Visual Trends to Watch in 2018

Since its inception in 2010, Instagram has slowly transformed from a photo-sharing platform into a creative, collaborative community that strives to inspire and unite users around the globe. Furthermore, this application has also become a breeding ground for up-and-coming trends, such as minimalism and the visual representation of Hygge, a Danish concept that encompasses a mood of coziness, wellness, and contentment.
Now that 2018 is in full swing, many of us are beginning to see new, almost editorial designs cropping up in our feeds. Seeing as aesthetics play a massive role in branding and general social media activity, let us take some time to explore the visual trends we should all be watching this year.

Silence and solitude
In 2017, Instagram users saw an influx of travel and wanderlust-inspired photography, typography, and other designs. This year will certainly be no different, especially as we all begin to feel the need for peace, relaxation, and a heightened sense of wellbeing. Therefore, users will likely encounter more photos of quiet, remote locations like lakes, forests, and mountain ranges as the weather finally warms.

Reclaiming representation
It is no secret that the trends of yesteryear are making a comeback today, and that is certainly no exception in the realm of art and creativity. The quiet, contemplative styles of Leonardo da Vinci and Pari Dukovic are influencing the themes of today’s photoshoots. However, modern artists are taking this opportunity to overturn historical stereotypes and replacing them with a more positive, inclusive narrative, with members of the BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) community at the forefront.

Impact photography
Per recent research, the number of smartphones in our world is set to rise to 2.7 billion by 2019, meaning more and more individuals will be offered access to high-quality cameras and social media platforms. However, we should not expect these users to dedicate their time to gaining a following on Twitter or expanding their LinkedIn networks. Instead, their focus will likely be on citizen journalism and impact photography, both of which are concerned with shining a light on important events within a given region, as well as eliminating room for speculation by perpetuating the truth.

Colorful creations
Over the past year or so, Instagram has been all but flooded with photos shot in crisp and bright, yet neutral, settings and natural lighting. While this aesthetic is likely here to stay, it will certainly be broken up by brilliant flashes of color, both in photographs and graphic design creations. After all, Pantone’s top 16 colors for spring are already creating a buzz in the fashion industry, so who is to say they will not influence our other creative choices as well?

Mixed mediums
Along that same vein, many artists are proving that the visual trends of 2018 are certainly not mutually exclusive. Therefore, we can expect to see more collages that strike an intriguing, yet unexpected balance between traditional photography and the bright, punchy elements of graphic design.
​
Clearly, 2018 will be the year creatives lay the groundwork for further exploration and expression in art and design, and encourage us all to break out of our comfort zones. It will certainly be interesting to see how aesthetics on social media continue to change, especially as new and exciting visual trends continue to emerge and inspire us all.