How to Follow Trends Without Losing Your Artistic Voice

Every year when I release my annual trend report, I get the same question:

“How do I follow trends without losing my style?”

It’s such a good question because while trends can absolutely boost your visibility and licensing potential, they can also feel a little disingenuous. ‘Trend’ tends to feel like a dirty word in the art world. Some people think that following trends makes you a sellout or that it means you won’t maintain your integrity as an artist.

And besides that, they can feel plain overwhelming. You want to stay current, but you don’t want to feel like you’re chasing every shiny new thing or turning your art into something that doesn’t feel you.

But I’ve actually found the opposite to be true. In fact, the most successful surface designers are the ones who know how to translate trends through their own creative lens.

Following trends just makes good business sense. We all want to make an income from our art, and in order to make art that people want to buy, we need to keep a pulse on what’s popular.

Let’s dive into how you can make art with mass appeal without losing your style.

Use Trending Color Palettes

One of the easiest ways to stay trend-forward (without changing your whole style) is by updating your color palette.

Different colors ebb and flow in popularity just like motifs do. Pantone always releases a color of the year, and I typically include a few color palette trends in my yearly trend report. Right now, retro and maximalist palettes are having a moment, but if you think back to 2014 and the rise of millennial pink, palettes were more of a pastel tone. With a few color tweaks, you can turn an existing piece into a trend-forward illustration just using color!

If you already have licensed artwork that’s selling well, take a look at what palettes are performing best. Then, create coordinating pieces using those same colors. It’s a win-win: you’re expanding your collection and giving licensing partners more options that work well together. I did this with my Retro Sunshine illustration, which has been one of my top sellers for a few years now!

You can also get inspired by trending palettes in fashion, home decor, and packaging design. If you notice terracotta, coral, and sage green popping up everywhere, try weaving those tones into the subjects you already love to paint.

Color is such a powerful bridge between your personal style and what’s trending. It lets you stay current without compromising your voice.

Blend Trending Motifs Into What You Already Love to Draw

You don’t have to start from scratch every time a new motif trends. Instead, find ways to combine what’s hot right now with what naturally inspires you.

For example, I love drawing cats. 🐈

Right now, I’m seeing a huge surge of retro iconography like smiley faces and groovy mushrooms. So guess what? I can absolutely mix the two. My latest “Kittens and Shrooms” collection was inspired by my street kitties here in Thailand, but I wove in the retro vibes for a collection that feels perfectly on-trend while still completely “me.”

Or take bows. They’re everywhere at the moment! 🎀

Lots of artists in my community, The CatCoq Collective, (get on the waitlist here!) are incorporating bows into their work in subtle, creative ways. Think a bow on a teacup, a tied ribbon around a bouquet, or a small accent on a pet collar. It’s not about making your whole collection a “bow collection” but about giving a playful nod to what’s current.

When you sprinkle trends in this way, it keeps your work fresh without forcing you to abandon your unique ideas entirely.

It’s OK to Not Follow Every Trend

Here’s the thing. You don’t have to follow every trend. Not every trend will work with your brand, and that’s totally ok.

If a motif or style doesn’t resonate, skip it. Your authentic voice is your most valuable asset. It’s what art directors and buyers remember. Trends come and go, but a strong, cohesive style builds trust and recognition over time.

In fact, many of my best-selling collections are the ones that balance trend-forward details with timeless motifs. So if you ever feel pressure to incorporate a trend that isn’t a good fit, remember, your longevity as an artist comes from your authenticity. So stick with what feels true to you!

Focus on Evergreen & Seasonal Trends for Portfolio Staying-Power

When in doubt, lean on evergreen trends and seasonal classics. These are trends that never go out of style.

Think:
🌸 Florals
🍊 Food
🐻 Animals
🍂 Autumn leaves
🏖️ Coastal themes
🎄 Holiday motifs

You can make these subjects feel fresh by pairing them with trending color palettes, textures, or typography. For example, a coastal-themed collection featuring this year’s Pantone color of the year will feel totally current while still being timeless enough to license again next year.

Trends as Tools, Not Rules

Trends shouldn’t feel stressful. Start thinking of them as tools to grow your art business rather than strict rules that you have to follow.

Trends can spark new ideas, inspire collections, and open up opportunities with brands looking for fresh, relevant art.

So take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and keep creating work that feels uniquely you. That’s how you stay both marketable and authentic.

And if you want to see exactly which trends are taking off right now (and how to use them in your portfolio), be sure to grab my free Yearly Trend Report. It’s packed with current motifs, color palettes, and patterns to help you stay one step ahead.