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Course Description

Design by Erica Wiechers

Surface design is the art of creating imagery intended for the surfaces that surround us, such as textiles, wallpaper, housewares, paper goods, and apparel. At its core, the process involves understanding the parameters of the printing process for the final product, how patterns flow across a surface in a repeat, and how the intended product the design is applied to affects design decisions. In this introductory course, you’ll begin with your own original artwork—sketched, painted, or digital—and learn how to adapt it into professional repeats using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Explore how to choose the right program for your style, build seamless repeats, experiment with colorways, and adjust scale for different products. Discover how analog mark-making and digital tools can work hand-in-hand to create unique, versatile designs.

By the end of the course, you’ll visualize patterns on three-dimensional mockups, understanding real-world applications and market potential. This class is the perfect foundation for continuing on to Surface Pattern Design: Advanced Techniques.

Prior experience with Photoshop and Illustrator is preferred but not required.

Prerequisites

Students must be an adult age 18 or older to participate.

Instructors

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Type
Online, Asynchronous
Dates
Sep 14, 2026 to Oct 25, 2026
Contact Hours
18.0
Delivery Options
Online  
Course Fee(s)
Tuition non-credit $500.00 Click here to get more information
Service charge(s)
  • 3% Service Fee  
Drop Request Deadline
Oct 05, 2026
Transfer Request Deadline
Jul 28, 2026 to Sep 10, 2026
Withdrawal Request Deadline
Sep 14, 2026 to Oct 25, 2026
Instructors
Necessary Supplies

Students are responsible for purchasing their own art supplies, equipment, software subscriptions, and/or books. For most classes, the cost is under $125 (estimate). A supply list will be available on the course site in Canvas at least 30 days prior to the first day of class. 

Once you have received your enrollment confirmation and logged in to Canvas, navigate to Upcoming Courses on the left-hand side of your dashboard. Supplies will be listed on your course homepage under the supplies heading. Some or all of your course supplies are available at the RISD Store. 

Section Notes

This course requires access to one or more applications that are part of the Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop and Illustrator). Please visit the Adobe website to check "minimum system requirements" for your computer before registering.
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