Picture libraries and artist agencies are not just a great source of imagery for greeting card publishers, but due to their wide reach into other fields are also quick to gauge design trends and influences on the aesthetic.
Here, Jehane Boden Spiers, founder of Jehane Ltd shares what she feels will be driving design tastes and reveals a trio of trends.
Movers & shakers 2020
“Now more than ever before, it’s impossible to discuss trends without referring to social factors. Arguably the biggest influence on art and design will be the ongoing importance of our relationship with nature; our concerns around sustainability and climate change.
With the Tokyo Olympics we will undoubtedly see an increase in licensees publishing Japanese-inspired designs. While the Tate will celebrate our introspection and search for change with a major new exhibition by JMW Turner. 2020 is the year that Turner will appear on the new £20 bank note!”
Key art & design trends 2020
A gentle sentiment: “The use of words will continue to be popular and connect audiences young and old. I’ve been discussing this trend with my artists and our feeling is that in 2020 the emphasis will be on a gentler use of words. It will be more popular to use phrases which incorporate references to kindness or be words which we might say quietly to ourselves. As my artist Lee Foster-Wilson has noted, people will react better to quotes that are softly encouraging and accepting rather than ones which are strongly motivational. ‘In a gentle way, you can shake the world’ (Mahatma Gandhi).”
Magic & mysticism: “The trend for mysticism was set by Gucci’s famous Spring/Summer show in 2018 and shows no sign of wavering. No doubt a reaction to political uncertainty, the trend for divination will be strong in 2020. We will see an emphasis of designs inspired by tarot reading and palmistry. This trend is an extension of the concerns around nature and sustainability. Our search for harmony will see an increase on books and designs about mysticism, the solar system, and how the stars came to be.”
Wabi Sabi: “The 2020 Olympics in Japan will see an increase in the popularity of ‘Wabi Sabi’. In traditional Japanese aesthetics ‘Wabi Sabi’ is a world view centred on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Sometimes described as one of beauty that is ‘imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete’. This trend includes an interest in oriental spiritual practices, reflected in simpler interiors and designs. It will also incorporate an increase in using natural elements and textures. Moss, mould, fungi and illustrations made of natural forms will be popular. Indeed, this aesthetic is a kick-back against the relentless pursuit of perfection in both life and social media. This trend aims to re-connect us with nature and what’s really important.”
Top: Jehane Boden Spiers
