Much like last year, it looks like 2018 is set to bring political and social unrest to much of the world. Last year we saw people react to this by escaping into the fantasy worlds of unicorns and fairy-tales, and I think this is set to continue. Mermaids and their fantastic, multi-coloured, holographic underwater worlds are one dominant trend we will see in paper products, as well as lush jungle landscapes far removed from reality.
The immediacy of content-sharing platforms, such as Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr give designers and artists access to a multitude of inspirational images, from Fashion Week catwalk looks to the most Instagram-worthy food trends and edgy street styles from Tokyo to New York. The richness of this ever-changing digital mood-board is, I believe, more likely to inform card and stationery trends than any other single social or cultural happening.
There key trends for 2018 are:
Brazen Botanicals
A key look will be bold, painterly jungle prints. Designers such as Gucci, Kenzo and Stella McCartney have all featured playful prints of zebras, tigers and panthers in their collections. This trend can be equally character-driven and also decorative, with more of a focus on lush jungle greenery and florals.
A Folk Art Union
Perhaps as a move-on from the ‘Hygge’ look we saw dominating 2016-17, I believe we will see a growing interest in the colourful motifs of Russian and Eastern-European folk art. Hand-finished elements, such as embroidery, pom-poms and cross-stitch will give this look a cosy, homemade feel.
A Siren’s Call
I believe the ‘mermaid’ trend we have seen on everything from hair and make-up, to cupcakes and even toast, will continue to make a bigger splash across art and stationery products in 2018.
