ave.
  8. Echo Park Ave.
  9. Cerro Gordo, Echo Park
  10. Top Curran
  11. Scott Ave.

The full set of photos can be viewed here.

January 5, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Amy Soczka




It’s always a pleasure to jump beyond the coastal design scene to inspect what’s going on in the midwest.  While casually scrolling through design*sponge’s highlights a few months back, I nearly flipped when I stumbled upon Amy Soczka’s paper cut out displays for Urban Outfitters.  Paper has become a popular retail material as of late, as it’s affordability and versatility is incomparable. Soczka’s creations tap this trend while setting new creative standards. Her intricate handwork and artistic eye crosses multiple mediums and platforms, ranging from printed greeting cards and homegoods to commercial collaborative ventures.  Check out our Q+A for a glimpse into Amy’s daily routine.

January 5, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Geoff McFetridge




Geoff McFetridge is a true design pioneer, not to mention a wicked multi-tasker.  “He is part of a new generation of designers who are eager to leap the old divides between image and product, design and art, the flat page and the moving image,” says Paul Thompson, director of the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum.  Patten Pulp caught up with McFetridge to talk about his design process, as well as Pottok, the wallpaper company that he founded with his wife Sarah.  Pottock marries McFetridge’s unique pattern skills with environmentally-friendly papers and water-based inks.  The abstract and breathtaking results have papered walls from The Montalban Theater in Hollywood to the well-known Colette boutique in Paris.  Check out our Q+A for a glimpse into the mind of this skateboarding wunderkind.

January 5, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

New Face, New Year.




It feels good to be back. The past two weeks have been filled with round ups, predictions and general anxiousness for the decade ahead. While it’s easy to rev up for the big picture, it’s important not to forget the basic qualities of life that transcend all demographics.  Everyone has sentimental moments and it’s nice to see advertising and product teams shift their focus from gimmicky animation to simplistic messaging. Both American Express and Flor have chosen to step forward and focus on the emotive quality of everyday life. The above stills are part of a captivating TV spot that nearly stopped me in my tracks while running at the gym last week, a difficult feat for a non-TV watcher.

Partnering up with François Robert, Flor’s July release of rugs showcasing graphic imagery from his book, Find a Face are dauntingly similar to Am Ex’s Take Charge Campaign. While this concept certainly isn’t a new one, it’s interesting to see the cross pollination of an idea spread over a few month period.

January 4, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Julia Rothman




Julia Rothman is one of the most talented and original pattern designers in today’s marketplace.  I had the pleasure of catching up with her at “Design by the Book,” a collaborative event hosted by The New York Public Library and Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge.  Rothman has a the ability to beautify ordinary objects, using her unique style of illustration and layout to create whimsical repeats.  Her work has been featured in countless publications and dons home goods of every variety.  Check out our Q+A for a glimpse into her daily routine.

January 4, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Tracking Repetitive + Awesome.
On Instagram.