High Five! 5 trends of stock illustration

All stockers know that in general, to be successful means to follow the current trends. However, tracking trends is not always as easy as it seems. That’s why High Five! asked successful illustrator Alisa Foytik for some inside information.

In Alisa’s opinion, it is difficult to talk about general image trends because they depend on particular styles of illustration. The insights she’s sharing pertain to the trends she can identify in her own portfolio (which contains more than 3,000 files at the moment!). For the past several months she has noticed such trends as retro, shabby chic, moustache, and abstract geometric styles, as well as label and ribbon sets with space for some text. We now turn the floor over to Alisa:

1. Retro: This is one of my personal favorites. Tinted warm colors, hipster-style characters, natural shapes, old-fashioned humor and childhood memories – these are the reasons why so many people choose Retro. The Retro trend has been with us for years, but over time the imagery has shifted slightly from the 20s & 30s to the 40s & 50s. I think it will stay that way for a while.

Couple Redecorating. Retro style | Stock Photo © Depositphotos | AlisaFoytik

2. Shabby Chic and English Countryside: These came to us from interior decorating magazines that promote rural life. I think Laura Ashley was the first designer to introduce us to the joys of cute flower patterns, and now we’re coming to a second wave of Shabby Chic madness. Be ready for everything floral, pink & blue, cute and rather romantic.

Cute British Flag in Shabby Chic floral style | Stock Vector © Depositphotos | Alisa Foytik

3. Moustache: You can see it everywhere these days and it’s still going strong! This trend outlasted the Owl craziness and the Birds obsession; who knows what’s going to be our next fetish? Moustache is a very “hip” trend, but it sells well. It’s fun and simple – what a perfect combination.

A Gentlemen’s Club | Stock Vector © Depositphotos | Alisa Foytik

4. Abstract geometric styles: Going from floral and whimsical to a more geometric, abstract style – this is my prediction for 2013. I foresee more and more geometrical patterns, rough simple shapes and abstract backgrounds. Everything that has angles seems to attract customers – from triangular-shaped abstract seamless patterns to “chevron” wallpaper.

5. Label and ribbon sets: Such a practical thing to do! Placed in a set, these simple shapes give our customers an opportunity to choose and create unique, stylish designs in seconds. The popularity of these kinds of sets is growing and demand is high. When designing these elements, bear in mind how they’re going to be used – possibilities include card-making, website-building or promotional pieces.