Benthos mini collection
Benthos is a small, cohesive surface pattern collection inspired by the vibrant life beneath the ocean's surface, capturing the carefree energy of summer while retaining the tactile, organic quality of hand-painted artwork.
Client
None, Personal Project
Service
Surface Pattern, Graphic Design
Date
August 20, 2026
Challenge
The collection needed to work as a visual family rather than as a standalone pattern. A bold hero print would establish the main story, supported by coordinating designs that could bring more versatility across different products and applications. The challenge was to translate the richness and spontaneity of traditional watercolour into a commercially versatile pattern collection, while keeping the artwork fresh, colourful and distinctly handmade.
Solution
Benthos is a mini surface pattern collection inspired by the colourful ecosystems found beneath the waves: shells, corals, starfish and other forms of marine life. The name comes from the Greek benthos, meaning the seabed, and became the starting point for exploring the textures, colours and movement of underwater ecosystems.
The collection began with moodboard research, gathering references from marine life, coastal landscapes, underwater textures and vibrant summer colour palettes. This research informed a palette of turquoise blues, coral pinks, sun-drenched oranges and yellows, alongside softer lilacs and deeper ocean tones.
From there, the motifs were sketched and hand-painted in watercolour, allowing the natural textures, imperfections and fluidity of the medium to become part of the visual language. Once painted, the original artwork was scanned and digitally refined, preserving the character of the original brushwork while giving each motif the flexibility needed for pattern design. The individual elements were then rearranged, scaled and balanced to create the final seamless repeats.
The collection consists of a hero pattern and coordinating designs, allowing the visual language to move between bold, detailed compositions and simpler supporting patterns. Multiple colour variations were also developed to explore different moods and increase the collection’s versatility.
Finally, the patterns were presented through product mockups and licensing sell sheets, showing how Benthos could translate from artwork into real-world applications including swimwear, beach accessories, stationery, home décor and packaging.
Benthos captures the bold, carefree spirit of summer through colour, movement and organic texture. The combination of hand-painted watercolour and luminous tropical colours creates a pattern collection that feels playful and contemporary, while retaining the warmth and imperfections of traditional artwork.
The result is a small but versatile collection designed to bring the energy of the ocean and the feeling of endless summer days by the sea into everyday products.
Available for licensing.
