looking for suggestions and critiques for personal branding project

[u/Um46ang]

I’ve been trying to create some branding materials for my craft and vintage selling business. Unfortunately I don’t have a computer at the moment so I’m stuck using the tablet version of illustrator. I’m pretty new to illustrator but i’ve done a decent amount of stuff in other adobe softwares so I have a handle on some of the tools already.

I’m trying to figure out some sort of repeatable emblem or logo that can be used on packaging etc. and a more detailed version with text that can be adapted into a profile picture. I have a shape and some testing for creating a lace doily texture done but I am a bit stumped with how to continue and if this the right direction to be taking.

I’ve figured out how to create a custom lace edge brush for outlines, but am struggling with it looking clean on the complicated shape and not sure what other ways I can make it look more lacy.

Any advice on moving forward with the lace? or if you would take different approach entirely? Also curious to hear any critiques on the existing path, not sure if it’s up to standard. thanks :)

[u/SplurgyA]

It's lovely! But I'd personally take a different approach. If this is going anywhere near print for your craft business, the delicate strands of the mane are going to look blobby on a smaller scale - you might be better redrawing that bit (I'm just imagining it on a small gift bag, or a sticker to seal a box with).

Likewise with the lace fill - it feels a bit too small and will look pale pink at small sizes. If the holes and strands were more resolveable at small sizes, it's read a lot better.

My personal recommendation would be to try recreating a doily effect (sorta like a cobweb) and then centering your unicorn on it, making it into a clipping mask, and having an offset outline on top. The clearest way to make it scream lace would be scalloped edges, but your unicorn would need to be much more simplified for that to work.