Please join us in celebrating this month’s spotlight surface designer, Latifa Righi. We know you’ll find her story inspiring!
Please introduce yourself.
I’m Latifa, an Algerian illustrator and surface designer, currently based in Rhode Island, USA. Owner of jasmine blooms designs, I’m a self-taught designer with a background in architecture who fell in love with the world of patterns.
Creativity has always found ways in my life, from writing and crocheting to cooking and designing. I love being creative and seeing things come to life, but I would say drawing was always something that I had limiting beliefs about.
I used to believe that if I couldn’t draw portraits then I’m not an artist, which is silly but it held me back for so long until I found the world of patterns, where I finally answer my calling to be a full creative and embrace my passion for illustration and design.
Tell us a little bit about your design journey.
I studied architecture for 5 years in college and loved the creative process and the design thinking that is involved, but I always felt that there is something else that is out there waiting for me to find.
In 2020 I started learning graphic design and I loved learning about typography. Then thanks to youtube recommendations, I found a couple of videos about surface design. I remember being very curious about it but also kind of confused, because I never actually realized that all the patterns I see on products are actually designed by someone. I especially love fabric and used to spend hours perusing through kaftan fabrics.
So in the summer of 2021, I decided to go deep with pattern design and I started designing and learning literally every day. Even on the days when I didn’t make a pattern, I would listen to something related to the business of surface design.
I must say it’s been a joyful and wildly satisfying journey, despite the mental challenges and the imposter syndrome. I’ve grown so much personally and with my design skills. I love designing in collections and doing spoonflower challenges because they often get me outside my comfort zone.
Do you have a favorite portfolio design or client collaboration?
My favorite pieces are my mid-century-inspired patterns, even though I love delicate florals and have many designs that are florals. I also love the bold retro style. The one design I love the most is a geometric pattern I made for my collections called Mid-Century Sleek.
What or who are you inspired by?
I love William Morris and patterns that are clever and interesting – the ones that tell stories. I also like florals and mid-century-inspired motifs.
What do you like to do outside of surface design?
I’m a mother to my beautiful daughter Yasmine, the sweet soul that inspired the name of my studio. I love to learn crafty skills. I used to crochet and sew but now my time is split between my mom duties and designing.
When you look back at your design journey so far, what are you most proud of?
I mostly proud with the fact that I continued to show up everyday, even in the hard days where I felt lost, and confused, I showed up and designed my heart out.
If you could offer advice to other designers who are struggling, what would that be?
My advice is creative business is a journey, so you don’t need to have it all figured out. The most important thing you can do is to show up for your craft and design with joy even when it’s hard. Also, take it easy on yourself.
Where can we find you?
Website: jasminebloomsdesigns.com
Instagram: @jasmin.blooms.designs
Pinterest: @JasmineBloomsdesigns
I love your designs!
I agree that this is a long journey…but you have to walk every day until you get to where you want to be. Keep going! Congratulations Latifa!