Influx

Websites are emerging that allow consumers to cash in on their creative skills. Originalsnowboardart.com allows artists to submit designs to sell on the site and consumers to buy original works.Cafe Press operates in the world of books, music, t-shirts and mugs and allows consumers to create their own products, but also to sell them in the marketplace.

It’s an extension of the brand customization trend highlighted by Influx and takes it to the next stage, where it allows consumers to create a business out of their creativity. It’s only a matter of time before a mainstream consumer brand moves into this territory, and lets consumers make money for versions of the products they develop.

In simple terms, it’s brands setting up businesses for their consumers.