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Tartan Design

Tartan is an art form that can be found in historical specimens throughout Europe dating back over 2000 years. Only in the Scottish Highlands did it survive to develop into the highly decorative multi-coloured patterns that we think of today as one of the traditional symbols of Scotland.

The Peter MacDonald Design Studio

Without a deep understanding of the traditional use of colour in tartan, designing can often be very difficult and the results unpredictable. There are general ground rules governing what colours blend with others and in what proportions. Meaningful and enduring tartan design therefore requires an understanding not only of the traditional techniques of colour combination but also of their proportions and juxtaposition, an appreciation of tartan history and the weaving process.

During the past 30 years the studio has produced many tartan designs for use by a variety of clients ranging from individuals and clan societies to organisations and multi-national companies. Some examples of the many designs include: Aberdeen Asset Management; British Airways; Edinburgh Military Tattoo; Scottish Tourist Board; St. Columba, and personal tartans for: Ayre; Belfrage; Herriot; McClafferty; Nichol and Thomas of Craigie.

What is involved in the design process?

The basic fee is £450 and includes submission and recording of the design to the National Register of Tartans. Additional design work is charged at an hourly rate of £50. Other fees may be applicable depending on the proposed use of the design, assignment of design and/or reproduction rights, and the protection of designs by Design Registration.

Fee rate:

1. Assignment of design rights for personal use       
2. Assignment of design and intellectual property rights      
3. Design Registration, commonly called Patenting
4. Reproduction Rights (non-personal designs)

= Nil    
= £1150
= £350
= £5000

Interested? For further information contact me via email