Design is one primary expression of creativity that can serve as a societal timestamp as well as a mechanism to drive us forward, together. 

In June 1966, Robert F. Kennedy delivered what would become one of his most famous addresses, later known as his “Ripple of Hope” speech. In it, he referenced a saying, or a curse, depending on how you look at it, which goes “may [they] live in interesting times.”  

“Like it or not, we live in interesting times. They are times of danger and uncertainty; but they are also the most creative of any time in the history of mankind.”

Throughout human history, we have lived through many such “interesting times.” Over the past five years, we’ve experienced both the breakneck pace of technological innovation and disruptive societal events across the globe. Still, as was true then, today we’re living in an era full of exceptional creativity and invention. 

Human beings are inherently creative. It is in our DNA. And while Abraham Maslow famously included creativity at the very top of his hierarchy of needs, as a part of “self-actualization,” I have always believed that people yearn to express themselves through some artistic form regardless of how or if their underlying needs are being met. Companies like ArtLifting, which represent and champion artists impacted by disabilities and housing insecurities, help prove out this theory. 

In fact, it may even be that creativity tends to flourish in our hardest moments, as people make art to process grief and trauma, to reflect personal emotions and circumstances, and as an attempt to find meaning and connection in that which can otherwise feel painfully isolating.  

Design is one primary expression of creativity that can serve as a societal timestamp as well as a mechanism to drive us forward, together. 

While design has traditionally been a field with a high barrier to entry, requiring technical training and knowledge in the tools of the day, this paradigm has now shifted dramatically. Through the proliferation of design and production platforms like Canva, Adobe Express, Picsart, and more, as well as social networks and subscription platforms like Patreon and Substack, what we now call the “creator economy” has rapidly evolved and become a foundational component of the media landscape. Goldman Sachs has estimated that the global creator market includes more than 50 million people, with a valuation that could reach half a trillion dollars by 2027. Some estimates put the figure even higher.  

Truly, creators are transcending the social networks that have helped them build clout. Jake Paul, who built fame on YouTube, launched a production company called Most Valuable Productions (MVP), which recently promoted his boxing match with Mike Tyson that reached an estimated 60 million households on Netflix. Alex Cooper, who has hosted a popular podcast since 2018 and become a regular stop on the celebrity circuit, sold his podcast to SiriusXM last year for a reported $125 million. Noting the mainstream value of creators, The Hollywood Reporter has launched a “Creator A-List” feature alongside traditional entertainment celebrity roundups. 

These creators are succeeding because they are producing content, art, and experiences that resonate with their audiences in unique ways.  

The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives.

Collaboration is one of the most impactful aspects of design, and as the creator economy has grown, unexpected partnerships are redefining industries and bringing people with disparate cultures, ideas and disciplines closer together. Why? Because the act of creating together cultivates empathy and understanding. The ways in which we individually define ourselves include not only our demographic characteristics, such as gender, race, age, or where we’re from, but also our values and attitudes. Design relies on both our identities and experiences as a lens through which to communicate in a deeper, more personal way. 

This era of technical accessibility is expanding our collective, creative ability to address the biggest challenges we face, such as political polarization, mental health challenges, war, climate change and more. With more people than ever able to express ideas, realize creative projects and work together to inspire, entertain and inform one another, design and creativity are flourishing in new ways even in the face of these seemingly insurmountable obstacles.  

Creative assets such as imagery, music, color and typography serve as ingredients for artists and designers to drive empathy, togetherness and culture. And the brands operating at the center of this ecosystem are helping shape the conversation around the design trends impacting both culture and commerce.  

As one example, Pantone recently released its 2025 Color of the Year, “Mocha Mousse,” chosen to reflect “a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort.” Especially during instability, these kinds of “comfortable” design decisions are reflective.  

Canva, in its own design trends analysis, called out “refined grit,” that is, a trend that “challenges conventional aesthetics with a stripped-back style that encourages unique visual identities and distinctive voices.” 

And finally, this year, Monotype, where I work, has launched its annual Type Trends report with a totally new framework predicting the trajectory of design through the lens of cultural trends and typography. The report presents six themes where design is a dynamic and powerful participant, exploring how creativity and innovation can help to solve problems like climate change, political polarization, and aging in the era of AI.

Design and creativity have always helped us make sense of the world. And as we stand firmly in the center of cascading and shifting paradigms, it will be the ever-expanding creative class that will help us craft a new reality. The future is ours to design. 

Disclosure: I have collaborated on content in the past with Canva, Pantone and Picsart.