The Designers' Desk

A Pulse on the Industry and Current Trends

April 2025

IF IT WALKS LIKE A DUCK, AND QUACKS LIKE A DUCK

I'm not talking about ducks. I actually mean geese. The English goose is a new and emerging design trend gaining momentum in home, fabric, and stationary markets, replacing the chicken craze. I have seen some designers try to make the argument that swans are in the same rising boat. I have to say I'm not seeing it yet. It's like trying to make "fetch" happen. I don't know that it's going to happen.

Chickens will still be around, but they are being dethroned.

THE SAFE BET

As certain as I am that the sun will rise, I am certain that a citrus theme will always be a safe bet if you're looking to create something summery, fresh and bright. I don't see how you can go wrong with a subject matter that dates back as old as time itself, ever since art has been created. Now you can be a little daring and render it in a non-traditional color, and it will either be a definite hit or a definite no.

TOOT AWAY

A recent experience of mine has brought to light a subject that needs addressed for all of us designers that you likely care about and may have fallen victim to without even knowing it.

I mistakenly assumed that a creative director understood ALL of my professional skills by the content of my posts and the final product details of my portfolio. I figured that anyone looking at the finished product could understand all of the skills involved to achieve said outcome. Do not make that mistake and assume they know. In the case of art directors, not all art directors are artists. Beyond that, you do not know the scope of their professional history or lack thereof. Keeping the story short, they quickly moved on without a second glance because they were no doubt overwhelmed with other eager candidates, not understanding that I was more than capable of fulfilling the duties of their project and more.

Moral of the story—don't assume that people know your skills. Nine percent of adults cannot tie their shoes. This is not satire. There is a growing gap between competent and very incompetent. Make sure you clearly define where you stand. This is more than tooting your own horn. Not only should you be listing the skills in your field, but any other skills that you have acquired elsewhere, including soft skills. This gives all of your experience credibility and shows a more enhanced, defined background.

In the case of a designer, make it clear that this is your dedicated career, if this is true, versus a spur-of-the-moment hobby that you just decided to take up. Your work should make this obvious, as the market is over-saturated with mediocre, entry-level designs. The market is not over-saturated with professional-level designs. Shine a light on your skills that cannot be seen when only looking at you art.

For those that are entry-level, this is your pep talk. Let the industry know that you are serious and dedicated. Ask for feedback and be open to constructive criticism and direction. With an attitude of guided evolution, you will get there.

AI WILL NOT BE KING

With all of the angst surrounding the uncertainty of AI, I am here with some words of rationalism. I dare to say it. AI will not reign supreme in all things.

Here's why.

I'm not here to gaslight. The advances in AI are pretty incredible. With that being said, it has its place in systems and applications, but it does not and will not rule the world everywhere, including in the art and design world. It is pretty fun making AI generated artwork or music, however; the novelty quickly wears off after you've generated as many silly ideas as you can think of.

People care about the achievements and creations of people. The human experience cannot be generated by a robot. No one cares about a robot car winning a race, or a robot playing and winning in a sport. It's cool to the few in the tech industry, but it does not make for good or interesting entertainment, and most of all, art.

We care about the struggle and the overcoming—the trials and tribulations that we humans defeat to achieve what we achieve. Art is the same. It is important because it evokes emotion. It is sourced from divine inspiration. A robot sampling a large range of artworks to create something "new" is not new, and it is not creative. It is an algorithm. We will always want art created by people because it's for people, and not for a confined, robot-matrix.

TARIFF TALK

Tariffs have been a recent topic of debate for obvious reasons. If you did not catch my post on Instagram, I will give you the run-down now. In response to tariffs being implemented and changing literally on a daily basis, some wholesalers have made moves to bring some of their production state-side by launching domestic studios. One such company is Evergreen, with their studio launch on March 1st. The announcement was made by their CEO John Toler. They will be more fluid with product lines and changing the product selection as needed. This translates to art for product needing to be more fluid as well.

I'm delighted to bring you the insights that I discover and record from the daily scanning of articles, blogs and influential entities. I'd be happy to review and include any tidbits you come across that you wish to share. They can be emailed to: designerdawnblack@lightelementalsllc.net

I'm excited to branch out this year to connect and collaborate with fellow designers. Reach out.

Dawn Black, #DawnIt

March 2025

FAVORITES REVEALED

The favorites are being revealed, and it's not just in color and pattern. It's in the language, too. If you haven't used this word yet in at least one of your blogs or posts you may be feeling like an out-of-touch troglodyte or worse, you don't even know that you should, as it has been used that frequently by the most sophisticated of industry influencers. What is this magical word?

Bespoke.

It's a fancy way of saying custom-made, so get out there, and spread that adjective around like wildfire in your content. It's just that easy to use. You will feel obligated to raise your pinky every time you sip from your massive water bottle.

TRADESHOW ROUND-UP

A round-up of the winter home and gift tradeshows of January and February revealed that Gingerbread is the winner across the board for Holiday—fresh out of the oven and will continue to be piping hot in demand. The theme is gracing products in resin to wood as well as fabric prints. Gingerbread art is the spicy and inviting warm embrace on pillows, flags, puzzles, stationary, and kitchen and home decor.

