The Story Behind My Ceramic Tile Designs: A Journey of Inspiration and Creativity

At The Happy Artist, I am always so excited to share the stories behind my creations.

Today, I wanted to take you through the inspiration and process behind my ceramic tile collection—something I never expected to create, but that has become a true passion project.

It all started quite organically. Like many artists, I spend a lot of time doodling and experimenting. One day, while designing patterns in Procreate, I stumbled upon the Geometry tool. It was one of those “aha” moments that you don’t expect but completely fall in love with. I had always been drawn to the bold, colourful patterns of Cuban tiles. They’re rich in history, culture, and symbolism, and I’ve always felt the story behind the designs and colours. Cuban tile designs are known for their vibrant expression of culture, from the rich history and artistic traditions to the lively community spirit and dance that fill the streets. The colours seem to carry that energy and story, each one telling its own unique narrative.

Though I’ve never been to Cuba (definitely on my list!), I began collecting images of Cuba and Cuban tile designs to inspire my colour palette. There was something about the vibrancy of the pinks, blues, reds, yellows, and greens that spoke to me, and I knew I wanted to bring that energy into my own home. As were in the process of beginning our own build, I decided to design a tile for our space. I wanted it to reflect that rich Cuban influence but also embody my own artistic vision. The process was so enjoyable that I decided to make a collection of tiles inspired by different cultures, they are now available to purchase on my website, either individually or for larger projects.

From Doodle to Design: The Creative Process

The creative process for these tiles was so much fun! It began with just playing around with different shapes and patterns in Procreate, allowing the design to flow without any rigid plans. What I loved about this was how one idea naturally led to the next, and before I knew it, I had a series of beautiful patterns that felt both personal and connected to something larger.

Each tile carries a little piece of my artistic journey, and I can’t wait for you to see it for yourself. For those of you who are curious about how these tiles come to life, I am planning on documenting the entire process in a YouTube video on my channel. Check it out if you’re interested in seeing how the designs evolved, and maybe even get inspired to start designing ones of your own! And if you’re looking for something truly one-of-a-kind, I offer custom orders for larger areas or specific spaces. Whether you’re designing a large area or focusing on a specific space, we can tailor the level of detail and colors to match your style and bring your vision to life.

Simply reach out to discuss your ideas, and I’d love to help bring your vision to life.

Bringing Personality into Your Space

What I love most about these tiles is how they can make any space feel unique without overwhelming it. I’ve used some of my tiles as coasters for hot pots and teapots, and I also place them under my vases of flowers to add a little pop of colour and personality. They’re not just for the floor—they can be used in so many ways to personalize your home.

If you’re looking to add a touch of something special to a wall, these tiles can break up a simple tiled area and add a bit of art into your décor. A subtle pop of colour here and there can be just the thing to make a space feel more like you, without being too bold or in-your-face.

Shop Our Tile Collection

The full collection is available now under Shop All Categories and Ceramic Tiles on the website. I’ll be adding more designs regularly, so be sure to check back for new pieces!

Thank you for taking the time to read the story behind my tiles, and I hope you’re as excited about them as I am!

Until next time, with love, Lisa xx