Check list for what's trending!

So I created a check list that will quickly get my lungs filled with inspiration energy!

So this week, complete most of the list, and I am sure will I feel much better about where I am heading in my next design cycle.

Go check out home decor companies like -
ie. Wayfair
ie. Pottery Barn
ie. Crate and Barrel
even Target.
Especially go to the Mall (look deep into the displays - at the colors, the themes, the mood!).
Don't forget to go to Hallmark 
And any stationery store!
Check out TV show - look into the backgrounds of the sets.
What colors are they using ?
What themes?
What motifs?
Material used?
Textures? 
What popular words are being used?
Look at:
Fashion mags,
the gift industry,
and even jewelry.
What are the characters in movies and why?
Where do people vacation?
What do they name their children?
Check out all magazines, especially targeted at your demographic!
What are people talking about?
Check out Etsy,
Instagram,
And Pinterest.
Look at trend websites like
ie. www.colormarketing.org
ie. trendreports.com
Ask yourself questions everywhere you go!
Remember, you are not looking for you want to see, but what everyone else is seeing!

Discovering Trends!

After being deep in the throws of designing, writing, and publishing in the last (and very lengthy) design cycle -- I really need to get a breath of 'fresh' again. So as I start a new design cycle, I like to look around at what is trending.  Today I found some interesting links to freshen things up. 
I first found a color trend setter at colormarketing.org. I really like their June color of Capim Santo. Got to use that color -- and yes, I think it very trendy! I joined their blog and it should be fun to follow along for awhile!
I also found another site on trends though not sure they apply to me but nevertheless, it is important to look at EVERYTHING when studying trends. The site is trendreports.com.
Go look around the site and find the video of the top 20 trends for 2017! These are big overall trends for planet earth! Also look for more specific product releases -- some are very interesting -- though I'm really not sure about the men's lace boxers #2 trending today's IDEAS!!
Learn how to look inside pictures - look for the colors they are using, the style, the fonts, the names, the themes, etc. Learn to pick up on every nuance in a photo to find a trend!

Update! Apparently, the men's lace boxers trend didn't last more than yesterday! Sorry I don't have a link for them after all.  I