WOODLAND MOTIF

Woodland motif is a close second—an enduring classic as a safe surefire. It offers rich textures derived from mushrooms, pine needles and berries with endless earthy foliage and botanical extracted patterns. Not to forget the colors from nature itself, like the bold reds from the majestic cardinal and holly berries. Blueberry Blue and Cotton Candy Pink graced many collections as their statement colors. Blueberry Blue is worked in with the Woodland motif in velvety ribbons, base colors and backdrops, and berry garlands and sprigs.

COQUETTE KISSES

Cotton Candy Pink—a sweet, sugary cloud dipped in dreams floats as its own fashionable category. Whole Christmas trees, ornamentals, garlands, ribbons and most especially, nutcrackers, dawned the delicious hue. Nutcrackers and crackers are big items in every major wholesalers' Holiday collections. This pink anomaly is a delicate but notable force in soft pastels, feminine patterns and sensual bows. The coquette theme is not only influencing Christmas, but crossing over to home decor, gift and stationary. It's a bit of French-country girl power in pink, pearls and bubbly spirits paired with wispy whites.

I SPY

If you are curious like me, you may be already thinking about 2026 and wondering what it has in store. From my looking-glass, I already see that Transformative Teal will be a power-color at play. The color will be taking charge, demanding attention and leaving a lasting impression in fashion as the bold color declares its place on the runway in crushed velvet and fine silks and in home decor as more than an accent wall as Tunisian carpets and ironwork and woven fabrics declare the vibrant shade.

The color trends for 2026 are not too far off from the colors of 2025 with some minor tweaks.

Dawn Black, #DawnIt

February 2025

GOAL OR GIMMICK?

We made it to February—hallelujah! Have your New Year's Resolutions also made, or have they fallen away already?

No shame. Take an honest look. Committing to big goals and breaking deep-seeded habits are quite the undertaking for a spontaneous New Year's whim that may not have been fully thought through on their difficulties.

So maybe a new approach is needed, especially if you can't go on being the same old you and/or keeping things how they have always been.

I have adopted the life mantra to always keep growing, expanding, re-evaluating, refining, and pruning away that which is no longer serving. It's a commitment to always keep changing so things do not become stale and stagnant, not only in my field of expertise but with life in general, that way other changes do not feel as difficult as well.

OPPORTUNITIES DISGUISED AS PROBLEMS

I firmly believe that difficulties are learning opportunities and there to serve to make me better. I also ground myself when things are great by reminding myself that everything comes in cycles and to be ready for each one.

This mantra does not look like running a marathon constantly. It looks like little improvements that I can do each and every day, no matter how small—on my mindset, my perspective, my connections, my abilities both physical and mental, and new skill sets. At this pace, when every new year rolls around, I am guaranteed not to be the same person I was a year ago for the better. To me, that's the best kind of pace and progress.

GROW INTO THE NEXT-LEVEL YOU

I did not adapt and develop these changes completely on my own. I've had some phenomenal inspiration, and some of those have been Dr. Joe Dispenza, Tony Robbins, Vanessa Van Edwards, Dan Martell, and Chase Hughes. By no means is it that the end of the list, but if you are in need of inspiration, this list is a great place to start.

Dawn Black, #DawnIt

My 2025 Forecast

2025 Colors

THE PRIMARIES

2025 is a year of breaking out of the boring—out of the beige, safe color palettes. It's going to be popping, literally, with Electric Teal and Canary Yellow. Dill Green is all of the rage this year. Look for deep berry colors of all kinds including Deep Cherry Red. I'm not completely sold on Alpine Oak but some version of this will be the neutral color, leaning more warm or more cool, depending on the rest of the color scheme.

IS IT THE CROWD-PLEASER?

Mocha Mousse has been met with mixed reviews, some elated and yet others groaning on it's lack luster. A light Whipped Mocha Mousse will be used as another neutral tone while a deeper Mocha Mousse will be used to satisfy those needing drama.

MAKE WAY FOR THE ROCKSTAR

Last but not least is Violet. While many others are settling for lavender, and don't get me wrong, lavender is a lovely color, Violet is going to be the rockstar for those wanting a bold statement throwing the punches and the popping.

Wow Factors

BAM

Look for Blueberry Blue and Pink Cotton Candy to be the wow factor colors that punch up many collections and color palettes.

WHAT ERA ARE WE IN?

Timeless Ornate is what I'm calling the era that we're moving in to—also referred to as Opulent Heritage. While Mid-Century Modern will still hold its place in certain design circles, lavished, over-the-top design is being ushered back in. Expect lots of layers and textures overlapping with rich, bold colors. People want busy and interesting and energetic. Over-the-top Christmas has spilled over into the everyday from wallpaper to fabrics to ordinary products transformed with busy prints. It will be here for a while.

GIVE ME NATURE

Biophilic design is also its own movement. Nature has become more than something lofty and whimsical—it is proven hardcore facts that it is essential for us humans to connect with it because we are nature. We want this in all aspects of our lives. Especially when we're not outside, we want reminded of it.

Animal prints never seem to go out of style. Though they may be overdone at times, they are never truly gone. We are back to loving them. From our clothing, toddler to adult, to our purses and wall art, we want them.

Dawn Black, #DawnIt

About every two weeks I send out new art, designs and projects that I am working on. Request to receive my latest work by sending an email to designerdawnblack@lightelementalsllc.net that says, "send me updates." Your information will not be shared or spammed.

My social media handles are on my homepage.

Light Elementals LLC 2025

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