From luxe living to demure decor, viral videos to digital detoxing, some of the biggest trends of 2024 sat on opposite ends of the spectrum. And, similarly, as we step into a new year, creativity is meeting a moment of duality. On one hand, people are searching for escapism – a way to transcend the boundaries of the everyday. On the other, there’s an equally powerful yearning for connection, nostalgia, and meaning in a world that’s increasingly digitised. The Adobe Creative Trends of 2025 Forecast captures this tension beautifully, spotlighting four key trends that promise to transform how we tell stories, engage audiences, and build worlds. The forecast paints a fascinating picture of how art and technology are evolving. Whether you’re a creator, brand strategist, or just someone curious about the future of design, these trends are shaping the way we connect.
Fantastic Frontiers: Exploring the Limitless
With a growing number of online consumers seeking escapism, the first of the Adobe Creative Trends of 2025 – Fantastic Frontiers – brings us magical worlds filled with surreal possibilities. This trend is fuelled by advancements in generative AI, which enables artists to stretch the boundaries of imagination. Think digital dreamscapes, ethereal creatures, and hyper-realistic sci-fi settings that transport viewers to realms beyond the constraints of reality.
This isn’t just for gaming anymore. Fantastic Frontiers is influencing everything from commercial advertising to digital story telling, creating visuals that captivate by offering an escape from the everyday. For creators, this trend opens endless opportunities to embrace technology, merge cultures, and craft visuals that feel like stepping into a dream.
Levity and Laughter: Humour as the New Hook
Sometimes, the best way to connect is through a shared laugh. Humour remains a powerful tool in media, and the Levity and Laughter trend shows that audiences crave lighthearted, relatable content. In fact, funny ads are 90% more memorable than serious ones.
Brands are taking note, using playful, meme-like humour to humanise their messaging and foster genuine connections. From comedy-driven campaigns to viral TikTok trends, this approach not only engages but also invites sharing, amplifying reach. Whether addressing heavy topics with a dash of wit or creating whimsical content purely for entertainment, this trend celebrates the universal language of laughter.
Time Warp: Nostalgia Meets Futurism
Blending the past with visions of the future, the Time Warp trend captures the imagination with retro-futuristic styles. From ancient Rome to the roaring twenties and disco era seventies, creators are remixing historical aesthetics with modern elements, offering a nostalgic yet innovative vibe.
Generative AI has played a pivotal role in this movement, making it easier for creators to juxtapose eras and experiment with visuals that evoke both familiarity and wonder. Whether it’s a neon-lit Gatsby-inspired campaign or a groovy space age editorial, Time Warp’s charm lies in its ability to transport audiences to a reimagined timeline – one that feels comfortingly nostalgic yet thrillingly futuristic.
Immersive Appeal: Beyond the Screen
As our digital lives grow, so does the fatigue of constant screen time. Enter Immersive Appeal, a trend that pushes creators to think multi-sensorially. This isn’t just about visuals; it’s about touch, sound, and even smell.
From immersive art installations to experiential shopping, brands are crafting worlds that envelop the audience. Case in point: the wildly successful Barbie marketing phenomenon, which turned a single film into an all-encompassing cultural event. This kind of world-building lets audiences step into fully realised universes, creating joy, wonder, and a much-needed break from passive scrolling.
For creators, Immersive Appeal encourages innovation, inviting audiences to feel their work rather than just view it. Whether through AR/VR experiences or interactive story telling, this trend is a call to reimagine how we connect in a multi-sensory way.
