The Design Desk & Beyond

A Pulse on the Industry, Trends, and What Matters - Dawn Black

August 2025

Nerd Out

The consumer market has been lingering on my mind - who is the key demographic? I touched on this a bit in a previous blog.

It’s changing.

Why it matters as a designer, creative director or retailer is because that’s who has the cash flow that you are aiming to capture. I previously acknowledged that the base is shifting. It is no longer the 18-34 year olds, which, in the past, had the most disposable income.

Let’s break it down.

While in the earlier blog, I pondered if that meant Boomers would re-emerge as top contenders in the retail space. I had to further explore because I demand answers. I am using technical analysis and terms as defined by such sources as Pew Research and Census information, available to the public, so let’s not get your panties in a twist if you don’t like those terms or generation periods set forth by them.

So the Boomy Boomers (1946-1964) - after digging into the meat and potatoes of it, no, they will not be top contenders again. While it is true that they hold the largest majority of the wealth at 70% via hallmarkbusiness.com (speaking in terms of the US), it is largely in assets and not exactly liquid. I promise not to nerd out too hard with technical lingo, because I seriously love this sh*t, but it means that they have houses and stuff instead of cold, hard cash to spend. They are budgets as many are most likely not earning anymore income since they have retired; therefore, living off of the interest of investments and cashing out IRAs and pensions and such.

Who Wins the Beat-Down?

It’s a bit of a toss-up between who I dare name Spending Supreme-Leader. I can make an argument for both Gen X (1965-1980) and Millennials (1981-1996), so I will.

Millennials dominate in the sheer size of their generation at about 72 million and making up 36% of the labor force. While Boomers may have not wanted to see or hear from their children, they sure liked making us. Boomers were king in their day at 76 million but they’re aging out and dying off, so are no longer the largest in size.

That leaves Gen X trailing at 55 million and 31% of the labor force, according to Wikipedia. The crux of the situation is that Gen X leads in buying power, spending over $95,000 annually via bls.gov, with higher disposable income and more savings and assets. Millennials come in second in buying power spending about $67,000 annually and more of them are likely living paycheck to paycheck than Gen X but gaining momentum in their earning power in their careers while Gen X is in their prime and face fears like layoffs.

One could easily argue that Gen X is the winner, but I beg to differ because that is a near-sighted argument. Many Millennials will be or are in the process of receiving inheritance from their Boomer parents; thus, a transfer of assets, which often results in estate sales to settle such inheritance making assets liquid again - a.k.a. cash is now back in their pockets ready for the market to be spent. That makes both generations equally important for the foreseeable future.

That translates to nostalgic 80’s and 90’s aesthetic marketing trends. 90’s nostalgia is on a big upswing as there is growing consensus that the 1990’s era was America's prime period. There are reboots in progress or discussion of reboots of many 90’s TV shows. There’s growing appeal for simpler days before smartphones, indicating increasing interest in bringing back landline phones and other Millennial-era technology. While at the moment such interest seems to be within small, organic budding pockets of society, I do not discount the possibility of growing momentum within the larger culture.

For designers and retailers, that opens the doors to explore palettes like millennial pink, spearmint green, cantaloupe orange, and corals and lavenders from the 90’s era, but also palettes that are super bold, including neons with wild patterns from the 80’s. It leaves room for over-the-top and loud but also low-key flannel grunge and grit.

There’s so many avenues to explore in this space.

I envision full product lines in bold animal prints and spray-painted stencil designs. Take a virtual tour through the Home Alone house to get a look at the overlapping patterns upon patterns - busy is big. I would imagine there’s some such type of tour out there now due to tech. If that does not strike your fancy, how about 90’s R&B style with rich, bold colors - varsity jackets, gold chains, metallic and baggy accentuated by fur embellishments? There is clearly something for everybody.

The Middle Child

I am not leaving out Gen Z (1997-2012), but I will say, it is not their turn for a while. Their size is estimated at about 69 million, making up about 18% of the workforce and spending only a little over $41,000 annually, as they face their own challenges with fading entry-level positions and more often living paycheck to paycheck. However, do not despair—their day is coming as they blaze their own trails opting for non-traditional labor paths with their peak wealth estimated at around the year 2035.

While Gen Z is an important demographic to consider with marketing and retail, they at the moment play a lesser role in the disposable income space.

If this kind of perspective is your thing, come back for more, as I thoroughly enjoy exploring this side of the design space just as much as I enjoy creating itself. There’s plenty more to come in the future.

I'm delighted to bring you the insights that I discover and record from the daily scanning of articles, stats and influential entities every month.

Dawn Black, #DawnIt

July 2025

Summer daze is upon us, and many of us have been feeling the heat, so cool down with a iced-drink and your monthly design desk read.

