Hey team!

It’s February. Which usually feels like the point where the year starts to move from intention to execution. Things still feel open, but it’s also the moment where it makes sense to buckle down..

One of the easiest ways to do that is by feeding yourself better visual inputs. But don’t just mindlessly scroll through “inspo”. Think of these inputs like ingredients. You’re the visual chef out searching and shopping for something you can actually cook with. You need to save & catalog references like they’re ingredients.

I’ve been spending time with a few art direction trends that feel especially useful right now, and I wanted to share a resource full of them, so you can really cook this year…

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The Design & Photo Trends that will Dominate 2026

In partnership with Stills

Most visual trend reports feel like wishful predictions. They focus on the aesthetics we think we’ll see, but not necessarily HOW to actually achieve them. What’s useful about the Stills 2026 Design Trend Report is that it gives you the tools to actually achieve these looks. Not only is this report a visual toolkit you’ll be referencing for your projects this year, but Stills is the trusted photo licensing agency for brands, agencies, and creatives who care about craft.

Here are a few of the trends I’m obsessed with. For the full report + links to imagery, download the report here.

Distorted + Wide Angle

“This approach dives into the warped world of wide-angle and in-camera distorted imagery. Rooted in the ‘90s and early aughts, this style continues to dominate every aspect of design and advertising, evolving with modern touches that make it both familiar and unexpected…”

Scrapbook / Scanner

“Most aspects of the design world allow for pixel perfection, clean edges, and sharp details; however, audiences increasingly want to interact with work that feels handmade, showing evidence of creation by hand. That's where the scrapbook and scanner trend enters as this year’s rising star. For years, we have seen the hyper- curation of scrapbooking taking the internet by storm. This year, we want to push this trend to its limits…”

Future Medieval

“Future medieval revives the world of the Middle Ages—a unique blend of blackletter type, ornamental detailing, and mythical elements, all filtered through a digital eye. Ornamentation is the foundation of this trend—dark, intricate embellishments packed with symbolism…”

And there’s so much more. For the full report + links to imagery, download the report here.

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Learn Art Direction With Me This March

Enrollment for NEXT Art Director: March Cohort is now live. It’s your chance to build an actual portfolio-worthy project from an art director's POV. For designers who want to pivot to art direction, you are literally 30 days away from changing your life. If you’re at the beginning of your creative journey, this is your crash course in art direction.

​Learn more & Enroll Here​

Until next time, trust your eye out there.

Jason 🤘

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