The creative world is ever-evolving, with new art trends popping up every year. But how do you embrace these trends while staying true to your unique style? Whether it’s sustainable art or social media challenges, here’s a guide to help you navigate 2025’s creative trends and make them your own.

1. If sustainable art is trending, how do I make it unique?

Sustainable art is all about using eco-friendly materials or repurposing items to create something new. To make it unique, start by considering what sustainability means to you. Is it upcycling old fabrics, finding beauty in discarded objects, or working with natural pigments? For example:

-     If upcycled art is your thing, combine materials in unexpected ways, like layering wood offcuts with painted fabric. Head outdoors to your favourite environments and see if there are things you can sustainably scavenge like driftwood or fallen leaves!

-     Experiment with mixed media—pairing dried plants with watercolours can create stunning textured pieces. You might just find motivation and purpose with a new medium combo.

-     Collaborate with your local community to collect unused items and transform them into a communal art piece. Great minds coming together can be very inspiring! You can always turn to your community for suggestions or prompts to get you going – we even have an article all about upcycling ideas up on our site.

Ultimately, making any trend unique comes down to three things: confidence in your ideas, experimentation with techniques, and drawing inspiration from others without copying. Don’t be afraid to test ideas that feel a little “out there”—sometimes those risks lead to the most exciting results.

2. How do I interpret colour trends in 2025 without losing my style?

Colour trends are always a highlight of creative predictions, and based on our preliminary research, 2026 is set to embrace some dynamic colours. While earthy neutrals and muted pastels will likely underpin art and fashion, we think you can expect some contrasting pops of bright colours like red, emerald-green, deep blue, and bold orange. If this doesn’t gel with your usual vibe, think about integrating some of these tones into your work, instead of overhauling your entire palette.

If you’re a portrait artist, try using trending colours for backgrounds or clothing while keeping your usual palette for skin tones. For abstract artists, layer trending colours with your signature hues to create depth and visual interest. If you’re a craftsperson, experiment with subtle details—like embroidery thread or ceramic glazes—in this year’s on-trend shades.

The goal isn’t to completely follow a trend, but to let it inspire small, thoughtful changes in your work. This keeps your art relevant while staying true to your identity.

3. How do I discover trends for social media art? 

Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are treasure troves of creative inspiration. Here’s some tips to stay on top of trends:

1.     Follow hashtags: Search for tags like #ArtTrends, #Art2025, or #CreativeInspiration to see what’s trending. Have a look every so often and watch the top posts change throughout the year!

2.    Engage with artists: Follow creators whose work inspires you and keep an eye on the techniques or materials they’re experimenting with. Have a go at home and see if it rings true to you. If it doesn’t – no stress! It’s always worth experimenting to define your style further.

3.    Participate in challenges: Events like #Sketchtember or #Inktober often highlight emerging styles and themes, so you can see what’s exploding online. You might want to take an aspect of popular themes and put your own spin on it. For example, make your own magical OC (original character) and see how your style fits the prompt!

4.    Join online art communities: There are loads of creative groups on Facebook, Reddit, and more that often share insights into what’s new and exciting in the creative world. We may be biased, but we think our Creative Connection email group is pretty inspiring – you can sign-up at the bottom of the page.

Social media trends move fast, so don’t feel pressured to jump on every single one. Instead, pick out ideas that genuinely excite you and feel aligned with your artistic voice. Plus, never be afraid to try something new – the worst that happens is you find out more about your preferences and style!

4. I've heard of Inktober. Are there more events like this worth trying?

Absolutely! Creative events like Inktober are fantastic for building your skills and connecting with other artists. Here are a few others to try:

-     Figuary (February): A month-long challenge focused on figure drawing, often including daily life-drawing prompts. Great for honing anatomy skills, and easy to take part in with a simple hashtag.

-     Sketchtember (September): A warm-up to Inktober where the focus is on daily sketching. Just like Inktober, add the hashtag to your social posts to share your creations!

-     Huevember (November): A challenge that explores colour, with each day dedicated to a different hue. This one is so fun for seeing creative styles emerge, with a chosen hue linking all the posted creations every day. Add the hashtag to your posts during November to get involved.

-     Artist Behind the Artwork (any time!): This social media movement really took-off throughout 2024, where artists would first show their artwork on camera, then reveal themselves at the end of the video. This was a great way for their audience to connect with them, as they got to put a face to the unique artistic style!

Participating in these events not only hones your craft but also exposes you to a community of like-minded creators. Plus, they’re a great way to keep up with trends while building consistency in your practice.

5. How can I make minimalist abstract art feel personal?

Abstract art is making waves as statement pieces in homes and galleries, but it can feel a little daunting if you’re not used to it. To a lifelong realism artist, the style may appear randomly constructed, but it’s often created with great intention and strong intuition. So where to begin?

Start with your emotions, as abstract art often reflects the artist’s feelings. Choose colours and brushstrokes that align with your mood or experiences. Some creators also use a favourite place, like the ocean, to underpin a series of abstract artwork.

Experiment with tools and try unconventional methods like using palette knives, sponges, or even your hands to apply paint. You might discover a new technique that rings true to you! It can also help to play with scale; abstract art doesn’t always need to be done on a huge canvas. Think about bold, exaggerated elements within smaller pieces, like large geometric shapes or sweeping strokes.

Abstract art is inherently personal and intuitive, so don’t overthink it. Let your instincts lead and see where it takes you!

6. How to stand out as an artist in a trend-driven world?

Standing out is all about staying authentic while embracing opportunities to evolve. Here’s some tips we try to live by!

Confidence: Trust your instincts. Trends are there to inspire, not dictate your designs. Your natural creativity is a gift the world can’t wait to receive.

Experimentation: Try new materials, styles, or techniques, even if they feel unfamiliar. Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Community: Engage with other artists. Share your process, learn from others, and collaborate when possible. A strong network can open doors and spark fresh ideas.

Passion: Let your love for what you do shine through. When you create from a place of passion, your work naturally stands out.

Remember, trends can guide and inspire, but your unique perspective is what makes your art unforgettable. Who knows—you might even start the next big thing!

We hope you now have the answers you need to explore what excites you, reinterpret popular ideas, and build a style that feels unmistakably yours. If you do get creating, #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’re excited to see what you come up with!

For art ideas, explore our Projects and How-tos. If you’re looking for more answers to commonly asked questions, jump into our FAQs collection.   

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