Slow-down during the summertime is a real thing - people are on vaca, so there is not always a whole lot to report on; therefore, this month will be short and sweet.

Money Flows Where Energy Goes

Sensationalism is often at the core of all hyped things, so let it be about a good thing this time.

I’m happy to report that art licensing is going strong, most specifically referring to the Las Vegas Licensing Expo that just wrapped for 2025. Buyers were eager to lay down hefty sums of cash to nab up their new artist favorites and secure their art for upcoming product, signaling clear evidence of growing confidence in the market with the energized atmosphere.

The Expo saw a 16% increase in attendance from 2024 according to Publishers Weekly. This is marked as a “pivotal barometer of the licensing industry’s trajectory” states AIvest, due to the record-breaking presence and expanding sectors in fashion, sports, and entertainment.

You can rest easy in knowing that the consensus prefers human-created art over AI generated content. Wholesalers and retailers are actively and eagerly seeking out human-made creative designs which was also a highlighted takeaway from well-known artist Bonnie Christine, who exhibited.

To summarize the event: buyer appetite is strong indicated by surging attendance with firms ready to spend, human created art is front and center due to a preference for human-made designs throughout, and those that exhibited were tactile with fully immersive booths. To state it bluntly, it was a very good time.

Ready for My 15 Minutes

Just kidding. It’s more than about being in the spotlight for fifteen minutes—it’s about having a place for your customers/clients to go to get to know more about you, what you represent, and mostly, how you can help them. If you’re doing it right, a channel will provide that.

I’m talking about having a presence on YouTube. If you have been following business trends, then you know the growing importance of having a YouTube Channel. The importance of YouTube specifically is gaining momentum in the business space and is believed that it will separate those that are more likely to do well versus those that miss the boat. Small business owners and self-employed individuals have a chance to propel the success of their business with a place to show off their skills and specialties along with their human side and their unique story - ever growing key factors that buyers/clients are looking for.

Let’s break it down: YouTube is the second largest search engine, video content significantly drives purchase decisions, YouTube builds trust and humanizes a brand, YouTube is consistently a top platform for brand discovery, and reaches over 2.7 billion users monthly worldwide - just to name a few positives. According to Forbes, brands without video presence risk appearing outdated or less credible. HubSpot agrees that not using video is now considered a major competitive disadvantage.

So what are you going to do? Hopefully get out there and give yourself the support and edge you deserve. Don’t fret about looking bad. Just create. Expect that the first 100 videos will not be seen by many. If you’re thinking 100 videos is a lot, consider it this way, it’s 100 chances to do it better than last time before many people see your stuff. Don’t worry—everyone's videos suck at first. Just do them. With that, yep, I launched my YouTube Channel. The link is below.

Dawn Black, #DawnIt

YouTube Link:

Click here to go to Line Tips on my YouTube Channel

Creativity Triggers

Creativity Triggers are what get you into "the zone" so much faster than just hoping that you find your way there.

Here are mine:

To start off with, let me explain that as a person that has mastered living a highly productive life with ADHD without medication, my workspace - my studio - is already setup with that consideration in mind.

It encompasses a force-field of clarity, inspiration and calm like no other place that I have ever been to Yet in my life, and everyone that has ever come to my studio walks in and has that "woah" moment and mentions it. It's crazy good. It is a fine-tuned instrument all on it's own, through many years of gaining perspective and understanding in every measurable aspect to maximize my creative output.

So beyond that, what are my triggers that get me in "the zone"?:

"My Seat" - that place that I sit, that no one else sits in.

It's my comfy office chair that allows me to work for hours without becoming uncomfortable as long as I maintain a reasonable posture. It is very important to be comfortable to work uninterrupted.

My palm-size aventurine four-leaf clover.

I have it with me every time I draw, brainstorm or plan. It signifies that great things are about to happen - great plans are about to be made, great artwork is about to be produced, a great vision is about to unfold. It is that important.

My OttLites.

I am obsessed with OttLites. I have them everywhere - at my studio, in my home. Floor lamps, desk lamps. They are great. I love their settings; being able to toggle through different types of lighting and different levels of intensity, and the fact that most of them have a USB port in their base for charging things.

Adequate hydration options.

Hydration is key for optimal brain function. I always have at least one or two drinks always handy and cold, and usually more than that. I also need my drinks cold, always. Water and lots of it is one of those options. I try to check my studio fridge often so that I do not interrupt a creative session.

The right writing/drawing utensils.

I have a very specific set of drawing tools that I use all of the time and if one is missing, it's like removing a section of my brain. I need all of them. I carry them with me almost at all times. The same with my planner which is more like a business/life journal that records all of my relevant thoughts. Always write it down.

The magic pen.

