Ins + outs for 2026
2026 feels less about novelty and more about discernment: less about doing more and more about doing the right things, with purpose.
This is how I’m seeing 2026 take shape across brand imagery, art direction, and still life photography. Here’s what’s moving in, and what’s being left behind.
In for 2026
Fewer projects, better outcomes
Teams are choosing fewer initiatives and executing them well. Priorities are clearer, and resources are being allocated with more intention.
Clear thinking over constant output
The pressure to always be visible is easing. Thoughtful, well-timed work is outperforming constant posting. Silence, when intentional, reads as confidence.
Process transparency
Clients want to understand how decisions are made. Not every step, just the ones that matter. Clear planning, rationale, and tradeoffs build trust faster than polish alone.
Visuals with a point of view
Generic imagery is easy to spot and easier to ignore. What cuts through is intention. Work that feels authored, framed, and considered.
Long-term partnerships
One-off transactions are giving way to ongoing relationships. Brands want collaborators who understand their business over time, not vendors who drop in and disappear.
Calm competence
The loudest voice in the room no longer holds the advantage. The prepared, steady, precise one does. This shows up in meetings, creative work, and leadership.
Out for 2026
More content for the sake of it
Volume without strategy quietly drains time, money, and attention. If something doesn’t serve a clear purpose, it’s worth reconsidering.
Trend-first thinking
Chasing what’s popular instead of what’s aligned leads to shallow work. Trends age quickly. Principles last longer.
Overexplaining value
When value has to be overexplained, it’s often a signal. Well-positioned work speaks for itself.
Visual sameness
The era of interchangeable aesthetics is wearing thin. When everything looks the same, nothing stands out.
Reactive decision-making
Fast doesn’t always mean smart. Constant pivots erode momentum. The teams doing well pause, assess, and then move with intention.
What this means going forward
2026 isn’t about reinvention. It’s about refinement:
Knowing what to say no to
Designing systems that support better decisions
Creating work that holds up over time, not just in the moment
The advantage belongs to people who are observant, selective, and willing to slow down enough to get it right.
That’s the shift. And it’s already underway.