Four things, and various musings for creative in 2025.
It’s a new year, you know that by now.
Starting the year by looking ahead is always exciting. In the world of creativity, 2025 promises to be an interesting one. Whether creatives will embrace or shun AI this year remains to be seen. Will it fade into the background, remembered as just another fleeting trend? Or will it transform the creative landscape? We’re not sure yet.
What we do know is that 2025 will be an intriguing year for the creative industry. So, let’s dive into the trends set to shape it.
1. Biophilic Design
Singapore’s Changi Jewel Airport, taken from Dezeen, https://www.dezeen.com/2019/03/12/moshe-safdie-worlds-tallest-indoor-waterfall-changi-airport/
Biophilic design may sound complex, but it’s simpler than it seems—it’s all about integrating natural elements into architecture, interiors, and design. As we look to the future, the creative world is aligning more closely with nature. Climate change remains a pressing issue, and awareness of our fragile existence on this “spinning ball hurtling through space” is driving designers to draw inspiration from the natural world.
We’re already seeing biophilic design flourish in urban areas and constrained spaces, where innovative solutions like living walls, green roofs, and "bringing the outside in" are becoming staples of architectural and interior briefs.
While the concept isn’t new, its prominence is growing, with creatives across industries embracing nature as both a theme and a necessity.
Case studies:
Singapore’s Changi Jewel Airport, where lush greenery and a cascading indoor waterfall redefine transit spaces.
IKEA’s sustainable furniture lines incorporating natural textures and modular, plant-friendly designs.
2. Maximalist Aesthetics
Hotel Les Deux Gares in Paris, designed by Luke Edward Hall.
In a world dominated by algorithms and sameness—thank you, social media—maximalism is poised for a resurgence. Look around: minimalist designs, stripped of their philosophical depth, have turned into an overused marketing aesthetic. Faux minimalism is everywhere, from high-street fashion to interior design, resulting in a sea of sameness.
While minimalism has its virtues, 2025 is all about the bold and the unapologetically extra. Enter maximalism: the antithesis of minimalism, with vibrant colors, clashing patterns, and richly layered designs that verge on kitsch.
Maximalism isn’t just about visual drama—it’s a celebration of individuality. It pushes back against monotony, bringing variety back to everyday life. Remember when cars came in colors beyond white, gray, and black? Or when interiors weren’t just fifty shades of taupe? Maximalism invites us to embrace the messy, eclectic, and vibrant.
Even branding is shifting. Haute labels like Saint Laurent and Burberry, which adopted pared-down, sans-serif logos in the 2010s, are now revisiting expressive, more daring aesthetics.
In 2025, expect creativity to explode in bold, intricate patterns and palettes that evoke a rich visual experience.
3. Craft Revival and Homemade authenticity
Earl of East candle, hand poured in London.
The focus on artisanal craftsmanship isn’t going anywhere. In an era where efficiency and scale dominate, brands and creators have an opportunity to pivot toward craftsmanship and authenticity.
Consumers increasingly value the journey behind a product as much as the product itself. They want to understand the passion and artistry that went into its creation. This shift reflects a growing rejection of mass production in favor of meaningful, well-crafted goods.
Consider the revival of hand-thrown pottery, artisanal textiles, and bespoke furniture. These items tell a story, connecting consumers to the process and the people behind them. For brands, this means transparency: showcasing the steps, effort, and care in production.
Without this authenticity, brands risk appearing insincere—especially when it comes to sustainability. Craftsmanship isn’t just a trend; it’s an ethos that’s here to stay.
4. Experimental Typography and Graphic Design
Hopefully, 2025 is the year brands break free from the cookie-cutter design mold. Over the past decade, UX and CX have prioritized functionality and efficiency, but in doing so, many brands have sacrificed originality.
Websites, apps, and digital experiences all feel eerily similar: safe, predictable, and, frankly, boring. The same sans-serif fonts. The same layouts. The same drip-feed of emails.
In 2025, it’s time for creativity to reclaim its edge. Experimental typography and graphic design offer an opportunity for brands to stand out. Think unconventional fonts, bold layouts, and even kinetic typography that interacts with users dynamically.
The goal? To create distinctive, memorable experiences that challenge design norms.
Instead of conforming to trends, brands should forge their own paths, embracing risk and individuality in their visual storytelling.
As we move through 2025, these creative trends will shape the way we design, create, and connect with the world. From embracing nature through biophilic design to celebrating individuality with maximalism and craftsmanship, this year promises to be a bold step forward for the creative industry.
Let’s hope brands and creators seize this moment to take risks, break free from conventions, and bring fresh, meaningful ideas to life.