Do you look out for trending keywords, colours and styles and use them in your work?
I have in the past incorporated trending motifs in my work such as owls, cacti, foxes, flamingo, geometric designs etc. I also used to look out for the Pantone colour of the year and use that in a few pieces
I haven’t kept up lately, so I have no idea what the ‘in’ things are now. I think I may do a little bit of research.
I did find that I sold quite a few of the more popular themed items, so following a trend did work for my style of work.
Interesting to hear that following trends and incorporating them into your work had a positive result. I havn’t ever done it myself, in fact I tend to veer towards Victorian more than anything else so definately not on trend and if minimalist is in my items definately won’t fit in, it would be interesting to see if changing my style or colour choices would be popular.
Will be interested to see what you come up with Sarah. Out of interest how do you find out what the popular choices are or what is in currently.
I haven’t done. The latest trend among crocheters is the Taylor Swift crocheted dress. To be honest, it’s a very simple design and unless very new to crochet, most people would be able to make it without any pattern. So many have written their own pattern for it but jumping on an already crowded bandwagon isn’t really my thing.
I must admit, I did try to swerve the rainbow trend for a long time as it did seem very oversaturated during covid but I finally gave in and made some little rainbow doves and they became one of my best sellers!
I used to just keep my eyes open on social media Debby @Bearlescent - especially instagram, to see what was trending and I also used to look around when I went to town to see what motifs were popular in the shops. (I hardly ever go into town these days though).
I know following trends isn’t for everyone as if you’ve got a set style, it can be hard to adapt it.
Thank you, I was just having a look on google to see what the forecast was at the beginning of the year.
I do like having my own style (in and out of crafting ) and wouldn’t want to make the same as other people as I like being different but I can see it would suit some people and it does depend on what you make. Like you my items are my own style which I much prefer.
I think you did right Carol @Knittingtopia in not joining the crochet dress trend, I saw a crochet bikini online the other day, I tried to imagine it getting wet in the pool .
It’s interesting though to see what’s popular, I can see how choosing colour trends could be a good idea especially with home decor itemsl
No ive never followed a trend. When i first joined Folksy i used Magenta, one of the colours of the year but it wasnt at all succesful. Im also very slow, so any trends would be long gone. Does anyone know the predicted colour trends and themes for Christmas ?
I’m another who never follows a trend, perhaps I’m missing something but I find it really difficult to paint something I’m not personally interested in, I’d love to paint more birds and wildlife but I don’t have lots of photos and worry about copyright if I used any images I found on the internet.
I occasionally pick up a phrase that I’m seeing a lot, and I do sometimes give a nod to current events (my ‘B-llox to Brexit’ teaspoon was a good seller for a while ) but in general no, I just keep on doing what I enjoy and hope that other people will enjoy it too!
Never - not deliberately anyway. I hate it on the odd occasion someone says I’m “on trend” it puts me right off! My stuff generally appeals to those who are (older) individuals who know what looks/feels right for them, not what someone else says they should buy. I’m always disappointed when one of my ordinary “safe” designs is sold rather than the highland cows or the umbrellas or something else with a bit of humour.
Youve got me thinking about the “trend thing” Sarah @dotterypottery. I dont think I could work to a trend, but Ive been thinking about my Folsky shop images. Maybe I could present them more on trend. Im always quite traditional with my framing but always admire more contempary ways of framing. I didnt know if gallery walls were still “in” but my young niece has just created a really eclectic one, with mismatched frames cheaply acquired some ikea some charity/car boot. I think repurposing is definitely on trend, which could also be conributing to lower sales.
I think you have to be careful with following trends. So many times these are copyrighted/trademarked. So much Taylor Swift stuff around at the moment, for instance, and she is known for forcefully and quite rightly legally enforcing her rights.
Trends can be killers of original art. I usually find the latest trends are of no interest whatsoever to me; if an artist can’t find much inspiration in a “trendy” theme, then their work usually reflects that, meaning that the work is so-so or mediocre (been there and done it). I tend to paint what I like and if it doesn’t sell, then it doesn’t; I just won’t relist it and it’ll end up on another website or in a local show.
I don’t think you necessarily have to compromise your artistic integrity by choosing a trending colour or theme and incorporating them into your work. If your style allows it and doesn’t detract from your established branding in a negative way then it can compliment your body of work (and sometimes generate a few more sales)
I appreciate following a trend is not for everyone but I do disagree that it is a killer of original art, If you are not just a copyist, your own style will shine through anything you create.
I am particularly liking the Pantone colour of the year for this year - Peach fuzz. Think I’ll glaze a few more things in a peachy colour! (I had a bridesmaid dress in the early 90’s this colour - I actually hated it at the time!)
I just do my own thing. Being a designer is all about setting your own trend and style of work. Very pleased by the way with my purchase from you the other day. They are for a personal project for my home!
I really like those gallery walls I also like it when people display funky plates on the wall like that too.
I’m sure there are trends in the way that products are photographed and against what type of background. It was only a few years ago that everything was presented against a near white/ off white background but I’ve noticed things are being staged in a sightly more rustic way now.
I use peach a lot in my embroidery, I love working with peaches but havn’t remembered to add the tag ‘Peach Fuzz’ yet when I have used them although…one of my exhibition entries was titled Peach FIZZ…not ‘fuzz’ but almost there and I never thought about it until now.
so definately not on trend and if minimalist is in my items definately won’t fit in, it would be interesting to see if changing my style or colour choices would be popular.
but I can see it would suit some people and it does depend on what you make. Like you my items are my own style which I much prefer.
) but in general no, I just keep on doing what I enjoy and hope that other people will enjoy it too!
