Introducing the Pattern Observer Trend Forecasting Certification
We are thrilled to introduce Pattern Observer's new Trend Forecasting Certification Program, designed to empower textile designers, fashion enthusiasts, and creative minds with the knowledge and skills needed to become more empowered trend forecasters.
What is Trend Forecasting?
Trend forecasting isn't just about predicting what's trendy for the sake of being trendy; it's a strategic tool that enables us to anticipate and respond to consumer preferences and market shifts. It's a tool and a practice that allows us to make more informed recommendations to our clients or design managers and be more confident in what we are creating.
Why Trend Forecasting Matters
In a world where trends quickly evolve, staying relevant and innovative is crucial for creating patterns that resonate with your customers and clients. Trend forecasting is the strategic tool behind some of the most iconic and trendsetting fashion brands. It allows designers to tap into the collective psyche of consumers, anticipate their desires, and create designs that resonate with them. Our program unveils the mysteries behind trend forecasting, empowering you to anticipate market demands and create designs that captivate your audience.
Program Overview
Our Trend Forecasting Certification Program is an immersive 12-week journey that takes you deep into the world of trend forecasting. Whether you're an in-house designer looking to sharpen your skills or a freelancer seeking a competitive edge, this program is tailored to meet your needs.
What You'll Experience
7 Comprehensive Course Modules: Our program is structured into informative modules, each covering a key aspect of trend forecasting. These modules equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently forecast trends, giving you a competitive edge in the industry. All modules will be available at the start of the program and you are able to work through them at your own pace. You'll have access to the modules for 12 months.
Engaging Assessments: At the end of each module you'll complete an assessment to reinforce your understanding of the material. These assessments will help you apply your knowledge, ensuring you are well-prepared for the industry's challenges.
Valuable Resources We understand that learning is a continuous journey. That's why we provide you with access to a wealth of resources, including on-demand content, recommended readings, and a subscription to WGSN for the duration of the program.
Expert Support Our experienced mentors, office hours, and online support are here to guide you every step of the way. You'll also have a dedicated program coordinator to ensure a seamless learning experience.
Course Modules
Module 1: Exploring Trend Forecasting
In Module 1, the focus is on unraveling the significance of trend forecasting in textile design. The session navigates through the essence of trend forecasting, tracing its historical evolution, outlining key concepts and terminologies, and showcasing how it drives product development.
Module 2: Understanding Consumers & Markets
Module 2 delves into the intricate world of understanding consumers and markets in trend forecasting. It covers analyzing consumer behavior, decoding the psychology of colors and textiles across cultures, distinguishing between trends and consumer preferences, and conducting comprehensive market research.
Module 3: Mastering Trend Research Methods
Module 3 is a deep dive into Trend Research Methods for textile design. It covers primary and secondary research sources, trend-spotting techniques, leveraging social media and industry publications, and crafting trend boards and mood boards. This module equips designers to effectively navigate the wealth of information available, spot emerging trends, and create innovative designs that resonate with their audience.
Module 4: Color Trends & Palettes Demystified
Module 4 delves into Color Trends & Palettes, spotlighting color psychology's role, forecasting through agencies, palette development, and real-world case studies. The lesson navigates the impact of colors on emotions, insights into forecasting techniques, strategies for crafting harmonious palettes, and illuminating implementations of color trends in textile design.
Module 5: Unlocking Pattern & Print Trends
Module 5 unpacks Pattern & Print Trends, exploring their recognition, creation inspired by trends, and customization for diverse market segments. The lesson delves into recognizing emerging patterns, crafting trend-inspired designs, and tailoring textile creations for various audience segments, emphasizing the storytelling power within patterns while catering to distinct market needs and preferences.
Module 6: Creating Dynamic Trend Boards
Module 6 delves into the craft of creating cohesive trend boards by guiding through identifying trends, choosing board sizes, selecting impactful images, and refining through editing and revisions. The lesson emphasizes distilling diverse trends into a singular concept, ensuring clarity, coherence, and visual storytelling within trend boards for effective design communication.
Module 7: Effective Trend Presentation & Communication
Module 7 illuminates the art of effective presentation and communication in textile design, covering strategies to articulate trend forecasts, resonate with stakeholders, pitch designs convincingly, and master both visual and verbal communication techniques. The lesson emphasizes tailoring messages to audiences, using storytelling, and integrating compelling visuals to enhance communication in the design realm.
Certification Requirements
As part of your certification, participants must prepare and deliver a live, 30-minute presentation for members of the Textile Design Lab community where you'll demonstrate your acquired knowledge and skills in identifying, analyzing, and interpreting trends in the textile industry. This presentation serves as a platform to exhibit your mastery in trend forecasting, allowing you to display your proficiency in recognizing market patterns, consumer behavior, color trends, and design elements. It's an opportunity to confidently present your insights and predictions, validating your understanding and application of trend forecasting principles within a professional context.
Enrollment Details
Pattern Observer's Trend Forecasting Certification Program starts in the Winter of 2025 and is $2850, which can be divided into installments. To ensure the best experience, applications are required.
Is this Program for Me?
This certification program is an ideal fit if any of these profiles resonate with you: You currently serve freelance clients, work as an in-house designer, or manage an online or physical store. Having an established business or a full-time job is crucial for this program as it allows you to clearly define your customer base and strategize how this certification will contribute to your career advancement in the future.
Benefits of Enrollment
After receiving your certification, we aim for you to:
Grasp industry influences shaping buyer and consumer trends, comprehending how global dynamics impact these patterns.
Articulate trends more effectively to clients, customers, and colleagues, enhancing your communication skills in trend conveyance.
Gain confidence in your trend forecasting abilities, becoming more adept at predicting upcoming trends.
Receive recognition on professional platforms such as our new Pattern Observer Directory (launching Fall 2024), LinkedIn and your resume.
