Basic Design Considerations

• When designing porcelain tiles, consider the application for the tiles. The method of creation and design will vary based on the application. Think about where (or not) you would like to incorporate a repeat pattern, in which all the tiles line up together to create one continuous pattern, or use separate, complementary designs.
  
  

Carved Tiles

• Carved porcelain tiles allow the glaze to pool in the ridges of the tile, creating a nice contrast that highlights the carved design. Create drawings of the design you have in mind and transfer them to a wet tile for carving. When designing carved tiles, keep in mind the application for the tiles. A deeply grooved surface might not be ideal for a floor, for example.
  
  

Underglaze Designs

• Do some initial sketches and drawing on paper before working directly on the tiles. The design can be transferred onto the tile with carbon paper then traced with underglaze. Use an underglaze pencil, or simply apply the underglaze using a thin paintbrush. Once the underglaze is applied, add a translucent overglaze. This will allow the underglaze design to show through. (An opaque glaze will mask the underglaze.)
  
  

Glazed Tiles

• Create a design using flat tiles in multiple colors. Decide on a color palate and perhaps integrate some contrast colors into the mix. Use a page of graph paper with a colored pencil to work out the design: each square of the paper represents a tile. Try multiple options until you are happy with the design. Get tests of glaze to see the actual colors and texture when planning your design.