Summer in the Mediterranean (I’m in Madrid, Spain!) is full of vibrant, colorful inspiration: lemons, sardine tins, olive branches, ceramics, and bright coastal hues. These elements make perfect motifs for illustration and pattern design in Procreate.
In my Skillshare class Illustration & Patterns in Procreate: Mini Mediterranean Masterpieces, we explore how small illustrated objects can be transformed into playful, repeating patterns. I always love seeing the variety of Mediterranean-inspired illustration styles and creative ideas that students come up with.
What Makes Mediterranean Illustrations So Appealing
Many of these projects share elements that make Mediterranean summer illustrations irresistible:
- Bold and sunny color palettes that evoke coastal vibes
- Food- and travel-inspired motifs like lemons, olives, sardines, and ceramics
- Simple, icon-style illustrations with imperfect, hand-drawn charm
- Repeating patterns and playful layouts that bring illustrations to life
These elements make small illustrations perfect for creating seamless patterns and vibrant design collections in Procreate.
Here are some of my favorite student projects that capture the essence of Mediterranean spring and summer.
1. Mediterranean pattern by Katherine
This project by Katherine Strenger perfectly captures the feeling of Mediterranean ceramics with bold colors. The repeating layout, made using my free pattern tester, feels balanced but still playful.
2. Squeeze the day by debbie
This golden sardine tin by Debbie Merhege in Master Line Brushes in Procreate: Illustrate Vintage Sardine Tins has a luxurious and summery feel. Looking closely at the label, there are lots of fun details, and a bonus pun!
Related article: Let’s Draw a Vintage Sardine Tin – With Free Color Palette
3. Aegean Stickers by Gail
This beautiful design features bold colors and Mediterranean objects, framed by subtle plaid backgrounds. Gail Dokucu turned their Turkish-inspired illustrations into a sticker sheet using the Print Then Cut feature on Cricut Design Space.
4. Pink Mediterranean Meal by charlotte
This charming design by Charlotte Prew is her take on a Mediterranean meal with a signature splash of pink. The mix of bright red and pink stands out here and works so well for the frames!
5. Vintage sardine tins by Genevieve
Genevieve Meunier created a mini collection of adorable sardines in tins using Procreate. This set includes lettered details in French, and has a soft grainy texture for a handmade feel.
6. Pattern by rebecca
This elaborate collection of mini drawings by Rebecca Sarachman features lots of intricate details that are quintessential Mediterranean. The lemoncart, sardine tin and shell work really well here.
7. Mediterranean snapshot by maru
In this illustration, Maru Javier used their Europe travels as inspiration. The subtle paper texture (and grainy brushes) make this feel like a hand-drawn page in a travel journal.
8. You’re a catch by nina
Nina Howell’s sardine tin collection pops with bold Mediterranean colors and depth, making each design feel lively and summery.
9. small fish, big vibes by michaela
Michaela G turned her sardine tin collection into actual tins & printed greeting card designs. A great way to turn designs into actual products!
10. Mediterranean frames by Jill
Jill Harrison’s pattern features bold Mediterranean shapes accented with stars, creating a charming, decorative design perfect for pattern applications.
11. summery collage by cindy
Colorful Mediterranean collage by Cindy Rogers. The Vespa, decorative tiles and cactus are a fun touch!
12. italian drinks by catherine
Painterly pattern with Mediterranean drinks by Catherine Leed. Because of the soft brushes that were used, this piece has a beautiful soft and light feel to it.
Bring These Summer Motifs to Life
Feeling inspired by these Mediterranean and summer illustration projects? You can create your own in Procreate with my Skillshare classes:
Illustration & Patterns in Procreate: Mini Mediterranean Masterpieces
Capture the feeling of a Mediterranean summer; one tiny illustration at a time.
Master Line Brushes in Procreate: Illustrate Vintage Sardine Tins
Let’s create a collection of charming sardine tin illustrations in Procreate using expressive lines and textures! Not on Skillshare? Try the tutorial on YouTube here: Let’s Draw a Vintage Sardine Tin – With Free Color Palette
