An LED device that emits light in a pattern is disclosed. The LED device is a layer of active material that is sandwiched between a transparent substrate with an anode formed thereon and a cathode. The active material has a layer of light emitting material that emits light when electron/hole recombination is induced in the material. The patterned emission is defined by a patterned layer in the active material of the LED device. The patterned layer has at least a first thickness and a second thickness. When the device is on, the portion of the device associated with the first thickness of the patterned layer is visually distinct from the portion of the device that is associated with the second thickness of the patterned layer.