Aimée Wilder is a pattern designer to watch. Her prints can be found throughout the homegoods and fashion worlds, adorning pillows, walls, diaper bags and most recently, footwear. Each of Wilder’s repeats are beautifully sophisticated with commercial appeal that raises the mass market ante. Applying a refined color palette, Wilder veers away from sugary pastels that are category specific. As a native New Yorker, Wilder spent her school holidays exploring fashion showrooms where both of her parents worked, soaking in trends and textiles, laying a foundation that would later influence her budding career. Keep note of Wilder’s work, as we’re certain only good things will come from this Brooklyn wunderkind.
Lena Hautoniemi
Lena Hautoniemi‘s wallpapers first captured us with their beautifully organic, ethereal, homemade feel. What’s so wonderful about her pattern work is that most of them were indeed created lovingly by hand with paintbrushes and pens before being turned into wallpaper, textiles and other surface designs. Her first love has always been painting, a love which has followed and inspired her throughout her career. She studied industrial design with a specialization in glass and porcelain at College of Design and Applied Arts (HDK) in Göteborg and still happily dabbles in the medium in addition to her other work, frequently combining all of her passions. Living in the countryside of Sweden and the nature that surrounds her is a large inspiration to her pattern-work, but stresses that she finds inspiration everywhere. We love the story she told us about the story of Wingbud, her line of wallpaper:
“My son and I did once see a movie with incredible animations and unique characters, during this movie, I had a weird feeling of familiarity towards the animations. It struck me as the movie ended! The style is related to an English art book, an art book with mythical creatures which happens to be one of the first I ever got.
I find the book among the shelves and put it in Theo’s lap ‘you can have this’ I said. The look in his eyes was priceless. He rushed towards his drawing materials and reached for his sketchbook. Within only a moment ‘Here!’ he proudly cried in English ‘This is a Wingbud!’
Consequently, I ran for the dictionary, as Wingbud is a whole new word for me, however, it’s not there! I try the web, and the word appears in studies of insects’ wings.
The Wingbud drawing hangs on the wall for months and did frequently caught my eye as I sketched patterns for my wallpapers. When I tried to find a name for my collections, I looked up against the wall and glanced at the Wingbud drawing like so many times before, and it became clear, at that moment I knew what I wanted to name my collection; Wingbud Wallpapers!
I asked my son for his permission to use his drawing as my logo. ‘What?’ he said indignant, ‘do you mean to take my idea?’ But he approved, as long as it’s known the idea is truly his and always will be. It’s called copyright and we eternalize our agreement on papers. And as six year olds seldom apply for patent, I did it for him.”
Gastón Caba
Gastón Caba is an artist and collaborator extraordinaire. His company, We 
Patterns, produces cute, colorful repeats and illustrations. What you might not know though, is that Caba collaborates with his daughter Lara for a majority of their designs, converting her sketches and illustrations into polished repeats. The results are thoughtful, commercial and a refreshing combo of street meets junior. Check out our Q & A for a window into the world of this Buenos Aires family man.
Elena Giavaldi
Italian born, New York based designer and illustrator Elena Giavaldi and her delectable pattern work have made their way onto Pattern Pulp on multiple occasions. Her One Day, One Pattern project is wellspring of fresh geometric patterns that hint at retro and ethnic influences while maintaining a surefire modern appeal. Elena doesn’t limit herself to patterns, however; she also flexes her creative muscle designing book and magazine covers – a clear passion of hers – in addition to a variety of other creative pursuits. With a zeal for design such as Elena’s, it’s easy to imagine that she must find inspiration, well, everywhere, which is just one of the reasons she’s one of our favorites.
Piktorama
Filled with smiling toasters, teapots, and cupcakes, how can you not fall in love with the playful and upbeat designs of Piktorama (aka Amaranta Martínez). Born and raised in South America, Piktorama spent a majority of her youth in Caracas and her later art making years in Buenos Aires. Currently residing in Miami, Piktorama combines her talents as an illustrator, animator and fine artist. Piktorama’s main inspiration: cupcakes, a delicious treat for any artistic or culinary palate. It’s certainly a recipe for success. Her stimulating artwork is catching the eyes – and taste-buds – of designers and food critics alike as her vibrant designs bring to life one of life’s greatest pleasures. Check out our Q&A with this irresistible Latina to learn more about her perfect taste in desserts and patterns.
Karina Correa
Karina Correa and I met back in 2006 when she was the Art Director at Ecko Red, leading up the graphics division for women’s apparel. Since those days, Correa has gone on to merge street trends with commercially salable designs for a whole array of creative arenas. In addition to several graphic design print projects, Correa’s successfully pursued an animation and film career, directing and producing David Byrne’s Forro in the Dark music video as well as her most recent passion project, Train of Freedom. This film is a feature documentary about post-war reconciliation in Kosovo presented through a journey in the country’s railway system. Check out our Q+A for a glimpse into Karina’s daily routine!