1. Mocha, Rococo, and the art of zigs and zags.

’Tis the season for trend forecasts, and Pinterest’s 2025 lineup is here to fuel your next creative brainstorm. Expect Rococo-inspired decadence, mood-based color palettes, and earthy, sustainable vibes to dominate our feeds. Pantone, never one to miss the trend train, also dropped its 2025 Color of the Year: “Mocha,” a rich, cozy hue destined to caffeinate brands everywhere.

Here’s the thing, though— trends are tools, not rules. While it’s good to know where culture’s heading, the standout work often zigs when everyone else zags (or is it the other way around?). So, study them, remix them, or break them. Sometimes, the best way to capture attention is to color outside the (Pantone) lines.

2. Red light, green light: will brands survive Squid Games?

As Squid Game’s second season looms, brands are lining up to join the frenzy. McDonald’s is dishing out Korean BBQ McNuggets with a side of Dalgona candy. Domino’s is handing out “Emergency Pizza” to players with the lowest scores in a themed experience. And Duolingo? They’re turning their owl into a Pink Guard and daring fans to “Learn Korean or Else.” Clever, sure—but will any of it stick?

Brands love these “shortcuts” to cultural relevance, whether through celebrities, memes, or hit shows. But here’s the question: when the hype fades, what will people actually remember? Great branding doesn’t just borrow attention—it creates something so unique that people can’t forget it.

3. Forget trends, build legacy: Seth Godin’s advice for makers.

One of my favorite tech podcasts, Lenny’s Podcast, recently featured marketing legend Seth Godin, and it’s packed with insights on creating products people can’t stop talking about. Seth shares how to make your work remarkable, viral, and trustworthy. His advice? Good taste is knowing what people want before they do. A brand isn’t just a fancy logo; it’s a promise. And if you break that promise, congrats—you’ve just become forgettable.

The big takeaway? Don’t chase trends—set them. Build something so relevant and lasting that people can’t help but share it. As Seth wisely points out, success is about catching the right wave, not just paddling after whatever splashy thing comes along. Trust, taste, and timing—get those right, and you’re building for the long haul.