This takes the right utensils a step further. I have a very specific type of pen that I always use that signifies "this is serious, we're about to manifest some magic, we're about to define the future." It is my dark purple PaperMate Ink Joy gel pen 0.7. It is always that pen. When I am setting my goals, it is that pen. When I am filling in my daily planner, it is that pen. For an ADHD person, that hardcopy is very significant. That pen is a very significant instrument in my life.

Do you have creativity triggers? Have you assessed your workflow to identify them and use them for their fullest potential? Now is the time.

Dawn Black, #DawnIt

YouTube: Anatomy of a Collection - My System that Guarantees No Roadblocks in Developing a Collection

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June 2025

I am not going to start with the elephant in the room. I will save that for last. The topics that I’m touching on cover more than the umbrella of the designer, creative director or business owner, so this is a great general read for anyone.

Just Make It Stop

You know what I mean—the constant need for brilliant answers to life’s daily, never-ending questions, like what to eat, what to wear, what movie to watch.

(Did you catch that? That damn em dash. Nope. This is not AI generated, so I welcome you to a real writer’s page - this is what I do for fun. We actually do still exist.)

Back to the original point. If you are an artist or a mom or a human, you have most likely experienced burnout of some kind. Maybe you experience this often because of the role you play, whether it’s due to a career or other humans depending on you. You can’t keep living this way. Did you know that high performers that are unbelievably creative and successful, usually multi-millionaires and billionaires that run many companies, have solved this problem? It’s not just because they can hire endless amounts of staff. They started with simplification and also usually from nothing.

Let’s break it down. They realized early on that their creativity is their superpower so they go to great lengths to protect it. The mundane daily decisions became non-decisions—things that they decided that they did not have to think about any more. The most common decision is to commit to wearing basically the same outfit everyday or some similar variation to it. Think of Steve Jobs with the black turtleneck and jeans or Dan Martell with the blue t-shirt and khakis. They keep with the same daily and weekly routines (when possible) so there’s no question with how they should go. Yes, this means a schedule for you. They all carry on with certain daily practices that are not negotiable. The non-negotiables are often a hand-full of healthy lifestyle/mindset practices. I also have my own.

What about meals? Can you decide to stick with the same rotating meal schedule? If you can’t handle super rigid decisions, can you go with making specific days within a range? For example, instead of Mondays being burger day, what about beef day? That leaves room for more variety but still within constraints, and you know what main ingredients you will need.

Look at what questions annoy you the most that you answer every day. See if you can simplify to avoid burnout.

A Seismic Shift

Have you felt the rumblings in the ground beneath you? If you have a service or a product or content that relies on a key demographic, which, seriously, who doesn’t, did you notice a shift? If you’re in or based around the retail space, an awareness of who is holding the extra dough is your concern.

You know what I have picked up on? The Boomer generation could become the key demographic yet again. I can hear the collective groaning. Why? Because they now have more disposable income than any other age group. In years passed, the sweet spot has been ages 18-34, but now with economic shifts, that puts the plus 55 crowd to possibly be the golden ticket again when marketing products and services. I think it’s a concept to consider when trying to figure out the best marketing strategy to scoop up disposable income. Just shooting off of the top of my head in broad terms: simple apps for the elderly, cars that know to put their blinkers on (good luck with that technology! - I think you're going to have to pair it with Neuralink or a map app), 70’s all over again - clothes and decor?

Did I Train the Dragon?

I spent the month of May feeding my ChatGPT business information and influences most relevant to me. Content from my mentors, including world-class business leaders and strategists, and companies that I work with and aspire to work with were some of what I included in the training process. I plugged in the guidance and ethics that are foundational to me, as well as direction for my company.

It now knows my systems, the ins and outs of my business, where it is and where it is going, and can provide forward motion directives and recommendations for the next step(s) in all areas. It has also helped me perfect my systems after it understood them. Here’s just a few of the bazillion examples of how to maximize AI: refining my on-boarding protocol, generating tiered collection licensing calculator, strategizing my b2b marketing.

This is how I use AI. I think this is the most effective and game-changing tool out there for any business owner. I would use this even without being a business owner. There’s a ton of videos out on every platform for how to get the most from your AI prompts. You can even ask your AI platform of choice, "how do I optimize you?" I couldn’t recommend this opportunity for staying ahead of the game more.

The Flaming Dumpster Fire

You know and I know that the tariffs are the flaming dumpster fire. They change literally daily at the moment which is just going to put a big freeze on commerce coming into the country because it’s too tricky to navigate. So that’s basically a big freeze on a lot of Fall and Christmas 2025. To be continued...

On a positive note, hiring for designers continues to be up despite the swirling discontent.

