Trend forecast 2009/2010. Well, not really.

I have been asked to write down a trend forecast for 2009-2010. For some reason, people think that goes with the addictlab-territory. And, yes, well, maybe, I have the opportunity to discover a lot of great creative work from different cultures. And if you start from the premise that artists and creative thinkers are conceiving before the masses take over, then yes, I'm a bit on the first row.

But.
I have a problem with the fact that this is but passive. I honour the job of a journalist, don't get me wrong. The analytic qualities, putting it all in a bigger perspective is a true gift. I would put journalists above art directors at advertising agencies in the hierarchic scheme of creative thinking. The work of a journalist is of utmost importance to pass on the message, crunch it, explain it to a bigger audience.

My personal ambition is not there. My addictlab 'job' (now that's a contradiction in terms) makes me a consultant, a journalist (I have a press card), a publisher, an agent and what not. Interesting how people need a framework to rely on to get things defined.

I believe in a more active role in the creation of things. I'm naive enough - still - to believe that with the collaborative force and methodology we really can make sustainable changes. I'll write about next weeks event on the plane to Europe, Sunday night, but I believe the Live Addictlab session at the World Creativity Forum is of great value, even compared to the 28 books or more Addictlab has published since the beginning.


Creation? That would make me an artist, then? A young labmember from South Africa asked me to explain to me what makes a good artist.
The young talent that I meet and discover and that I believe could be big in the future, are all mature in their thinking. Complexity in their thoughts, combining their growing know how with their equally growing know not.
With all answers you find, you discover new questions. I'm not talking about craftsmanship. Students need to learn, since you can only step outside the lines if you know where those lines are.
I believe in what comes next in that process. In an artist's tenacity to follow a well defined vision. I'm amazed by coherence in their work, the dynamics of the creative process, rather then the artwork itself. I have huge respect for artists-specialists, even though Addictlab makes me a 'generalist' pur sang.

Enough said. The trend forecast report is waiting. Knowing the prices some trend forecasters can ask for lectures and workshops, it's something to get into. Businesses pay good money for so called trend gurus it seems.
And, I admit, it's not that my eleven year old start up (...) has been an economical success so far. It didn't even get me to TED. Speaking of which, I do need to prepare a lecture for next week too. On emerging technologies and the force of creative thinking and my answer to crowd sourcing.
Ok, the trend forecast 2009/2010 needs to wait. And if you're patient enough, you'll live it, in stead of read about it, anyway.