TDL News 2-3-20

Chelsea’s Challenge: Ocean

With a global focus on cleaning up our polluted oceans, WGSN is reporting that water is going to be a HUGE trend for 2021. This trend is forecasted across all markets, all age groups and all products. Please use this as an opportunity to focus on YOUR brand and YOUR style. Maybe you’ll go textural and abstract…or create some adorable sea life characters…or whatever else is going to feel most authentic for you in addressing this trend. Use this month’s challenge as a tool to add something fresh to your portfolio!

Michelle has identified three key stories within the ocean theme: Shells, Waves, and Sea Life. You are welcome to design with just one of these stories in mind, or to combine them into a more general ocean-themed pattern collection. Take a closer look at some of WGSN’s suggestions for each of these stories (but as always, feel free to branch out and explore!)

Take a closer look at this design challenge here.

Recording Posted: Launching a Product Line with Juliet Meeks

In this insightful presentation Juliet shares an overview of her process, starting from the product idea to shipping the final product to the customer. This includes tips for sourcing materials, determining your retail price, photography, marketing, and more.

Juliet is the owner of Juliet Meeks Design, an art and surface design studio she has been working on full-time since 2015. She’s based in her hometown of New Orleans, and creates a stunning array of original paintings and products adorned with her signature style.

Watch her presentation here.

Recording Posted: Using Gradients, Glitter and Shine in Illustrator

In this live training Laura Coyle shows us how to use gradients and glitter textures in Adobe Illustrator. This information packed training is a must see for those of you who want to achieve that trendy look in your work!

Watch the recording here.

And mark your calendars! Laura’s next presentation will be on 2-25-20 at 11am Eastern.

Weekly Art Critiques. Please join the TDL community on THURSDAY at 1 PM Eastern for a live art critique. Our art critiques are fun events where Lab members come together to review artwork and ask questions about pattern design, marketing and sales. A registration link will be emailed the morning of the critique and will also be posted in our Weekly Art Critique forum. Textile Design Lab members can watch past critiques here.