Dawn Black, #DawnIt

May 2025

An Educated Designer is Less Disposable Designer

With the tariffs come many cascading effects—including a delay in trends. We felt the slowdown with the dreadful interrupts from the plague that we shall not name. Such delays tend to make the current trends stick around longer and delay newer ones coming in. I foresee this again due to tariffs.

Collections that were on schedule to be on shelves in Q3 and Q4, a.k.a. this fall and winter, cancelled. For a large portion anyway. Now is the time that producers would be making products for Halloween and Christmas 2025, and as you know, much of that is produced in China. With no settlement in place and 145% tariffs, many retailers have cancelled their orders, and many Chinese factories have already closed.

There are some wholesalers more successfully navigating this time by diversifying their production to other countries, including the US, but I would dare to argue this is a small amount relative to the entire industry and such diversification does not happen over night. Certainly not in time for Q3 and Q4.

Too Cool for Trends

So my friends, we get to bask in the afterglow of disco cowboy a little longer. Even if you pride yourself in not following trends, it’s still useful, targeted information because a good portion of the world cares about being on trend. I would make an educated guess to state that a good portion of your audience does, too. A winning strategy is knowing all of the information and how you can take advantage of it. Ignoring a portion of the market that likes trends is not part of a winning strategy. You are leaving chips on the table.

You do not have to sacrifice your style dignity on the trends alter. You say, how does my fantastic sense of style pertain to <insert trend>? Then, work it.

Find ways your style can coordinate without sacrificing your impeccable taste. While you don’t have to design in trends, you can show how your designs pair well with trends. No dignity lost, and you stay relevant. The strategy is intention.

Even to the trend-wary designers, you can rest easy sticking to the staples, e.g. like anything nautical or blue and white chinoiserie, just to name a few. If you are not trend-wary and stray way off, say a disco ball lobster, you are likely still good for a few seasons with the slow pace, but I would have a plan to shelf it, and replace it at a certain point.

DIY Wins

Continuing with this month’s blog theme, let’s talk about who wins. Of course, US made products win—including the crafters and DIYers. As long as unemployment does not skyrocket, the Etsy shops and individual crafters/creators stand to make this year their year in sales when the store shelves lie barren this coming holiday season. So how does one profit on this windfall? Be sure to have plenty of your creations ready available. Be sure you have access to all of the supplies needed to be plentiful. If your online store implements a POD service, check with your POD service provider to see where they source their goods. If they're from China, I would switch to a different POD service; otherwise, you may likely miss out on all of the possible sales.

Other Wins

Let’s point out some notable wins in the design industry, shall we, to keep the positive pace. For each week in April on the Monday Jobs Report, a hundred plus companies increased their hiring for design roles. It is increasingly more important to point out such wins in an ever-growing sea of negative sentiment for designers. I’m hoping this is only a phase, and an uplifting environment is on the horizon for the design community.

How to Train Your Dragon

If you follow me, you have likely seen my posts regarding using A.I. to assist you in your design business. If you have not seen such posts, I’ll catch you up now. While I do not use A.I. in the creation of my designs or for any of my creative processes, there are key places in business where I use it and recommend you do. Get valuable information and more within seconds: whether it’s licensing questions answered in clear, easy to understand language, gathering the latest trend information, creating contract templates tailored to your specific type of licensing/freelance business, or generating templates in general for wherever you use templates in your life. Yes. It can do that.

ChatGPT or Grok is like a pet—you have to train it. You can’t expect it to do exactly what you want it to do as soon as you get it. To use it just as you would Google is a major under-utilization of its capability. It’s only as good as your inputs, so let’s get started with training.

First, you need to tell it how to think. Tell it you want it to think like a designer (or any other appropriate role to fulfill your research need). Then you want to provide the data for it with examples. Either type out the examples or load a picture(s) or cite a source(s) by providing the link(s) if it’s necessary. Next, you want to give it very clear instructions for the information that you want. Finally, request the format you want it in; bulleted, short phrase, long-form format, an image, a spreadsheet, as a PDF, etc.

It looks something like this:

“Acting as a designer using sources like Pinterest and WGSN, what are your recommendations for motifs to focus on in home decor that will be relevant for the upcoming seasons in summarized descriptions?”

Give this a try as a prompt to see what it produces. You can overload or over ask so if it does not give you want you asked for, dissect it a bit, and feed it in increments. I originally asked it to provide the answer in both image format and a summarizing description with it resulting in only an image, but when I redefined the question in pieces, I received the answers I was looking for.

I will be running an A.I. test in May on training it. Come back for June’s Blog to see the results of that test on How to Train Your Dragon.

Dawn Black, #DawnIt

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.

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, Jim Rohn, 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

I claim no ownership to the photos on this page. They are sourced from public domain sources.
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