2019 is about embracing contrast – living faster to live slow by adopting ever more intimate technological conveniences whilst placing greater importance on living simply, naturally and well. 2019 is eyes-wide-open vision, out-loud opinion, fierce determination and the evolving definition of innovation. 2019 is conscious and vocal, having fully awoken to our own solo journey’s towards sustainability and a deep yearning to bind together to derail, disrupt and shake up the norm by pushing for real impact. 2019 is extreme but respectful, vulnerable yet strong.
And as always, imagery reflects and is integral to any and all of the above agendas and messages. So, we’re drilling down on our top 5 image trends for the year ahead – bound to be seen tearing through your tailored social feeds one way or another:
Living Colour
Black and white is dated, sepia is long dead. The age of true-to-reality colour has even come and gone with the rise of photo editing and easy-to-use filters. Now the focus is a real play on colour. We see luminous colour washes, bright neon lighting reflective of modern technology and the introduction of one of Pantone’s most vibrant colour’s of the year: Living Coral. Which is likely to be used in conjunction with a handful of equally electric shades. Therefore, we expect to see colour so loud it manages to stand out in the current sea of soft, clean Instagram posts.
Co-existing with technology
Technology as an extension of the self was the brainchild of Steve Jobs and Apple has done well to continue this legacy, with many brands now fully on board. Consumers have never had access to so many affordable, wearable and therefore both intimate and highly-intelligent pieces of tech. All promising complete convenience and utter integration with our daily lives – we only have to look as far as Google Glasses, Amazon’s Alexa and every new product announcement at CES this year. However, this also renders us even more the ‘Always On’ generation than ever before.
Reconnecting with Nature
Based on the above, there is now a bigger need to literally switch off from our tech-obsessed lives. As cities grow and we feel further from the natural world, so grows the desire for the true solitude and serenity of the untouched corners of this earth. Hence, travelling is now largely fueled by a need to go back to what is simple and real. We are fleeing the demands on our mental capacity, physical capability and time. Holidays are now as much about regaining independence and reconnecting with ourselves as they are about unwinding or exploring a new place.
New generations are therefore choosing a new kind of travel. An immersive experience of a local culture that is a true release from our everyday lives. We are grateful for these authentic spaces and so more likely to forge deeper emotional connections with them and in turn, protect them. We’re also then more conscious and considerate in our travels and interactions with nature.
Personal Responsibility
With employees and consumers alike spending more down time in nature, more eyes have been opened to the reality of the current state of destruction and internal fires burn to right this wrong. The overwhelming feeling of personal responsibility for social and environmental issues has translated into greater organisations and brands making real changes to ensure their own sustainability in this new world and win further loyalty. A wave of socially-conscious product offerings has even given rise to an entirely new, ethically-sourced industry. So, we predict further demand on transparency and eco-positive brand associations. What was ‘green’ is now a full cycle of waste-less solutions.
Evolving Femininity
Off the back of gender fluidity, we now explore and redefine what it means to be feminine. Femininity, arguably now undefinable, has broken out of its original mold and is succinct with strength, voice and unapologetic expression. This is reflected in how women are more positively and equally portrayed in the media – for their thoughts, passions and successes over their bodies. We envision multiple new avenues down which femininity will be explored as ideas surrounding gender roles, equality, parenting and beauty continue to grow.
Ultimately, 2019 is a face-off between robot and nature that becomes so intertwined it merges. It is life in full colour, with full responsibility. It is both self-awareness and self-expression re-imagined. And visually, the crossover of these themes along with the ever-new advances in medium and technique, will be nothing short of mesmerizing.
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