To help you keep your artwork ahead of the game, we asked Cafelab to lay out some of the key trends that have been rising in popularity this year.
How do you discover new trends? And, above all, how do you understand which are right for you? Here are some tips to avoid mistakes!
Look for new trends
Naturally, the ideal place to hunt for new trends is the internet, and above all, Pinterest. Look for the most popular posts and match the right keywords, then you can create a collection of pins inspired by the trends you see. My advice is not to stop at just art and graphics, but also look at fashion and interior design. Here some 2018 trends that I’m infusing into my artwork:
Glitch Art
Glitch is the term used to indicate the random errors that corrupt an image and “Glitch Art” is the name given to works that are inspired by such imperfections. A glitch artist can turn any mistake into inspiration. Through photo manipulation you can create imperfect and completely original works. I love using eccentric and lively tones, inspired by the themes of unpredictability and destruction.
Global Tribe
Recently, there has been lots of interest in mysticism and tribal traditions—moreover, sacred geometry has become one of the main symbols of Boho style. It’s drawn on ancient esoteric, astronomical, or alchemical symbols, revisiting traditional amulets like the Evil-Eye or mandalas to create a modern tribal mystique.
Gems & Crystals
The trend of crystals and colored gems, such as agates or amethysts, has not yet lost its power of attraction; the bright colors, the unique nuances and the geometry of the stones, in addition to their powers decanted by the New Age are endlessly inspiring.
Era of Lunar Everywhere
The Moon and its phases are practically everywhere; alone or together with planets and constellations, the Moon fascinates us in its celestial evolutions. In addition, for some it has become a symbol and a totem of so-called Girl Power.
Tropical Vibe
During spring or summer season, floral and tropical style invade the internet. I prefer the second to the first, and I reinterpret it by stylizing leaves and plants and giving them improbable pastel colors.
Differentiate your style
When you seem to have found the trends suitable for YOU, don’t just copy them— study and reinterpret them according to the colors you like and use in your artwork. If you don’t customize them according to your style, they probably will not work for you.
Be social
Now, once created, it’s time to share any new artwork on your social channels (by the way, my advice is to have not only a Facebook page, but Pinterest and Instagram). Share not just your content, but the entire creative process (followers love authentic content!) and focus your attention on the social media sites where your customers are most likely to be.
Test your customers
Understand what your customers love by analyzing what they buy in your shop; focus your attention and above all your efforts on your best-selling products, and then push creative and marketing efforts in that direction.
And last but not least, don’t just fixate on an idea—experiment! The final step is to use what you’ve learned about your customers to develop a marketing strategy to increase your online presence and sell your art.
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