Shutterstock users look for millions of images, videos, and music tracks every day, using keywords to power their searches. This data helps us uncover what creative projects are in the works—and in turn reveal the global trends that will define 2020.
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MAJORTRENDS
Major Trends reflect patterns in the data that predict overarching themes for the year ahead. The biggest increases show throwbacks making comebacks, a fascination with the mystical, and awesome power in a million blooming flowers.
Roaring 2020s
A century after the loud and lavish 1920s, the look that defined it is well on its way to reclaiming the center stage globally in 2020.
The Roaring 2020s
A century after the loud and lavish 1920s, the look that defined it is well on its way to reclaiming the center stage globally in 2020.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Art deco
- Linear Geometric
- 1920s
The coming year will include a decidedly retro twist. Ornate geometric shapes, elegant color palettes, and Art Deco elements are on the rise, reflecting the hallmarks of a bygone era.
-
+4,223%
Gold pattern -
+189%
'20s retro -
+106%
Linear geometric
Look to the coastal influence of Miami Art Deco for a twist on this iconic style.
The coming year will include a decidedly retro twist. Ornate geometric shapes, elegant color palettes, and Art Deco elements are on the rise, reflecting the hallmarks of a bygone era.
Look to the coastal influence of Miami Art Deco for a twist on this iconic style.
Occulture
Alt-faiths and age-old beliefs are enchanting Millennials and Gen Z, showing renewed interest in mainstream channels and on social media networks in particular.
-
+525%
Magic -
+289%
Spiritual -
+37%
Horoscopes -
+22%
Palm reading
-
+525%
Magic -
+289%
Spiritual -
+37%
Horoscopes -
+22%
Palm reading
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Astrology
- Occult
- Magic illustration
Occulture includes astrology, alchemy, palmistry, and other spiritual pursuits, with motifs ranging from the cosmic to the demonic.
Both playful and powerful, the occult can lighten the mood—or darken it.
Both playful and powerful, the occult can lighten the mood—or darken it.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Astrology
- Occult
- Magic illustration
In Full Bloom
Forget elegant arrangements and delicate displays. The floral visuals of tomorrow are big, bright, and in full bloom.
-
+141%
Flowerscape -
+136%
Bloom -
+83%
Live wall
THESE FLOWERS DON'T JUST SHOW UP—THEY SHOW OFF
THESE FLOWERS DON'T JUST SHOW UP—THEY SHOW OFF
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Live walls
- Multicolored flowers
- Flower letters
Photography with bold still life and footage of vivid flowerscapes is thriving, while typography teeming with plant life continues to grow in popularity.
RISINGTRENDS
Rising trends consist of keywords that stand out from the data and promise to gain traction in the year ahead. They range from design mainstays and traditional arts to elegant photography and modernized visuals.
Cannabiz
Say bye bye to tie dye. Sophisticated design has replaced the lava lamp look, upending marijuana stereotypes of the past.
- +154% Marijuana
- +149% Minimal branding
Say bye bye to tie dye. Sophisticated design has replaced the lava lamp look, upending marijuana stereotypes of the past.
From Scandinavian-inspired minimalism to simple, functional design—new brands are embracing the mainstreaming of cannabis.
Marijuana has matured and hemp products are getting new attention.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Minimalist product mockups
- Natural branding
- Organic vectors
Minimalist Black
Minimalism reigns and black is hogging the spotlight (or lack thereof).
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Minimal black
- Black texture
- Abstract black background
Dark mode is in vogue, both on-screen and off.
In 2020, designers will lean into black’s depth and contrast to create powerful experiences. Meanwhile, new and darker shades of black will allow artists endless options for stark minimalism.
Dark mode is in vogue, both on-screen and off.
Wild Life
A new generation is answering the call of the wild, and they’re documenting their experiences at unprecedented levels.
- +553% Hiking
- +368% Camping
- +325% Backpack and boots
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Wild journey
- Outdoor adventure
- Camping
-
+553%
Hiking -
+368%
Camping -
+325%
Backpack and boots
Fog-laden valleys, wintery mountain passes, and stormy seas set a vivid scene for this trend.
With increased interest in calligraphy, modern artists are also turning to the similar brushwork of Chinese painting.
- +118% Ink and wash painting
- +152% Cherry blossom illustration
- +74% Chinese illustration
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Chinese ink painting
- Ink wash
- Chinese symbols
Game On
With searches increasing for sports and fitness keywords, 2020 is on track to be a game-filled year.
-
+1,647%
Sports -
+197%
Running -
+161%
Cycling -
+150%
Boxing -
+120%
Swimming
Athletes are using their sport as a platform for empowerment and a catalyst for change, creating powerful stories.
One to Watch
Change is in the air and we can see it in the numbers.
Protest Art
Raised up on posters, sprayed on walls, worn on lapels—art spreads the message of a movement.
-
+465%
Inequality icon -
+70%
Environmentalism -
+48%
Civil unrest
THIS ART ISN'T FOR DECORATION—IT'S FOR DECLARATIONS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Protest typography
- Equality symbol
- Sustainability icon
Individuals around the world are raising their voices in protest. In 2020, we expect these voices to grow louder still and the unique artwork of these movements to become widespread.
LOCALTRENDS
ARGENTINA
#0000CD
EGYPT
FFF0F5
INDIA
00FF00
SOUTH KOREA
00FA9A
THAILAND
8A2BE2
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
0000FF
FRANCE
FF00FF
GERMANY
8000
SPAIN
0000FF
SWITZERLAND
0000FF
UNITED KINGDOM
0000FF
MEXICO
00FFFF
UNITED STATES
00BFFF
AUSTRALIA
FF00FF
BRAZIL
9932CC
