A study in rhythm, repetition, and one very satisfying curve.

Created entirely in Adobe Illustrator, Scallop Study explores scallops and scales through a series of geometric interpretations — including traditional scales, dragon scales, and my own interpretation of Seigaiha, the traditional Japanese wave motif formed from repeating overlapping arcs.

Developed while working through Module 4 of Barbel Dressler’s Repertoire course, the collection became an exercise in discovering just how much personality can come from variations of a deceptively simple curved shape.

The traditional scale patterns explore repetition through clean, overlapping forms, while the dragon scales introduce a more elongated, pointed geometry that gives the repeat a completely different rhythm. My interpretation of Seigaiha takes the familiar layered wave structure and brings it into the artkohaus palette, with deep blues, smoky blue, soft sage, charcoal, and warm cream giving the motif a quieter, contemporary character.

Across the collection, I experimented with layered arches, interlocking forms, outlines, line weight, spacing, and colour. Some variations lean mid-century, others have an Art Deco quality, while the simplest versions allow the geometry itself to take centre stage.

Warm ochres, deep blues, earthy browns, soft greens, creams, terracotta, and charcoal move throughout the collection, creating a palette that feels both vintage and contemporary.

What began as a Repertoire lesson in scallops and scales became a much bigger exploration of repetition and geometry — and proof that apparently, not all scales are created equal. 😂

Designed by artkohaus. Created in Adobe Illustrator.