Hey First name / friends!

I’ve been feeling the retro vibes this month! We tend to see trends reemerge over the decades and one of my favorite examples is the resurgence of 1960s fashion. I came out with two new retro-inspired collections for Contrado and Swaponz this month inspired by this era, and my latest Skillshare class, Blooms & Shrooms is inspired by the trending motif of groovy mushrooms. I think it’s safe to say that retro is back, baby!

About two years ago I started to notice hints of retro imagery in fashion and design, so I started creating retro-inspired artwork to get in on the trend. And it has paid off massively! My current best sellers were born from recognizing the retro trend early. If you want to learn to strategically track trends to boost your sales, join me in my class, Trend Forecasting: Discover Profitable Design Trends Before Anyone Else.

This week’s #CreateWithCatCoq challenge is to create a retro-inspired illustration. Here are a few ideas if you’re feeling stuck!

I am so thrilled about the launch of my newest collection of products with Contrado! Contrado is a high-end, fashion-forward brand with an emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness. All of their items are made to order, which means products are not produced beyond need. My designs for the “Golden Hour” collection are all intended to evoke an appreciation for a retro-inspired aesthetic mixed in with modern touches. The collection’s vibe is positive, quirky, and free-spirited. Don't forget to use code CATCOQ25 at checkout to score 25% off your entire order! Offer expires July 31. 

With my new line of phone cases, you get three designs for the price of one! Each phone case comes with three “Swaps” that you can easily change to fit your style and mood Check out this video to see how easy it is to swap them in and out. The collection includes seven different sets of phone case designs, so you’re bound to find one that fits your personal aesthetic!

I’m always adding new designs to my Society6 shop. This month I’ve specifically added some (you guessed it!) retro designs!

 

If you’re selling something, you’re an entrepreneur. And if you’re an entrepreneur, you have to check out the workshop I’m doing with Audra King on Thursday, August 4th at 1 EST. It’s called Follow the Fun, and you'll learn about:

 

• My journey from traditional graphic designer to internationally known artist and teacher.

• What I had to learn in order to grow and scale my business from freelancing to evergreen courses and licensed designs. 

 

• Tips if you want to travel while working - whether 24/7 like me or an occasional working vacation.

 

You can sign up here for just $7. The coolest thing is that all the proceeds are donated. I chose Kiva, a nonprofit that allows you to lend money to low-income entrepreneurs. Every month for the past ten years, I’ve picked a woman from a developing nation and contributed a small amount to help her grow her business. Each micro loan is as small as $25 each, but with enough lenders pooling money together, these women can reach their larger business goals. Kiva harnessed the power of micolending and made it accessible to everyone. Help someone help themselves, too. Kiva is very important to me, so a big THANK YOU if you sign up.

I can’t wait to see your retro illustrations for the #CreateWithCatCoq challenge this week! Don’t forget to share your art on Instagram with the hashtag #CreateWithCatCoq so I can like and comment! Have a fantastic week!