Across illustration and design, creativity is becoming more expressive, emotional and experimental, driven by a desire for authenticity and human ways to connect with audiences.

In the creative realm, we are witnessing a shift towards nostalgia, traditional, comfortable and analogue. There is an increasing desire among audiences to buy work that feels safe, familiar and wholesome. A demand for stories that are uplifting, spiritual, with a deeper meaning – dreamy and full of hope. Alongside this sits fantasy, escapism and educational progress.

So what does this look like in 2026?

2026 Style Trends

K-Pop & Korean-inspired Styles: Big, expressive eyes, Emotion lead character design, Urban modernity mixed with playful energy.

80’s glam revival: bold, over-the-top shoulder pads, even on tractors, metallics, sparkle, neon accents and maximalist textures. Go big.

Circus and carnival whimsy: big tops, stripes, bunting, fairy lights, wagons, horses, plumes, feathers, dramatic patterns, immersive settings and golden gilt frames.

Alien and futuristic influence: cosmic, otherworldly aesthetics, iridescent surfaces, imaginative forms, blending sci-fi with playful, and approachable design.

Analogue hobbies and handmade craft: dolls’ houses, miniature worlds, bespoke crafts, DIY self-expression, celebrating imperfection, tactility and personal storytelling through objects.

Hand-drawn and expressive artwork: strong and confident lines, hand-rendered textures, old-school charm that’s modernised with cleaner, brighter palettes, with emotion and personality at the forefront.

Formats continuing to gain momentum

With children reading less, creative new formats are gaining traction:

• Graphic Novels: continued to grow, with more traditional artwork entering this space, moving beyond manga and digital cartoon styles towards references like When the Night Fell and Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas.
• Pic-tion: a hybrid format merging traditional fiction with picture-book elements, appealing to visual learners.
• Longer picture books: emotional, coffee-table-style books, fables about bravery and inspiring narratives.

General Industry Predictions

Publishers embracing technology, sustainability, new supply chains, global markets and creative reinvention may thrive.

Consumers will increasingly demand authenticity, individuality, sustainability and meaningful experiences.

Societies and governments may face challenges around climate change, migration, inequality and economic balance — but hardship also offers a chance to reshape norms through collaboration and innovation.

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Publishing on Screen

Book adaptations continue to dominate quality family entertainment, driving renewed interest in classic titles and opening multi-platform opportunities.

Already Released / Active in 2025

• The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
• The Famous Five (BBC / International TV)
• Charlotte’s Web (HBO Max — animated miniseries)
• The Sisters Grimm (Apple TV+)
• Dog Man (animated franchise debut)
• The Twits (Roald Dahl adaptation)
• Stitch Head (animated graphic novel adaptation)

Coming soon in 2026

• Hey, A.J.! (Disney+ / Disney Jr.)
• Faraway Tree (in production — rights holders pending announcement)

Why we love them: these adaptations generate box office revenue, energise book sales, and unlock merchandise, licensing and cross-media campaigns.

On the Horizon

• Mr Men & Little Miss — major franchise expansion
• The Cat in the Hat — big-budget adaptation
• Fing! — based on the bestselling book

Click here to read Richard Scrivner’s film and TV report.