The creative industry is facing significant shifts as we move toward 2025, with professionals from various fields sharing their observations on current trends. From photography to mental health treatments, the emphasis is on returning to fundamentals, embracing technology, and seeking authenticity.
Haley Davis, a photographer, notes, “There is something so special about the candids, the photos you even forgot you took and see again once the film is developed.” This trend reflects a broader yearning for simpler, less curated experiences, where film and disposable cameras are once again becoming popular. Davis emphasizes how these raw images capture moments with genuine emotion, marking a departure from the overly-posed aesthetic often seen on social media.
Meanwhile, Scott Healy, who specializes in mental health, highlights two major trends: the increasing willingness of individuals to seek treatment and the availability of specialized evidence-based therapy programs. He states, “There are now specialized treatment programs... which increases the need for more guidance for those trying to figure out their best options for care.” With conditions like OCD and eating disorders gaining more focused attention, there's now more emphasis on finding therapies suited to specific needs, steering away from generic talk therapy.
Adding to these insights, Enki Nichols describes the aesthetics industry's shift toward bio-stimulating treatments. “Patients today are much more focused on natural, long-lasting results rather than just chasing a frozen or overfilled look,” Nichols explains, detailing how procedures like PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and collagen-boosting fillers are helping clients achieve healthier skin over time. This reflects society's growing preference for authenticity and wellness rather than fleeting beauty fads.
Rebecca Cullen, with decades of experience as a paralegal, observes how technology has drastically shaped the legal field. “Electronics have shortened the 'time on the water' and 'time in the woods' to mere cameras and small computer screens,” says Derrek Brown, emphasizing the evolution of hunting and fishing practices through technology. Cullen's experience reveals how remote work and digital documentation have simplified traditional processes, allowing more accessibility and efficiency, signaling significant changes from the earlier reliance on paper processes.
Moving to the design sector, Kameron Cates speaks about colors and textures becoming increasingly popular. He notes trends such as vibrant feature walls and artisanal finishes like Venetian plaster being incorporated to create dynamic, layered environments. This representation of color and texture is indicative of creative industries embracing bold expressions and individualized design choices.
Pavel Krikunov, who specializes in social media content, provides insight on the trend of natural, unfiltered videos. With platforms like Instagram and TikTok reshaping brand interactions, Krikunov highlights the necessity for brands to connect with their audience through relatable and authentic content. He acknowledges this simplicity as being immensely powerful, reflecting the desire for openness and authenticity from consumers.
The overarching theme across these insights is the need for communities and individuals to adapt and embrace changes brought on by technology and shifting cultural values. From the rise of AI edited marketing strategies, as noted by Alexia Bejarano, to the regression to original methods like film photography, the industry is learning to balance innovation with authenticity. Bejarano states, “AI will cut down on all the pesky, mind-numbing activities to give us time to focus on more exciting riveting projects.”
These trends collectively speak to the dynamic nature of creative industries. By fostering environments where individuals can share their insights and explore the changing landscapes of their respective fields, professionals are not just adapting but thriving as they move toward 2025.