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Shutterstock users look for millions of images, videos, and music tracks every day, using keywords to power their searches. This data helps us uncover what creative projects are in the works—and in turn reveal the global trends that will define 2020.

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Astrology
Occult
Astrology
Gold Star
Sun
20s Circle
Green Star
Hands
Line
20s
Green Flower
Blue Flower
Gold Leaf
Mountains Mountains
MAJOR
Major One

Roaring 2020s

A century after the loud and lavish 1920s, the look that defined it is well on its way to reclaiming the center stage globally in 2020.

Major One

The Roaring 2020s

A century after the loud and lavish 1920s, the look that defined it is well on its way to reclaiming the center stage globally in 2020.

Single Girl
Shutterstock Tower

The coming year will include a decidedly retro twist. Ornate geometric shapes, elegant color palettes, and Art Deco elements are on the rise, reflecting the hallmarks of a bygone era.

Couple Dancing
  • +4,223% Gold pattern
  • +189% '20s retro
  • +106% Linear geometric
Hotel

Look to the coastal influence of Miami Art Deco for a twist on this iconic style.

Party girls

The coming year will include a decidedly retro twist. Ornate geometric shapes, elegant color palettes, and Art Deco elements are on the rise, reflecting the hallmarks of a bygone era.

Look to the coastal influence of Miami Art Deco for a twist on this iconic style.

Swing It by Zenith Productions
Make Me Smile by Sirus Music
MAJOR
Major Two

Occulture

Alt-faiths and age-old beliefs are enchanting Millennials and Gen Z, showing renewed interest in mainstream channels and on social media networks in particular.

Hand
Sun
  • +525% Magic
  • +289% Spiritual
  • +37% Horoscopes
  • +22% Palm reading
Sun

Occulture includes astrology, alchemy, palmistry, and other spiritual pursuits, with motifs ranging from the cosmic to the demonic.

Girl With Mask

Both playful and powerful, the occult can lighten the mood—or darken it.

Crystal And Cup
Palmistry

Both playful and powerful, the occult can lighten the mood—or darken it.

Girl With Mask
Oracle Hand
Dark Woods by Colorfilm Music
Abandoned House by Mocha Music
MAJOR
Flower 6
Flower 2
Flower 1
Flower 3
Flower 4
Major Three

In Full Bloom

Forget elegant arrangements and delicate displays. The floral visuals of tomorrow are big, bright, and in full bloom.

THESE FLOWERS DON'T JUST SHOW UP—THEY SHOW OFF

THESE FLOWERS DON'T JUST SHOW UP—THEY SHOW OFF

Photography with bold still life and footage of vivid flowerscapes is thriving, while typography teeming with plant life continues to grow in popularity.

Flowers
Flowers
Flower Girl
Paces by Tristan Barton
Underwater joy by Youth Faire
cannabiz
4

Cannabiz

Say bye bye to tie dye. Sophisticated design has replaced the lava lamp look, upending marijuana stereotypes of the past.

RISING

Minimalist Black

Minimalism reigns and black is hogging the spotlight (or lack thereof).
+1,779%
Black
Bed Mannequin

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

  • Minimal black
  • Black texture
  • Abstract black background
Dark mode is in vogue, both on-screen and off.

In 2020, designers will lean into black’s depth and contrast to create powerful experiences. Meanwhile, new and darker shades of black will allow artists endless options for stark minimalism.

Dark mode is in vogue, both on-screen and off.
6

Wild Life

A new generation is answering the call of the wild, and they’re documenting their experiences at unprecedented levels.

  • +553% Hiking
  • +368% Camping
  • +325% Backpack and boots
offsetcamp
shutterstock
shutterstock

Fog-laden valleys, wintery mountain passes, and stormy seas set a vivid scene for this trend.

Outdoor adventure has been growing in popularity, as both a hobby and a visual subject. The resulting imagery captures the moodier side of nature and its power over our emotions.

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7

Chinese Ink Painting

RISING
Section 8

Game On

With searches increasing for sports and fitness keywords, 2020 is on track to be a game-filled year.

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boxing
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Athletes are using their sport as a platform for empowerment and a catalyst for change, creating powerful stories.

Sports photography can depict stories of strength and perseverance that appeal to global audiences. Sweat and pain, triumph and loss—these images reveal the determination of the human spirit.

watch

One to Watch

Change is in the air and we can see it in the numbers.

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One to Watch
9

Protest Art

Raised up on posters, sprayed on walls, worn on lapels—art spreads the message of a movement.

THIS ART ISN'T FOR DECORATION—IT'S FOR DECLARATIONS

protest art

Individuals around the world are raising their voices in protest. In 2020, we expect these voices to grow louder still and the unique artwork of these movements to become widespread.

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Shutterstock