wzornictwo

Wzornictwo, commonly translated as pattern design, is a field of design focused on creating decorative motifs for surfaces and products. It covers the development of motifs, color, rhythm, scale, and the organization of elements into repeat systems for textiles, wallpapers, ceramics, packaging, and digital media. Designers in wzornictwo consider both aesthetic and functional aspects, including manufacturability and market needs.

Historically, wzornictwo grew from decorative arts and crafts traditions and adapted to industrial production, textile printing, and mass-produced surfaces. In Poland, it has strong links with folk patterns and regional crafts, while contemporary practice often blends traditional drawing and painting with digital tools to meet sector requirements such as fashion, interior design, and branding.

Education and practice: wzornictwo is studied as a distinct discipline in Polish art and design schools and within programs in graphic design, textiles, or applied arts. Students learn design theory, color, motif development, pattern repetition and tiling, and production constraints. They typically work with software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as CAD or specialized textile design tools.

Production and applications: patterns are produced through screen printing, digital textile printing, wallpaper production, and ceramic decoration. They are licensed for textiles, home furnishings, packaging, and digital media. Current practice also emphasizes sustainability, efficient repeat systems, and response to trends.