January: A New Year…
For us in the US of A, a new year starts in the dead of winter. A time when, here in Michigan, I have the desire to stay inside and be cozy. While the season doesn't necessarily inspire a fresh start, I still get into a contemplative frame of mind and feel a sense of new beginnings. I like to think about all that happened last year and all I hope will happen this year.
Business in the New Year
The confetti dropped in Times Square has people's wishes written on it.
Many Brazilians go to the beach for New Years and make 7 wishes while jumping 7 waves.
The word January is rooted in the Latin word "ianua" which means door.
80% of New Years resolutions are forgotten by February.
These are just a couple of the interesting New Years facts I read here.
In business, it takes more than wishes and resolutions to open that door into new opportunities! One thing I've found helpful is creating habits. I still have a ways to go on this but some tips from Atomic Habits by James Clear are:
'If you’re always forced to make decisions about simple tasks - when should I work out, where do I go to write, when do I pay the bills - then you have less time for freedom. Automate life as much as possible.'
'4 Laws of behavior change:
Make it obvious
Make it attractive
Make it easy
Make it satisfying'
'Best way to develop a new habit is identify a habit you do every day and then stack your habit on top.'
'Make it attractive. Pair something you want to do with something you need to do.'
'Design your environment to make the good behaviors easier and the bad behaviors harder.'
'Habits are the entry point, not the end point. Ex. The habit is getting dressed to work out, the end is working out.'
I enjoyed reading this book back in 2022 and I think it's time for a personal refresher!
Branding in the New Year
Along with checking out the Pantone color of the year for 2025 (Mocha Mousse), I've been checking out design trends forecasted for 2025. I enjoyed watching the video below and learning about these graphic design trends:
Trend 1 - Minimal Typography
Trend 2 - Utilitarian Style Design
Trend 3 - Surrealism Collage
Trend 4 - Bento Grid Design
Trend 5 - Gradient Grainy Shapes
Trend 6 - 3D Objects & Motion
Trend 7 - Rugged & Sustainable Style
Trend 8 - Digital Scrapbooking
Trend 9 - Ink Trap Fonts
Trend 10 - Doodle & Naive Illustrations
Here is another article I found interesting: Forbes - 9 Personal Branding Trends for 2025
ANK New Year Reflections
As many of you know, I worked in the fashion design industry, primarily designing womens clothing, for about 20 years. Last January I was in NYC, designing clothes for a new brand. It was a 2.5 month assignment and I came back to Michigan at the end of February. I didn't have another fashion job lined up. A friend mentioned to my husband that he needed packaging designed for his company. My husband recommended me. It was a great opportunity that propelled me into taking my transferable skills, learning new ones, and taking on more and more branding design work. You never know what the year may hold or what direction you might take. I'm excited for me and for you to find out!
I hope you have a wonderful January! Make a habit, get inspired, and I'll see you in your inbox next month!