Taking their inspiration from nature, human artists have been creating artificial patterns for thousands of years. Pattern is an important aspect of the decorative things that we choose to buy and make, whether it's the floral design on a rug, a geometric pattern on a quilt, or an ornate pattern on wallpaper.

Filmmakers, fashion designers, graphic artists, craftsmen, architects, and just about every other creative person all use patterns in a variety of ways. A Gothic church might use repeating geometric shapes to inspire reverence in visitors. An archer from ancient Troy might have worn elaborate and colorful patterns to show their status and skill. A new smartphone might be packaged in a compelling geometric pattern to suggest precision and quality.

Sometimes, the material a design uses determines the pattern. A mason will assemble stone blocks in an interlocking pattern. The reeds of a basket determine the design when bent and woven into a basket. A mosaic design might change and evolve depending on how the chips fit together. Different materials lend themselves to specific patterns, whether they are stacked, folded, tied, or even combined with other materials.