From Sketch to Texture: Inside My Creative Process

From Sketch to Texture: Inside My Creative Process

Jun 9, 2025

Jun 9, 2025

A behind-the-scenes look at how each textile artwork takes shape — from first inspiration to final thread.

A behind-the-scenes look at how each textile artwork takes shape — from first inspiration to final thread.

Inspiration: Where Every Piece Begins

Each artwork starts with observation. Nature, architecture, fashion, everyday textures — these are endless sources of inspiration. But it’s not just about what I see; it’s about what I feel when I see it.

Before any sketch, there’s a mood — a color palette, a sense of form, a texture imagined. My process often begins with gathering images, materials, and moments that resonate, quietly shaping the direction of the work to come.

Sketching: The Language of Form

Once inspiration finds its shape, it’s time to sketch. This is where structure meets intuition. I prefer quick, loose drawings — not to define every detail, but to capture the energy of the idea.

The sketch is a map, not a set of instructions. It gives me the freedom to explore as the piece evolves, keeping the process organic and alive.

Material Selection: Texture Matters

Materials are more than tools — they are the soul of the work. I carefully choose natural fibers like wool and cotton for their depth, warmth, and tactility.

Color is equally intuitive. Sometimes it’s muted and calm; other times, a single bold tone carries the entire composition. Each decision is about balance — creating texture that not only looks good but feels right.

Tufting: Building Layers

The act of tufting is where the piece becomes physical. Using a tufting gun, I build the artwork loop by loop, layer by layer. Some areas are dense and plush, others open and airy — a play of surfaces that creates visual and tactile depth.

I often combine techniques like loop pile and cut pile to give a piece dimension and movement, ensuring it never feels flat or static.

Finishing: When Is It Done?

Finishing is about restraint. Knowing when a piece is complete is instinctive — it’s a quiet moment when nothing more needs to be said.

Framing or shaping is the final touch, guided by the piece itself. Sometimes it asks for a soft, free-form edge; other times, a simple wooden frame anchors it perfectly.

Inspiration: Where Every Piece Begins

Each artwork starts with observation. Nature, architecture, fashion, everyday textures — these are endless sources of inspiration. But it’s not just about what I see; it’s about what I feel when I see it.

Before any sketch, there’s a mood — a color palette, a sense of form, a texture imagined. My process often begins with gathering images, materials, and moments that resonate, quietly shaping the direction of the work to come.

Sketching: The Language of Form

Once inspiration finds its shape, it’s time to sketch. This is where structure meets intuition. I prefer quick, loose drawings — not to define every detail, but to capture the energy of the idea.

The sketch is a map, not a set of instructions. It gives me the freedom to explore as the piece evolves, keeping the process organic and alive.

Material Selection: Texture Matters

Materials are more than tools — they are the soul of the work. I carefully choose natural fibers like wool and cotton for their depth, warmth, and tactility.

Color is equally intuitive. Sometimes it’s muted and calm; other times, a single bold tone carries the entire composition. Each decision is about balance — creating texture that not only looks good but feels right.

Tufting: Building Layers

The act of tufting is where the piece becomes physical. Using a tufting gun, I build the artwork loop by loop, layer by layer. Some areas are dense and plush, others open and airy — a play of surfaces that creates visual and tactile depth.

I often combine techniques like loop pile and cut pile to give a piece dimension and movement, ensuring it never feels flat or static.

Finishing: When Is It Done?

Finishing is about restraint. Knowing when a piece is complete is instinctive — it’s a quiet moment when nothing more needs to be said.

Framing or shaping is the final touch, guided by the piece itself. Sometimes it asks for a soft, free-form edge; other times, a simple wooden frame anchors it perfectly.