I've been noticing something fascinating happening in design right now – While AI innovation rushes forward, there's this equally powerful pull back towards handcrafted work and genuine connection. But, rather than feeling pressured to chase every trend (who has the time!?), through insights from Creative Boom's latest industry report this episode shares which 2025 design trends actually matter for small creative businesses, and how they might best complement what you already do brilliantly. These insights from leading design studios reveal opportunities that play to your natural strengths rather than working against them – and isn't that the kind of trend worth paying attention to?

Key Moments:

• [01:53] Introduction to Creative Boom's 2025 design trends report
• [03:03] The importance of balancing trend awareness with authentic creative values
• [04:14] The AI-Human Balance: AI moving beyond ideation to final outputs
• [06:09] The counter-movement: returning to handcrafted, human-centered design
• [07:43] The #StarterPackNoAI movement as an example of reclaiming creative space
• [09:22] The return to physical experiences and creating meaning in a digital world
• [12:28] The craft renaissance: personalisation, sustainability, and technology integration
• [14:25] Design experimentation and breaking away from template-driven sameness
• [16:30] "Minimalist Maximalism" as an emerging visual approach
• [18:50] How these trends create opportunities for small creative businesses

Notable Quotes:

"The most successful creative businesses don't blindly follow every trend but thoughtfully incorporate relevant elements that align with their own authentic approach."

"This isn't an either/or situation but a rebalancing, where we're getting clearer about where technology adds value and where human creativity remains irreplaceable."

"Your greatest asset isn't about how well you follow trends—it's your capacity to create work that only you could make, infused with your combination of skills, experiences, and perspective."

Resources Mentioned:

• Read: This Week's Full Journal Post
• Previous Episode Mentioned: What's Really Working On Instagram In 2025
• Read: Creative Boom Report, by Katy Cowan: "Design trends for 2025: creative leaders share their vision for the year ahead"
• Read: Metricool's 2024 Social Media Report
• Ref: Photographer - Pippa MacKenzie's LIFE photo albums
• Ref: Design Agencies Mentioned: Wolff Olins Global (Brand Consultancy), Red Antler (Marketing Agency), Rosie Wilson-The #StarterPackNoAI Movement (Illustrator), Jamhot, Fold7Design, Design LSC, Tavern, Bedow, How Studio, DesignUps, SomeOne
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: [email protected]

Share Your Insights:

I'd love to hear which of these design trends resonates most with your creative business. Are you already incorporating some of these movements, or are you seeing different trends emerging in your specific field? Send me a message on Instagram I genuinely value these conversations and learn so much from your experiences, with many of these conversations going on to shape future episodes.

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