My Heritage Textile

This assignment was my favorite of the semester. It was the second project we did using Photoshop. The assignment was to research our heritage; specifically what qualities and images represented the heritage. We then applied our research into a textile design.

Although I am made of many cultures, the Irish heritage is the one I associate the most with. Some qualities of the Irish heritage are the color green, clovers, the Celtic Cross and the Irish Blessing. I chose to incorporate those qualities in my design. The Cross and the Irish Blessing have special significance to myself because my religion is very important to me. I felt this was a way I could express who I am.

When incorporating these elements together I came across a dilemma. I wanted the Irish Blessing to be seen but I didn't want the design to be chaotic so I changed the opacity level. The result was it faded into the background, yet was still readable. It turned out exactly as I had envisioned. After I had perfected my textile design I then transferred it to InDesign to create a 3x3 pattern. I don't think I would change anything if I did it again. I am very happy with how it turned out.

Through this design I was able to gain skills in Photoshop and InDesign as well as research and apply qualities of my heritage into a textile design that is special and unique. This design expresses who I am and where I came from. It is exciting to be able to express such a unique part of myself to others.