Basically all images are recognizable or understood because of pattern. This is because our brains can’t help but try to make sense of what we see. We are “hardwired” to try and make sense of what we see. This is a good thing, otherwise our world would be vastly more confusing then it already is!

To do that the brain looks for connections between the shapes presented to it. Those connections basically take the form of some kind of repetition. For example, the repetitions might be repeated colors, shapes, spacing (interval), subject (even if it’s shape is not the same), size, etc.

This idea of repetition is the basis for perceiving pattern. It is organizational. It is clarity. it is logical. The funny thing about the brain though, it is also looking for variation in that regularity of repetition. So, even a fairly uniform pattern like a brick wall becomes more interesting because of the small variations that exist within the pattern.

Planned variations can be perceived not only as more interesting visually but also as more meaningful groupings. Images with more complex variations in the pattern need to maintain structure for us to understand it—something else (beside what is being varied) must remain predictable to hold things together.

Does this mean that we must always be consciously aware of the predictable structure—the underlying organizational pattern that holds it all together? The answer is no. In fact, most of the time we don’t or aren’t aware of this. However, our subconscious mind definitely is aware of this structure.

So, pattern is the result of repetitions; either objects, shapes, things or the space/interval between objects, shapes, things. This creates a visual organization—a visual clarity— based on grouping that is possible to understand and make sense of.

Patterns become more interesting and intriguing when there is a certain amount of variation introduced to the regularity or predictability of repetition. We can plan meaning around those variations because variations are naturally attention grabbing. We can further break down the idea of variation by saying it is lessening the ability to know exactly what it is that we are seeing. A pattern with variation requires more thinking to understand it than a pattern with no variation.

Repetition with Variation

Artists and Designers typically are trying to create understandable images that have a certain amount of uniqueness or freshness to them. That is achieved by variation. This in turn lessens our ability to know exactly what it is that we are looking at—because it is brand new. The result is we need a bit more time to process it—to get it. This is true regardless of style. It doesn’t matter if we are doing a realistic portrait or an abstract drawing or an advertising poster. The trick is in answering the question, “How much variation is necessary—when is it too much?” because, too much variation breaks down the perception of pattern/organization and therefore breaks down our ability to understand or make sense of the image. Not enough variation results in too much predictability and doesn’t generate enough interest. It’s a balancing act!