What’s Coming for Creatives and Coaches in 2025?
As we enter early 2025, many creatives and coaches are wondering what changes and trends are on the horizon. What can you implement now to maintain the momentum you’ve built this year?
While I’m not one to focus heavily on trends as a visual creator, there are industry shifts worth noting—especially those that influence how you show up in your business and connect with your audience. Unlike fleeting fads, these trends tend to evolve gradually and can have a lasting impact. Here are my predictions for 2025, rooted in what I’m already observing as a strategic brand photographer.
Let’s dive in with 3 strategic brand trends for 2025!
1. Focus on Sustainability and Ethical Branding
One of the most noticeable trends in 2025 will be an increased emphasis on sustainability and ethical branding. This shift is influencing everything from design choices to storytelling. Clean, minimalistic aesthetics with natural color palettes and fewer visual elements are becoming increasingly popular. Why? They align with a growing audience demand for environmental responsibility and transparency.
Audiences are craving authenticity—they want to see brands that are true to their values. This includes showing up as you are, imperfections and all. Gone are the days of over-polished images that feel detached from reality. Instead, brands are leaning into the raw and real, showcasing their unique quirks and embracing a more humanized approach.
How to Embrace This Trend:
- Highlight Your Values: If sustainability is a core part of your business, make sure it’s woven into your brand story. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of how you’re making eco-conscious choices.
- Natural Editing: As a photographer, I’ve always been light on editing, preferring to showcase my clients as they are. While I’ll still remove a glaring blemish, I resist edits that alter someone’s true appearance. I also steer clear of “slimming” edits, choosing instead to celebrate authenticity.
- Intentional Design: When updating your website or marketing materials, consider clean layouts and earthy tones that reflect simplicity and sustainability.
2. Increased Demand for Authenticity
One way this is showing up is through raw, unpolished b-roll content. Videos that capture genuine moments—whether it’s behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process or candid interactions with clients—are resonating deeply. These types of visuals allow your audience to see the human side of your business.
Authenticity isn’t a new concept, but it’s taking on even greater importance as minimalism continues to dominate. Audiences are increasingly drawn to brands that feel real and relatable. Think less “perfectly curated” and more “beautifully honest.”
Ways to Show Up Authentically:
- Start Small: If you’re used to being camera-ready for every appearance, try easing into authenticity with a quick, casual video. Show yourself in your natural environment—whether it’s your home office or a creative workspace.
- Share the Process: Record behind-the-scenes clips of your daily workflow. Don’t overthink it—a simple 10-second video can make a big impact.
- Experiment with Stories: Instagram Stories are a great way to practice being authentic without the pressure of permanence. They disappear after 24 hours, making them perfect for trying new approaches.
Pro tip: Being authentic takes practice. It’s not always easy to share your unfiltered self, but the payoff is worth it. Your audience will appreciate your vulnerability and trust you more for it.
3. Increased Use of Short-Form Content
Short-form video content is here to stay, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels leading the charge. These quick, engaging clips have become a staple in modern marketing, capturing attention in just seconds. To keep your audience engaged, you’ll need to embrace short, dynamic b-roll that’s both visually appealing and strategically crafted.
For many creatives and coaches, short-form content can feel daunting. But the good news is that it doesn’t have to involve elaborate setups or choreographed dance moves. Simple, authentic moments captured on your phone can be just as effective.
How to Get Started:
- Plan for B-Roll: When scheduling a brand photography session, ask your photographer to capture behind-the-scenes moments. This might include horizontal b-roll footage that works for both social media and your website.
- DIY Video Content: Set up your phone on a tripod and record yourself working, either in hyperlapse or slow motion. Add captions or voiceovers to create compelling Reels that showcase your expertise.
- Keep It Simple: The key to great short-form content is variety. Mix close-up shots, wide angles, and dynamic movements to keep things interesting.
Remember: You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Short-form content is all about showing up consistently and making your audience feel connected to your brand.
Planning for 2025
As we step into 2025, the way you present your brand visually will matter more than ever. By focusing on sustainability, authenticity, and short-form content, you’ll be well-positioned to stand out in a crowded marketplace. These trends aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about aligning your brand with the values and expectations of your audience.
The best part? These shifts encourage you to be yourself, show your process, and connect with your audience on a deeper level. Whether it’s embracing minimalism, sharing unfiltered moments, or experimenting with video, there’s plenty of room to grow and thrive.
So, what’s your next move? Start small. Test out one of these ideas and see how your audience responds. With a little creativity and consistency, 2025 could be your most impactful year yet!
If you need help with photos or B-roll this year, let’s chat!
