One of the most important things we think the media can do is connect small business owners and creatives across industries and markets to give them an opportunity to learn form each other. The insights on trends in particular can be transformative if our communities were better connected and so we’ve tried to create a space where folks can share the trends they are seeing and read about trends other sharp entrepreneurs are seeing.

Heejai Park

The biggest trend in the design industry right now is the integration of AI into creative processes, transforming how designers approach their work. AI allows for automating repetitive tasks and generating innovative ideas, giving designers more freedom to focus on the conceptual and emotional aspects of their projects. For instance, in my recent project, “GRAY AREA_FOG GENERATOR: Modular Typeface Motion Tool,” I used the OpenWeather API to create a typography system that responds to real-time weather data. By translating abstract environmental data into dynamic, engaging designs, I explored how AI can push creative boundaries while still allowing me to guide the narrative and aesthetic direction. Read more>>

Alana Calviello

One of the biggest trends I’m seeing in content creation right now is the shift towards authenticity. After years of watching large influencers dominate the space, people are starting to feel disconnected from the perfectly curated, luxury-focused content. It feels out of touch, and audiences are craving something more relatable—creators who remind them of themselves and the people they know in real life. They want to see content that feels real and attainable. Read more>>

Kelsey Allen

Lately, I’ve noticed a growing interest in documentary and cinematic style photography within the industry, and I couldn’t be more excited! As a photographer who markets myself in this niche, I love seeing how these styles are gaining so much attention. It feels like the perfect time to be doing what I’m doing. Documentary photography is all about capturing real, unfiltered moments – the happy tears, the big laughs, and those little in-between glances that make your day uniquely yours. It’s raw, unscripted, and tells your story exactly as it happens. Cinematic photography on the other hand, adds an extra layer of artistry – think dreamy lighting, creative angles, and a movie-like feel that gives your subject main character energy. Read more>>