New book taking the pulse of Australian design

The work of 100 talented Australian artists has been brought together in a stunning book that launches next week.

Samford’s Rachael King has curated Pattern Pulse Volume 2, the sequel to Pattern Pulse, which launched two years ago.

She says both volumes celebrate the work of surface designers – the artists who create the images we see on everyday items such as fabrics, stationery and homewares.

“There’s definitely a market for Australian designs,” Rachael says.

“Pattern Pulse Volume 1 was released in October, 2020 and I didn’t know if I was going to sell 500 copies.

“I’ve sold all 2000 copies – they’re all over the world, in America, Asia and the UK.

“It’s like a catalogue of talent in Australia – normally you can go to trade shows, but they were shut down during COVID.

“Some of the people who are in the first one have gone on to do amazing things.”

Inspiring designs

Rachael says Volume 2 is a return to the format, with a whole new list of people.

“There’s people from different corners of the market – fashion, stationery, bedding, products – people who have their own labels and small businesses; artwork from people who are emerging, people who are already in the industry and people who are at the top of their game.”

She hopes the new book will inspire emerging designers as well as established artists.

“It gives people something to aspire to and no matter where you are on your journey there’s someone in the book for everyone.

“If you’re just starting out, there’s also great examples of not only artwork but also stories about how people established themselves.

“When you’re in the creative industry there’s this lovely flow-on effect of being able to celebrate creative success.”

Among the artists featured is Cassie Byrnes, whose work has been used by the likes of Country Road, Nike, Linen House, Frankie Magazine, Penguin Books, Haagen Dazs, Gorman, Microsoft and Google.

Rachael says many of the artists in Volume 2 began their working lives in careers that were far removed from the world of creativity.

“There’s accountants and lawyers who always wanted to be creative and all of a sudden, it’s a bit easier – the kids have grown up, they have a little bit more time and can pursue a creative outlet.

“It can be the most amazing, uplifting experience – it’s so lovely to know something we have created is out in the world.”

Made in Moreton Bay

She’s proud the book not only contains the work of Australian designers, but was printed in Brendale by Impressu and bound in Melbourne.

“It’s very rare to have a book that’s completely Australian made.

“For me it was vitally important that we give people a high-quality product that was made in Australia.”

A successful surface designer in her own right, Rachael is the creative director and third partner of Material Difference and understands what it’s like to switch from a more traditional career to surface design.
“We have a library of artwork produced by myself and other artists who get fabric printed for the maker community – people who own their own fashion labels buy from us,” Rachael explains.

“At no time in our lives have we ever had such access to individual fashion designs and homewares.

“But the book’s not about me – it’s about the artists.”

Pattern Pulse Volume 2 launches with a morning tea and book signing on Wednesday, November 16 from 9am-noon at Makers on Main, 48 Main St, Samford.

The book will be stocked in bookshops, art shops and galleries, including GOMA in Brisbane, and can be bought online here.