Mural Pattern Design Project
Celebrating Culture, Pattern, and Belonging
Community Mural Design · Pattern Design · Mural Painting · Art & Environment
This mural project was created as a collaborative act of design, art and community at College Place Elementary School in Edmonds, WA. Transforming a series of structural pillars into a shared visual story. I designed and hand-painted in collaboration with Rooted Design, Artist Missy Hancock, along other local artist, students, and the school community.
Created for a school environment, the project blends mural artwork, floral patterns, and hand-painted illustration design to reflect the identities of a multicultural student community, turning the school halls into a welcoming, colorful and expressive space for the children that attend CPE.
We are thankful with the Edmonds Art Festival Foundation for funding this project and allow us the opportunity to be part of it.
How the project began
The original goal was simple but meaningful:
to create an art mural that made students and families feel seen, represented, and proud of where they come from.
With only eight pillars available, one of our biggest challenges was representing a community made up of many cultures, languages, and traditions. Together, with art director of the project Missy, and me as the the designer of this project we carefully selected countries from multiple continents, ensuring the mural reflected a broad and inclusive global presence.
My Role in the Project
In my role as I designer I focused on translating cultural references into a visual language that felt accessible, respectful, joyful and easy to recreate for the students and volunteers that were eager to contribute in this project.
My main tasks included:
Designing vertical format pattern mural artwork inspired by traditional textiles and clothing
Translating textile motifs into clear 2D art patterns
Creating floral sketches and symbolic elements tied to each country
Supporting mural painting alongside community members, families, and students
Because many volunteers did not share the same language, clarity was essential. I used Illustrator to create easy-to-read floral outline work that allowed people of all ages and backgrounds to participate confidently in the mural painting process.
Here are some samples of the vertical, outline and full design that was later used during the painting process as a guide.
Peru Pattern
Malaysia Pattern
Mexico Pattern
Community-based mural projects show how design can go beyond make a space “more pretty”,they build bridges across cultures and languages, invite participation and create stronger relationships in the community.
This project reflects my passion for collaborative art, mural painting, textiles, and design patterns. But mainly it fills me with joy to leave a positive lasting impact in a in everyday public spaces.
Why projects like this matters
Ethiopia Pattern
Norway Pattern
From color palettes to outlines, and final color versions, I was able to deliver templates that could be used by children, parents, school staff, and local artists .
Collaboration, Community & Impact
This mural project was deeply collaborative. Designers, muralists, educators, students, and families all contributed to the final artwork. The experience reinforced how art and environment can shape a sense of belonging and exchanged culture in shared spaces.
Proudly the project was featured in the local newspaper, helping spotlight the importance of public art and work for nonprofit organizations and community foundations that support creative initiatives like this one.