Hey First name / friends!

 

I've been working on my 2026 Trend Report (coming to an inbox near you this January! 😉) which means lotttts of hours poring over the latest in fashion, music videos, and pop culture trends (Yep, these all trickle down to surface design!). 

 

Sometimes I still have to pinch myself when I remember that scrolling through Vogue is part of my job. 😅

 

Every year, I put together a new surface design trend report because I know firsthand how impactful it can be to follow trends with your artwork. Brands are looking for artists who can create fresh, current artwork with mass appeal. And that means incorporating trends in your portfolio.

 

But I know sometimes “trend” can feel like a dirty word. How do we follow what's trending without selling out or losing our artistic voice in the process?

 

Welp, I've got good news for you! It is totally possible to maintain your own unique style while still incorporating trending motifs! I dove deep into this topic in my latest blog post, and you can read more here! 

 

Since we're getting closer to Halloween, this week's challenge is to illustrate some spooky (or not-so-spooky) kitty cats! 

 

It probably comes as no surprise that cats are one of my favorite motifs to draw, and I've incorporated them into my portfolio a lot of different ways over the years.

 

I thought this would be a good example of how to draw something you love (cats, in my case 😻) while also incorporating different trends and seasonal imagery. 

 

My “Kittens & Shrooms” illustration was inspired by my parking lot kitties in Thailand, but it incorporated a trendy maximalist color palette, groovy retro icons, and popular mushroom motifs. 

I've also drawn other artwork inspired by cute cats I've met around the world that incorporated popular compositions like animals surrounded by greenery or animals and floral elements! 

 

It's important to keep an eye on what's popular while also drawing art that lights you up! 

Here are a few of the submissions from last week's camping challenge. Make sure to check out these artists on Instagram and give them some love!

 

If you want to be featured in this newsletter and on my Instagram stories, make sure to use the hashtag #CreateWithCatCoq on Instagram and tag @catcoq in the actual photo you post so I can find your work! 

Have a fabulous week!