5 key themes from Stocksy's 2025 Visual Insights Report every creative should know

The creative industries seem to be changing faster than ever right now. So, if you're wondering where things are heading, it's always good to get an expert overview. That's why we're excited to see Stocksy unveil its 2025 Visual Insights Report—an essential toolkit for creatives seeking to align their work with emerging cultural trends.

In case you didn't know, Stocksy is an artist-owned stock media agency specialising in culturally relevant, progressive visuals that elevate media standards. As a creative cooperative, Stocksy prioritises fair pay for artists and serves leading brands with a hand-curated collection that reflects contemporary culture.

As such, they're in the perfect place to get a global, bird's-eye view of emerging visual trends. And the 2025 Visual Insights Report is a culmination of Stocky's deep understanding of the cultural undercurrents shaping today's visual media.

This year's report delves into five core themes that will define the visual media landscape in the year ahead. Read on as we delve into each of them in turn—or you can just read the full report here.

1. Bad Form

One of the standout themes explored in the report is the growing demand for visuals that challenge conventional notions of quality. The 'bad form' aesthetic, as Stocksy dubs it, embraces imperfection, unusual angles and raw, offbeat compositions that prioritise storytelling over technical polish.

"There's a conscious release of control in these formats," explains Aaron Bergunder, a UX designer at Stocksy. "They're an invitation of risk and luck into the creative process, allowing artists to explore more instinctual, relevant ways of storytelling."

This shift towards a more authentic, relatable visual language aligns with a broader cultural movement away from glossy perfection. For more on this trend, read our interview with Aaron.

2. Down Key Shift

While the past decade has been dominated by bright, high-key visuals, the report identifies an emerging trend towards a softer, more introspective aesthetic.

This mood reflects a collective yearning for a sense of intimacy and connection in our visuals. It's a direct response to the overstimulation and visual noise of the digital age, as creatives and consumers alike seek out imagery that nourishes the soul.

3. Old Soul Energy

There's a growing appreciation for the stories and provenance behind the objects and materials we surround ourselves with. Right now, audiences are crying out for a more purposeful, considered approach to visual storytelling.

And that's led to what Stocksy is calling the 'old soul energy' trend. This style merges classic aesthetics with modern, inclusive values, shifting the focus from opulence to quality and craftsmanship.

4. Food-onomics

Stocksy's report identifies food as an emerging symbol of luxury and cultural connection, with the rise of 'food-onomics' trends spanning fashion, travel, and the art of entertaining. This shift reflects a broader societal appreciation for the experiential value of food, positioning it as an emblem of culture, craftsmanship and community.

5. An Imperfect Life

The final theme explored in the report is the embrace of "an imperfect life" – a societal shift towards valuing raw, unfiltered moments and the resilience found in the challenges of modern living.

This has led to a growing desire for visuals that reflect the full spectrum of the human experience. This means imagery that not only resonates with audiences but also helps to shape a more empathetic, inclusive cultural narrative.

Conclusion

As an artist-owned cooperative, Stocksy is uniquely positioned to lead the industry in defining the visual standards of the future. The report's insights are rooted in the company's deep commitment to fair pay, creative control and equitable practices – values that underpin its every creative decision. And that means they're very much worth taking seriously.

For creatives seeking to future-proof their work and align their visual narratives with the values of tomorrow, the 2025 Visual Insights Report is an essential resource – a roadmap to the emerging aesthetics, moods, and cultural touchstones that will define the creative industry in the years to come.