Design Trends and Predictions for 2026

About this episode

Theresa Jackson and Mike Rankin discuss design trends for 2026, reflecting on 2025 and the influence of AI in the creative industry.

Theresa Jackson and Mike Rankin kick off the new year by reflecting on 2025 before looking ahead to 2026. They share their thoughts on design trends for 2026, framed less as visual styles and more as shifts in behavior and mindset. They also react to the Pantone Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, and what it suggests about the current cultural mood. AI enters the discussion, as it has become part of nearly every conversation about the creative industry. Theresa and Mike talk about AI as one piece of a much bigger picture—how it's influencing tools, workflows, and expectations without defining the entire creative process. The episode wraps with a practical perspective on skill building for the year ahead and a look forward at what's coming next for CreativePro, including the 2026 content direction they're excited about. This episode offers a grounded reset for the new year—reflective, forward-looking, and focused on helping creative professionals move into 2026 with intention and confidence. Episode Highlights Theresa and Mike reflect on what stood out in 2025 and what they were proud of accomplishing. They discuss design trends for 2026 and why those trends are not about colors or…

People in this episode

Hosts: Theresa Jackson, Mike Rankin

Topics covered

• design trends
• AI in design
• cultural mood
• skill building
• creative industry

Keywords

• design trends
• AI
• Pantone Color of the Year
• Cloud Dancer
• creative professionals

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CreativePro

Products: Pantone Color of the Year

Books & works: Cloud Dancer

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