One of the things I found most useful when starting out in surface pattern design were the courses (such as Bärbel Dressler’s Repertoire course) which enabled me to learn the craft, filling me with the confidence that I could make this a career. And one of the things that was even more helpful, were the honest reviews I received when I was dithering about a course and wanted opinions from people who had taken the course before me.

We’ve all been there, sitting on the fence wondering whether a certain course is the right one for us and whether it is worth the investment? What I found particularly  difficult was reaching out to people who had taken the course to ask for their opinions. Which is why I’ve decided to share my surface pattern design journey with you, and my honest review of the second pattern design course I took – Bärbel Dressler’s Repertoire course.

If you read my previous post about taking Immersion, you’ll know that while I was hugely grateful too it for teaching me the basics and how to put together a repeat pattern, it also left me wanting more.

And that more, was just how to create more complex patterns? There were so many styles that I had seen and loved but I had absolutely no idea how to recreate. In particular I was interested in the Arts and Crafts style but literally had no idea on how to even begin such complex patterns. And that’s where Repertoire caught me.

As a History of Art graduate, and having grown up being taught to love art – to me Repertoire was a no brainer! I loved the idea of learning more about the history of pattern design, and as I’ve already said I knew I wanted to learn how to create more complex patterns.

So grab yourself a drink, and/or a chocolate bar, sit back and let’s dive into all things Repertoire.

How I discovered the Repertoire course?

You already know by now that I started out by taking Immersion. And it was here that Bärbel Dressler first came to my attention with a bonus module titled, ‘A brief history of patterns.’ I think I must have started following Bärbel from there, and therefore seen when she started talking about her new course, Repertoire. Despite the cost, I knew that this was the next step for me, and something I wanted to do for my own enrichment and enjoyment even if I got nothing else from it.

What was taking the Repertoire course actually like?

I’m not going to lie, Repertoire is a full on course.

As well as the history behind the patterns, we were also taught how to draw in the stye of the historic patterns AND how to create patterns in each such style.

This of course meant creating alot of art work, sometimes this was as simple as following a tutorial using Adobe Illustrator to create some spots, but alot of the time it was more complex than that with learning the drawing style and then creating the art work to create a pattern in that look. And all of this takes time.

Luckily there were a number of implementation weeks which allowed me to keep up with the course, but even if I hadn’t – and I didn’t completely, it didn’t matter as I had lifetime access so could finish it in my own time.

Plus Bärbel’s enthusiastic and humourous teaching style meant it was a pleasure devoting so much time to following each part of the course. (I don’t want to give the game away but wait until you get to the Egyptian part!)

It is a big course with lots to learn, but to get the most out of it I had promised myself I would follow it all, and even committed to creating patterns in styles that I ‘knew’ I didn’t particularly like.

And that’s where the unexpected surprises came in. 

What I learnt/surprised me?

I took more away from this course than I have any other.

Of course I wouldn’t have been able to even take Repertoire had I not previously taken Immersion, but for me, Repertoire took me too the next level. And here are some of my biggest learnings, take aways and surprises:

• How to draw different styles of art work. I didn’t go into the course expecting to up my drawing skills but I absolutely did!
• How to create different pattern styles – I reckon there isn’t a style now I wouldn’t know how to create, and best of all, if there’s something I’ve forgotten how to do, I can always go back and rewatch it to jog my memory.
• Bigger portfolio – Again, I wasn’t expecting to create quite so much art work, or the huge number of patterns I did, but following the course and committing to trying each style took the number of patterns I have created up massively! I need to look up the number but I think I created an extra 70+ patterns.
• Knowledge to recognise different pattern styles. This is great when you are looking for inspiration!
• How much I enjoyed creating styles I didn’t like. This was 100% my biggest SURPRISE!  There are various styles of patterns that just don’t do it for me, for example, I’ve never been a big Paisley or Damask fan, yet when it came to creating patterns in these various styles, I REALLY enjoyed creating them. Why is this important? Well, before I would never have considered creating something in those styles I didn’t like, but I now know not only are they enjoyable to make, but they can also look good too!
• Finally, one of the biggest things this course confirmed for me was that you really do make time for the things you love. If you aren’t making the time for it, then perhaps you don’t love it as much as you think you do.

What more would I have liked from the course?

Well for me Repertoire did everything it promised and more – I came away from  the course with the confidence to call myself a pattern designer and to take the next steps on this creative journey.

It’s a big step from knowing how to create a repeat pattern (as I did on entering Repertoire), to knowing the history of the various pattern styles and how they evolved and now also having the knowledge and confidence to create any style of pattern I like. I genuinely can’t think of anything more I would have liked from the course. There are no little niggles, or ‘Oh I wish we’d covered…’

Taking on the Repertoire course was definitely a challenge given my other commitments, but one that was more than worth it. I genuinely learnt so much from the course, and was left wanting for nothing. I think if I was starting out again my ideal course would be Immersion and Repertoire combined, purely because Immersion left me wanting more and fully aware of the gaps in my knowledge. However, having already learnt Illustrator, Repertoire was the perfect finalé and certainly one that left me feeling complete! Would I recommend the course? Abso-blooming-lutely!

So if like me you are someone who is looking to enhance your knowledge and expand your skillset, I encourage you to follow your calling. If you are wondering whether you can manage the Repertoire course, I think you absolutely can! It’s set out in such a manageable way, and could truly take your dream that step closer to being a reality like it did mine!

UPDATE JULY 2024: I actually loved Repertoire so much and got so much from it that I’ve asked to be an affiliate for it. It’s the ONLY thing I’ve ever been an affiliate for because I truly believe it offered so much – upping my drawing skills, pattern knowledge, number of patterns I made and my confidence as an artist as well as offering a wonderful community! If you want to check it out for yourself, you can find the course here.