Hey First name / friends!

 

Trend forecasting is a key part of surface design, and today, I want to share practical ways to incorporate trends into your portfolio.

 

In January, I challenged my students in The Art of Collections to create a collection inspired by one of the trends from my 2025 Trend Report. 

 

The results have been amazing, and in honor of Valentine's week, I wanted to showcase two Valentine’s-themed collections that seamlessly blend current trends with an evergreen holiday.

 

Combining trending artwork with timeless themes like Valentine’s Day increases its licensing potential giving it both short-term appeal and long-term value. A balanced portfolio includes both hot trends, which can sell well while they’re popular, and evergreen themes, which remain relevant for years to come. These students did such a great job of blending the two and I'm so excited to share their collections with you!

Katey did an incredible job of using current trends like bows and the Pantone color of the year, Mocha Mousse, in her Valentine's collection. I also adore the mockups she used to showcase her designs! 

 

Check out Katey's website here

Kathy incorporated the opulence of the rococo style into her recent Valentine's collection. I love the delicate details in the spot illustrations and the lovely patterns that support them!

 

Follow Kathy on Instagram here

Check out Kathy's website here

Speaking of trends, I have some exciting news! I'm one of the guest teachers at Bonnie Christine's Immersion course this year where I'll be diving deeper into trend forecasting and how to apply it to the artwork in your portfolio.

Bonnie is a wonderful teacher and her Adobe Illustrator course, Immersion, is opening for enrollment soon.

 

She's also hosting a free workshop this week! It's called “Your Pattern Design Playbook: 7 Industry Secrets to Accelerate Your Success as a Surface Pattern Designer” 

 

This free workshop is going to be filled with great tips for surface designers, so be sure to check it out!

 

 

In celebration of Valentine's Day this week, let's draw some fun Valentine's treats!

 

Don't forget to share your illustrations on Instagram with the hashtag #CreateWithCatCoq and tag me @catcoq for a chance to be featured! 

Last week, I challenged you to create some luxe serpentine artwork in honor of the year of the snake and in line with current trends. Here are just a few of last weeks incredible illustrations!

Have a fabulous week!