So many card publishers rely on artists’ agents and picture libraries to be their eyes for the emerging design trends, providing them with artwork that reflects and ignites the public’s aesthetic appetite.
So what’s on the cards design-wise during 2019?
After many years of experience in the industry, Jehane Boden Spiers strode out on her own to launch Jehane Ltd as an artists’ agency just over a year ago. Here Jehane reveals her take on what she predicts will be the visual trends of 2019 that will lend themselves to greeting card design.
What will be key cultural events and influencers in 2019 to affect greeting card design: “Pantone got it bang-on when they described last year’s Colour of the Year (Ultraviolet) as being, “A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, the colour of awareness, the colour of 100 years since women celebrated their right to vote”. One of the key influences on art and design for 2019 will be the continuing importance of both positive female icons and an increased awareness towards nature, climate change and minorities within society. It’s all about diversity and being inclusive. Starbucks has just opened its first US sign language store in Washington DC. Awareness is everything.”
Jehane picks three key design trends for 2019:
Equality and representation: “Following on from the smash hit of Frida Kahlo’s exhibition at the V&A, more than ever, women are at the centre of social issues opening a breach of awareness about equality, not only for women but for all minorities. Transgender, homosexuality and the rise of black and hispanic representation in art, film and books will continue. Positive empowerment and sentiments will be huge.”
Nature’s kingdom: “Documenting the human relationship with nature, designers will create scenes using their imagination. Raising awareness of endangered species and threats to nature. More than ever, the need for sensitivity towards the animal kingdom and climate change will impact. With the worst deforestation in the Amazonian rainforest for 10 years, and 1 in 10 species of wild bee facing extinction, respecting nature will be a key influence on trends.”
The art of printmaking: “We are detaching ourselves from graphic illustration. Printmaking techniques, such as original linocuts and calligraphy will increasingly attract buyers for editorial, publishing and licensing. As more and more people are capable of creating design and illustration on a computer, art directors will be on the lookout for traditional artists who can create nuance and atmosphere, ideally combining nature and wildlife with printmaking.”
