Free-flowing inkspaces, one-of-a-kind tie dye patterns, and twisting, surreal line portraiture show the embrace of individuality—and the imperfection—in digital art. Hang loose with this misfit crowd of textures, backgrounds, and illustrations.
Inkscapes
Currents of translucent hues, snaking metallic swirls, and foamy sprays of color shape the landscape of these free-flowing textures. The marbling techniques at play leave room for beautiful imperfections amidst the chaos.
Make a move- Alcohol ink 381%
- Fluid art 247%
- Kintsugi 140%
- Liquid marble New search term
Astonishingly adaptable—it's not set in stone, it's set in motion.
Stir things upTie Dye
The DIY breakout hit of at-home fashion is now claiming new territory in digital design. Tie dye patterns are an instant pick-me-up of '70s nostalgia with a distinctive flair. With hundreds of dyeing techniques available, this trend is the perfect foundation for your unique point of view.
Get groovy- Pastel tie dye 2,404%
- Tie dye 287%
- Shibori pattern 250%
- Pastel swirl New search term
Once seen as an emblem of camp culture, tie dye is making its way toward the mainstream as a staple of creative campaigns.
Get stylin'Photographers, more and more, are ditching the studio and focusing their lenses on a new scenario: reality. Out with the staged and in with the real—we're talking real people, real situations, real life.
Identity Unfiltered
There are over 7.5 billion people on Earth, and authentic portraiture is helping us see the wide gamut of beauty across our world.
Get candid Images- Non-binary 2,300%
- Candid portraits 350%
- Authentic people 133%
Inner Life
We're rife with information overload, and it's compelled many of us to shift towards more tangible things—like ourselves. This makes for a new breed of lifestyle photography capturing the moments we spend on hobbies, play, and self-care.
Capture the moment Images- Self-care 177%
- Home hobbies 102%
- The arts New search term
Eccentric Animation
As the software behind VFX and animation gets more advanced, artists are developing unique approaches, giving content creators new ways to express their ideas. We've seen a rise in searches for playful animation styles and motion graphics in a time when new live action footage is harder to come by.
Toy around- Whimsical animation 13,572%
- Liquid abstract New search term
Animation lands on a light note, as new tech allows for some seriously fun design breakthroughs.
Play onThe Sublime
We see an increase in searches for intense and intimidating scenes in nature. Waves crashing on cliffs, dunes bathed in sunlight, mountains shrouded in fog—these clips jolt viewers awake with the capacity to transport them elsewhere.
Be amazed- Mountain aerials 1,396%
- Stormy beach 480%
- Cliffs aerials 450%
- Dunes 394%
B-Roll has always been a stock specialty, but the in-between moments are primed for something bigger.
Adventure awaitsUplifting music always holds a special place in creative projects, but looking with guarded optimism towards the year ahead, it's climbing the ranks faster than ever.
Strings
A sweeping strings section can make a song float on air. With tracks that feature string instruments seeing an uptick, there's a clear trend towards music that moves people. Both classic and modern, these tracks elevate and lift our spirits.
Get swept away-
Shelter From the Rain
Elliot Middleton -
Mosaic
Kevin Maison -
Sentimental Moment
Artlss -
Beyond the Star
LATG Music
Uplifting & Playful
The "confident" genre wins another year, but we are seeing some interesting changes this time around. We’re moving full speed ahead to the sounds of brisk BPM, plucky instruments, and sweeping crescendos. It’s playful, it’s uplifting, and it’s here to inspire all the feels.
Hear happiness-
All Summer Long
Black Rhomb -
Swing Me the Groove
Pavlo Butorin -
Zoom Out
Pavlo Butorin -
Happy Colors
Ricky Bombino
2020 was questionable. And now we're bravely seeking out information, demanding some form of greater understanding.
Unknown.
Undiscovered.
Unbelievable.
KEYWORDS
- Biodiversity 70.45%
Just when we think we have our world figured out, nature finds a way to surprise us. And while concerns about our climate and the ongoing impact of humanity on our ecosystem continue, there’s still a lot of wonder to be found in the interconnectedness of our ecosphere.
- Information overload New search term
We've gone digital, and with news and messaging being 24/7, we've hit our max capacity for processing. Are we alone in feeling this way? How can we cope better?
- Mind and body New search term
We're starting to realize that the relationship between our mental and physical health is much closer than we’d originally thought. This year, we're turning to tech for techniques that promote balance.
- Space HDRI 92%
We've been staring at the night sky and dreamimg since time immemorial. Suddenly, the notion of exploring beyond our horizons seems less science fiction, and more a fact of life. Whether we're alone or not out there is still anyone's guess, but in times of isolation, it's comforting to imagine.
Big data means big possibilities. We've collected the top search terms from 26 countries around the world to show you what 2021 will look like both near and far.