Adobe’s 2026 creative trends have focused on authenticity, emotion, and human connection in its published annual predictions for creative trends.
The annual creative trend forecast for 2026 focuses firmly on what AI cannot do, such as human emotion, authenticity, and cultural nuance, as key areas where creatives can stand out in an increasingly automated world.
Adobe’s forecast reflects broader industry conversations about AI’s role in creativity and not as a stand-alone creator but as a partner in amplifying human imagination and emotion.
By blending AI with human creativity, Adobe acknowledges that AI remains a defining force in the creative landscape, but its 2026 predictions balance AI-enabled innovation with distinctly human qualities.
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Two of the four major trends the company highlights lean into emotional resonance and genuine experience, which suggests a shift from purely technical capabilities to deeper human storytelling.
One of the trends is termed ‘Connectioneering,’ which explains visuals that stir emotions and spark connection.
According to Adobe, audiences are increasingly drawn to work that reflects shared human experiences and conveys genuine feelings, which is something AI, at its core, cannot truly feel or originate.
This trend stresses that photographers and creatives should focus on emotional impact and human connection in their work.
Authentic cultural storytelling was also a trend termed as local flavors, which is major as it centres on authentic regional and cultural expression. Adobe reports growing demand from brands and enterprises for content that genuinely reflects local identity and experiences.
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This move taps into a broader creative desire for work grounded in place, culture, and lived experience, countering generic, AI-generated imagery.
While AI remains a tool in the creative toolkit, for instance, in generating surreal visuals or new forms of expression, Adobe’s forecast suggests the true value lies in how creators use AI to support, not replace, their vision.
Adobe emphasises that embracing authentic storytelling alongside innovation is where the biggest opportunities lie for creatives in 2026.
