Visual Communication
2021 Spring Trends: Joy For The New Normal
By Ellen Clipson - 4 min read
Spring is around the corner and with it comes the call for a visual clean-up. In this trend guide, we show you how to refresh your spring campaigns to bring an unexpectedly positive and playful look at the new normal.
3 Ways To Make Your Spring 2021 Images Engaging
Our visual experts share three simple ways to make your spring-inspired images bold, bright, and more engaging. Keep reading to find out more!
- Rework Predictable Pastels
- Declutter Your Imagery
- Stick To A Sustainable Message
1. Reword Predictable Pastels
Things look different now - that’s nothing new. Yet, we believe that spring 2021 is your opportunity to bring a different narrative to the new normal. Spring is often associated with the notion of new starts and in 2021 this could be the most critical message you present to your audience.
Most customers have become accustomed to marketing messages that promote perseverance, self-motivation, and self-care. Although these will continue to reign as the key visual trends of 2021, we see a new energy brewing that should not be dismissed in your spring campaigns.
It’s time to take the predictable and make it playful. Pastel colors can be used to depict a particular aesthetic or soften complex marketing messages. Yet, we’re advising brands to take a new approach with their pastel color palettes. Now is a great time to be bold in your pastel shades and play with elements such as color contrasts, light, shadow, and space to encourage your consumers to be hopeful and creative in the new season.
Top Tip:
If you don’t want to step away from the cliché themes associated with this season, you can take the ‘sickly-sweet’ images and find a comical or controversial angle to stand out. It’s these bold choices that will catch the attention of your audience as they scroll through their social media feeds.
2. Declutter Your Imagery
At a time when the world is facing global disruption, chaotic and ‘busy’ imagery just adds more confusion to your customer. The first step towards decluttering your imagery, and consequently the social media feeds of your customers, we recommend choosing imagery that visually directs the viewer to the main element of the photo.
Try using images that have a single focal point or formulaic repetition. For example, choose photos that feature props or still life objects that create contrast and clean composition. By doing so you create a strong canvas and sense of stability in your messaging that will engage your audience and make the call to action even more attractive. Trust us, less does not mean boring.
3. Stick To A Sustainable Message
As we move further into 2021 it’s clear that environmental urgency is now a critical consideration for brands in every industry. On top of this, the continued booming trend of outdoor exploration and the Millenial and Gen Z obsession with plants and natural spaces, show that it’s important that your seasonal marketing campaign creates a message that will stand the test of time.
Many brands are choosing to avoid images of mass consumerism and waste. Instead, choose images that showcase sustainability and celebrate the natural elements within the photo. For example, incorporate plants and flowers, in particular in their natural environment, or natural eggs rather than chocolate easter eggs.
If you want to touch upon certain themes such as confectionery, celebrations and gatherings such as ramadan and easter, then a great option is to use abstract visuals that create more space for your marketing message to be placed. Images with whitespace and repetition of simple still life objects work really well…
In a Snapshot:
No matter what your marketing message or industry, now is a great time to rethink your choice of spring-inspired imagery. 2021 is proving to be an opportunity for brands to respond to the energy that is emerging amongst consumers taking on the new season. Choose clean and well-composed imagery that brings bold positive messages and your visual marketing campaigns are set to stand out this spring!
Express your brand and make a statement with our fun and playful spring 2021 collection!