How I Start Drafting a Portuguese Tile Pattern

It’s been a while since I’ve worked a Portuguese tile pattern. This is how I start. I find a tile from a picture I took, then try to figure out what the pattern is. I pencil in horizontal, vertical and diagonal grid lines so I can keep things proportionate. I draw it first in pencil just the one tile, and if it looks good then start on the four tile repeat, ink, then paint. I still love all the variation and different kinds of patterns made with just one small tile!