Mural Pattern Design Project
Celebrating Culture, Pattern, and Belonging
This project was a collaborative fusion of design, art, and community at College Place Elementary School in Edmonds, WA. By transforming a series of structural pillars of the school building into a shared visual story, I designed and hand-painted this mural in collaboration with Rooted Design, lead artist Missy Hancock, local artists, and the school community.
Created specifically for a school environment, the project blends mural artwork, floral patterns, and hand-painted illustrations to reflect the identities of a multicultural student body. Our goal was to turn the school halls into a welcoming, colorful, and expressive space for the children at CPE.
We are grateful to the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation for funding this project and allowing us the opportunity to bring this vision to life.
Celebrating Culture, Pattern, and Belonging Community Mural Design · Pattern Design · Mural Painting · Art & Environment
How the Project Began
The original goal was simple but meaningful: to create a mural that made students and families feel seen, represented, and proud of their heritage.
With only eight pillars available, our biggest challenge was representing a community comprised of many different cultures, languages, and traditions. Alongside Art Director Missy Hancock, I carefully selected countries from multiple continents to ensure the mural reflected an inclusive global presence.
My Role in the Project
As a designer, I focused on translating cultural references into a visual language that felt accessible, respectful, and joyful. It was also vital that the designs were easy to recreate for the students and volunteers eager to contribute.
My primary responsibilities included:
Designing vertical pattern 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.
Leading the painting process alongside community members, families, and students.
Because many volunteers did not share the same language, clarity was essential. I used Adobe Illustrator to create easy to read floral outlines that allowed people of all ages and backgrounds to participate confidently in the painting process.
Included here are samples of the vertical, outline, and full designs used as guides during the painting process.
Peru Pattern
Malaysia Pattern
Mexico Pattern
Why Projects Like This Matter
Community-based mural projects demonstrate how design goes beyond aesthetics; they build bridges across cultures and languages, inviting participation and creating stronger relationships. This project reflects my passion for collaborative art, textiles, and pattern design, and it brings me great joy to leave a positive impact on a daily public space.
Ethiopia Pattern
Norway Pattern
From color palettes to final outlines, I delivered templates that were used successfully by children, parents, school staff, and local artists.
Collaboration, Community & Impact
This mural was deeply collaborative. The experience reinforced how art and environment can shape a sense of belonging and cultural exchange in shared spaces.
I am proud to share that the project was featured in the local newspaper, spotlighting the importance of public art and the work of nonprofit organizations and community foundations that support these creative initiatives.