Trying out new things in 2024
Happy New Year! Is it too late to say that now that we are well into January? Well, as it is the first blog post of the year, I am thinking that it is still ok. I thought I would start the first blog post of 2024 sharing with you some of the thoughts and plans that have been whirling around in my head and studio over the last month. One of those thoughts is that I want to get more clarity and consistency in the things that I have been creating. With that in mind I have decided to start a new series this year in my blog and through my creativity by having a colour palette of the month. So, let’s dive in!
For the January colour palette, I have taken inspiration from the Pantone colour of the year, Peach Fuzz. For those of you that are not in the design world, each year different companies and trend setters announce a colour for the year. Pantone is a global company that creates colours that are widely used within the design industry.
My thoughts on peach fuzz
When Pantone first announced Peach Fuzz as their colour of the year in December, I wasn’t completely sold on it. I think part of that comes from the time of year, December is a time of year of all things Christmassy and wintery with colours such as reds and greens. However, in the design world you must start thinking and dreaming outside of the season, think autumn in early spring or Christmas in June. So, to really dive into the new colour I created some mood boards and initial design concepts to start to see where it would fit within my upcoming product planning. This beginning part of the journey is an exciting one, especially in January when all things goals and dreaming are the forefront of my mind. What a better way of embracing a new colour than to dive in and use it straight away.
The palette
The three main things I was drawn to when creating my mood board were: warmth, love, and flowers. The colours that I have chosen to go with peach fuzz really embody that feeling of love. After taking most of November and December away from the business I am playing a bit of catch up as I start the year and the first task of the year was to design my Valentine’s collection. Peach Fuzz works well in alongside the pinks and purples as we think ahead and look forward to the sunshine and warmth returning to us over the coming months.
All things florals
This year I would like to dive deeper into creating lots of floral designs, what better time to start than at the beginning of the year with my new Valentine’s collection. I started out by creating a flower filled heart and then expanded into a wider collection of designs, I just love how the January palette really fits with this design. I also think it is the start of a collection that could grow and be explored with more colours throughout the year.
Sprinkling in some cuteness
What better way is there to say I love you than with a little bit of cuteness. In a year where I want to find more joy and happiness, I was inspired to add something a little more heartfelt to the product range, and something that isn’t just for grown-ups too. The writing sets I have really helped me to do this with a few cute animal designs, which are complemented by florals to give that feeling of love and happiness.
To finish
We are only halfway through January (at the time of writing this) and I can’t wait to see where this colour palette takes me as I dive in deeper over the next few weeks. The next thing I am working on is a pattern brief and I already know that I want to create more within the style of folk art. This is a style of art that I really love, it already has a small emerging influence in the art that I create but in 2024 I really want to embrace that.
Don’t forget to check back in next month to see what I have been up to and what the colour palette for February is.