Make a symmetrical pattern with Jared Tuttle

Learn how to make a symmetrical pattern from any image. Freelance illustrator and designer Jared Tuttle has shared his process to get you there. Start with his Adobe Illustrator practice file. Then check out the tutorial to build your skills.

  1. Reflect the design.

    Open a pattern in Illustrator and choose Object > Repeat > Mirror to make a reflection.

    Instructional screenshot of a decorative floral pattern illustration, showing how to make a reflected pattern from it in Adobe Illustrator.

  2. Copy the pattern.

    With the graphic selected, hold Shift + Alt (Windows) or Shift + Option (macOS) as you drag to make a copy.

    Instructional screenshot showing how to make a repeated pattern with a decorative floral graphic in Adobe Illustrator.

  3. Flip the artwork.

    In the Properties panel, click the Flip Vertically button to create a unified composition from the pattern.

    Instructional screenshot showing how to flip an artwork in Adobe Illustrator.

  4. Draw a frame.

    Drag the Rectangle tool to create a vertical frame. Then drag the live corners to make rounded corners.

    Instructional screenshot showing how to create a vertical frame in Adobe Illustrator.

  5. Complete the composition.

    Assemble sketches and other design elements to create rich artwork.

    Instructional screenshot showing a patterned graphic made in Adobe Illustrator.

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