Illustrating for Real Metal Screens

The Covid-19 pandemic caused complications across the manufacturing sector that required designers and artisans to think outside the box. After consulting with Northern Lights’ Head of Creative, I used my knowledge of Adobe Illustrator to create leafy patterns for a barrier screen that would eventually be used in high-end restaurants upon their reopening. The factory was inundated with brass sheets and the idea was green-lit as a ‘back to work’ project. The AI file was transformed into a DXF, which was then processed by a laser-cutter to create three intricate fretwork screens.

The screens were hand-finished with patinating acids and fitted with perspex screens to ensure restaurant guests were provided with an extra layer of protection as they began to introduce themselves to hospitality settings. The task allowed me to explore the capabilities of Adobe Illustrator’s excellent shape building tools to create something that I am still immensely proud to have designed.