As someone who loves to work with clay, you know there is always something new to learn. Whether you are a beginner or clay expert, keeping up with upcoming trends is a great way to improve your skills and stay ahead of the curve. But with so many different sources of information, it can take time to figure out where to start. Here are a few tips on researching upcoming clay art trends.
Social Media
We all know that social media is a great way to find upcoming trends. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are great for this because they’re visual. You can quickly scroll through and get a feel for what’s popular. Follow the official Sculpey social media accounts and look for hashtags like #HowDoYouSculpey to get started.
Another great way to stay informed is to sign up for newsletters from your favorite suppliers. This way, you’ll know about new products as they become available. Plus, most companies offer exclusive discounts and promotions to newsletter subscribers, so you can save money while staying up-to-date.
Finally, don’t forget the original “social media,” old-fashioned word-of-mouth. Talk to your friends and fellow crafters to see their work. You may be surprised at how much you can learn by seeing what others are doing.
Trade Shows and Conventions
If you want to get a sense of what’s trending in the world of polymer clay arts, attending trade shows and conventions is a great way to do it. These events bring together vendors from all over the world, so you’ll have a chance to see (and touch!) products that aren’t available in your local stores. Plus, you can talk to the creators and get first-hand information about what’s popular and coming down the pipeline.
There are trade shows and conventions for all sorts of crafts, so you’re sure to find one that’s a good fit for you. A simple Google search will help you locate events near you.
Local Artisans
If you’re short on time or money to attend a trade show or convention, don’t worry! You can still get great information by talking to artisans at local markets. These people are at the forefront of trends, so they’ll be able to give you insight into what’s popular and what’s up and coming.
Make sure you convey the right attitude when talking to other artists. You’ll find that most vendors look unfavorably on copycats but are perfectly happy to discuss fun new ways to utilize Sculpey in your designs. Also, never underestimate how far offering to discuss techniques and ideas over a bought coffee or beverage will go!
By following these tips, you’ll stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing world of polymer clay arts. Be sure to experiment with new techniques and materials, and always be open to learning from others. With a little effort, you’ll be able to take your skills to the next level.
