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Studio Tips Where to Find the Latest Trends in Surface Pattern Design

Studio Tips Where to Find the Latest Trends in Surface Pattern Design

by | Jan 1, 2024 | Insights

Q: Where can I find the latest trends in surface pattern design?

1. Pinterest: Pinterest is a great source for discovering the latest trends in surface pattern design. You can do a simple “surface pattern design” search or browse the boards of designers, brands, and trendsetters to get an idea of what is currently trending.
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2. Instagram: Instagram is another great place to find the latest trends. Following not only other artists but also the brands and companies that you want to work with and paying attention to what they are creating and using in their designs.
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3. Behance: Behance is an online portfolio site that can be used to showcase work and also give insight into the latest trends.
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4. Publications and Blogs: Many publications and blogs are dedicated to design trends. They often share upcoming trends not only on their site and in their publication but also on their social media platforms.
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5. Trade shows: Trade shows are a great way to find out what’s new in the world of surface pattern design. They are also a great place to network and find new clients.
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6. Local Shops and Stores: Don’t under estimate the power of just getting out into the world and paying attention to what is happening inside stores.  What merchandise is at the front, what it at the back, is there a color or category that is trending.
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7. WGSN: WGSN is expensive but you could follow them on instagram to get sneak peaks on upcoming trends. There are also other smaller trend sites like TrendBible.
Talk soon!
Fleur & Ryann

Creative Brief Tip – Dive in Early

Creative Brief Tip – Dive in Early

by | Dec 18, 2023 | Insights

Creative Brief Tip

Creative Brief Tip – Dive in Early

Inspiration Strikes Unpredictably: Creativity is a whimsical companion. It doesn’t wait for you to be sitting at your workspace with a blank canvas. More often than not, those brilliant ideas pop up when you’re least prepared. So it’s always a great idea to open your brief right when it lands in your inbox to get that seed planted regardless if you can dive into creating right away.
 
Give Yourself a Better Chance of Meeting Your Goals: Starting early provides you with the time to execute on your brief when unexpected priorities, opportunities, distraction inevitably pop up.
 
Overcoming Procrastination: Procrastination can be a formidable foe for us as artists. But by diving into your Creative Brief immediately, you break the cycle of putting it off. Even if you can’t immediately start working on your project, reading through the brief itself is a step forward.
 
Time to Flex Your Imagination: Diving in early gives you time to brainstorming and plan. It’s an opportunity to flex your creative muscles, explore new ideas, and experiment with various approaches. The more time you give yourself with the brief, the more you can explore your ideas.
 
Don’t wait for the stars to align or for the perfect moment to start each months collection. 
 
Dive into your Monthly Portfolio Building Creative Brief as soon as possible. 
 
Starting early ensures you capture those fleeting moments of inspiration, defeat procrastination, and set meet your goals.

Join us!

Xx ~ Fleur & Ryann

PS. If you would love to stay up to date we everything we do & this challenge then join our newsletter HERE 
Learn More About our Monthly Portfolio Building Creative Briefs Here
Creative Brief Member Spotlight

Creative Brief Member Spotlight

by | Dec 11, 2023 | News & Announcements

Creative Brief Member Spotlight

Artist Spotlight Sina O'Keeffe

Sina is a surface pattern designer and illustrator from the tropical Top End of Australia.

She draws inspiration from nature, plants and wildlife around her, as well memories from her childhood home of Germany.

While out for a walk with her husband and two dogs, you can often spot her taking snaps of “inspo” ready for the next pattern.

If you would love to see more of Sina’s designs click here

I am getting so much joy and value out of the briefs. They provide me with inspiration, guidance and a starting point to create some art.

It helps me to embrace making smaller collections on a more regular basis. At the same time I am not just improving my pattern skills and growing my library – I have also finally started my email list!

I had been holding off on it for ages, because I thought “what am I going to write about every month?”. Now I send out one newsletter a month where I share my mini collection of the month and a little freebie screen saver with one of the patterns.

This keeps me motivated and accountable without being overwhelming.

I like to read and digest all the brief material at the beginning of the month and then just sit with it for a while. If some ideas immediately pop into my head, I will note them down or make a quick sketch.

I also love to quiz my friends and colleagues, like “Hey, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about spring?” They are like my real life Pinterest board of inspiration and the variety of ideas and responses really gets my creative juices flowing.

They also add an element of accountability, because now they are invested too and they want to see you make that pattern about tulips…or spring rolls, haha!

We love hearing from our Portfolio Building Creative Design Brief members on how they love our Design Briefs & their hot tips for working with them! if you are a member & would love to be featured submit below.

Submit Here

If you are not a member yet & would love to learn more about our amazing design tool to help you build your portfolio like a pro then click the button below to learn more.

At Creative Studio Collective, we’re all about crafting fantastic design tools for Surface Pattern Designers, Textile Designers, Artists & creatives that support you on your creative journey, allowing you to focus on the enjoyable aspects while we handle all the strategic thinking and planning for you! 

Learn More Here

Studio Tip How Can I Ensure That My Patterns Are Unique?

Studio Tip How Can I Ensure That My Patterns Are Unique?

by | Dec 4, 2023 | Insights

Q: How can I ensure that my patterns are unique?

It sounds simple but one of the most helpful ways to create patterns that are unique to you is to draw from your own creativity and imagination.
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Rather than pulling inspiration from one source, try pulling inspiration from a variety of sources, then spend time noting what elements you like from each.
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Once you have your inspiration and visual note taking done, tuck that away and simply start playing and experimenting with the ideas. This process can help you come up with something that is uniquely yours, has your own voice, and will allow your style to start to shine through the work you create.
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Don’t be afraid to spend as much time as you need in the experiment and playing phase!
It really is the best part of the creative journey.
Talk soon!
Fleur & Ryann

If you would like more tips to develop your art practice sign up here!

Join Us!

Creative Brief Member Spotlight

Creative Brief Member Spotlight

by | Nov 13, 2023 | News & Announcements

Creative Brief Member Spotlight

Artist Spotlight Astrid Blanchard

Astrid is an illustrator and surface pattern designer born in Estonia, but living in France.

She just finished the Immersion course by Bonnie Christine during which she created her first mini-collection; ‘Life in the seaside’.

If you would love to see more of Astrid’s designs click here

 

I love how well Creative Studio Collective Design Briefs are structured and how beautifully all of the inspiration boards are put together.

I also love having different perspectives to approach a theme.

My top tip, especially if you are just starting out, is to start small so that you don’t get stuck in the overwhelm. Once you get started you will find that the design process  flows by itself.

We love hearing from our Portfolio Building Creative Design Brief members on how they love our Design Briefs & their hot tips for working with them! if you are a member & would love to be featured submit below.

Submit Here

If you are not a member yet & would love to learn more about our amazing design tool to help you build your portfolio like a pro then click the button below to learn more.

At Creative Studio Collective, we’re all about crafting fantastic design tools for Surface Pattern Designers, Textile Designers, Artists & creatives that support you on your creative journey, allowing you to focus on the enjoyable aspects while we handle all the strategic thinking and planning for you! 

Learn More Here