Art Licensing Trend Resources

Keeping up with art trends is a never ending job for artists wishing to license their art. If they get too far behind in using trends, their art is not fresh and new looking resulting in little or no licensing deals. That is why an important task for art licensing artists is to continually research the latest trends and implement them in their art. But of course, not all trends fit each artist's art style, color pallet and the industry the art is created for. Thus, it is crucial to know when to use and when not to use the latest trends in art.

Existing trends can be found by looking at manufacturer catalogs and websites, walking retail stores and trade shows, and reading trade and consumer magazines. Potentially new trends can be found through trend forecasting publications and organizations and trend forward blogs. Below is a list of some resources that can be useful in finding trends.

Internet Blogs
• Design Sponge (contemporary designs)
• print & pattern
• Trend Bible (home interiors)

Trend Forecast Publications and Organizations
Joining the organizations and subscribing to these publications can be very expensive but  some information on the websites is free.
• Color Marketing Group
• Mudpie Ltd. (fashion)
• OPR News (fashion)
• Pantone (color)
• Springwise.com (new business ideas)
• The Color Association of the United States
• Trend Curve (color and designs)
• Trend Pulse (home décor)

Product Newsletters
Subscribe to free e-newsletters for latest press releases & download product e-catalogs.
• Gifts & Dec (free Product Wire, Playthings Extra, Direct from Market)
• Furniture Today
• Home Accents Today
• Home Textiles Today
• Kids Today

Consumer Publications
• Better Homes and Gardens
• Elle Décor
• Good Housekeeping
• Redbook
• Southern Living
• Woman's Day

Trade Publications
• Art & Design Licensing Source Book (licensor art)
• Art Buyer (licensor art)
• Casual Living (furniture)
• Florists' Review (also publishes yearly Christmas trends issue)
• Gift and Decorative Accessories
• Giftbeat
• Giftware News
• Greetings etc.
• Home Accents Today
• Smart Retailer (was Country Business)
• Stationery Trends
• Total Art Licensing (licensor art)

Trade & Licensing Shows
• Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market
• Craft & Hobby Association
• International Licensing Expo (brand and art licensing)
• International Quilt Market
• Surtex (art licensing)
• National Stationery Show

Linkedin.com (professional social networking)
Below are a few groups (Q & A discussions including trends) but there are many more.
• Art of Licensing
• Future Trends (products)
• Greeting Card, Stationery & Gift Industry Gurus

Related article:
"Art Licensing Trend Questions Answered"

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