Whether you are searching for patterns to copy and paint, inspiration, or you just want to try my “My top 3 rules for Islamic geometric pattern analysis” the following ways will help you find new Islamic geometric pattern ideas for your work.

Since I study and create zellige geometric patterns, whenever I come across a design I like, I either save it or pin it for future reference. Basically, I have boards everywhere. I might need to find a better way to organize them all tho HA!

Thankfully I have a good memory, and even chaos looks organized in my head.

#1 Instagram

The first and most obvious way to find Islamic geometric pattern ideas is Instagram.

I know this might sound like a clichè, but you can find so much content on this platform: colour inspiration, pattern ideas, and pattern analysis. I’ve learned how to analyse my patterns from this platform, for real. You can search and save pictures of Islamic architecture, artists’ artwork, and Islamic art content creators.

For example, take a look at the beautiful pictures Bayt Al Fann and the Global Centre of Islamic Art share on their IG.

The only drawback of Instagram is that sometimes the pictures look good from a phone but not from a computer.

#2 Pinterest

Pinterest is a constant source of inspiration for artists of all kinds, and Islamic geometric patterns are no exception.

Researching on this platform is a great way to discover visual inspiration and ideas for a wide range of designs. The best part is that once you’ve done the research, Pinterest populates your home with related feeds so that you can keep indulging in Islamic art for longer. Sometimes I feel like I’m going down a rabbit hole with no end.

It’s also great to be able to pin the pictures and divide them into categories (boards).

I use Pinterest a LOT and I love pinning and organizing all the patterns I find for future reference.

#3 Stock images

This is something I’ve discovered recently, and it’s by far my favourite way right now.

Check for stock image websites such as Unsplash or Pixabay. 

You can find images not available on Instagram and Pinterest, and they are all high quality which is perfect for pattern analysis. You never know when you’ll need to zoom in 100x to check a detail HA!

The best part is that you can use the majority of pictures for free, and if you want to share them on your social media, make sure to read their copyright policy.

#4 Islamic geometry websites

I think I’ve repeated this a million times all over my website, but seriously, you have to check these websites:

• Patterninislamicart.com
• Tilingsearch.org

They have a massive archive of geometric patterns, and you can even make research based on the type of pattern you are looking for, country, etc. Besides pictures, these two websites also are great resources for books, academic research etc.

#5 Books

Who doesn’t like a good old book?

Sometimes I feel like Barbie because I have books I’ve never read. I keep them as references for patterns and pattern ideas. And I am sure there are pictures in books that can’t be found anywhere else.

If you are curious about which books you should buy check my website here. I also show you a quick flip-through of each book so that you can better understand which one is perfect for you.

In conclusion, finding Islamic geometric pattern ideas is all about immersing yourself in the world of Islamic art and finding inspiration in books and websites.

Once you have found all these amazing patterns the only thing left to do is to actually learn how to analyse and construct them and you can do that with my course “Islamic Geometric Patterns: Analyse and Construct a Zellige Pattern”. (just saying 😉 )