TLDR: The 2025 Artlist Creative Trends of 25 Report shows brands how to improve their storytelling. With bold visuals and a focus on real human creativity, the future of marketing is about creating great visual content. Here’s how Raised Media Co. helps brands stay ahead by using video production and photography to bring these trends to life.
The Creative Trends 2025. How Brands Can Lead with Video Production and Photography
The key takeaway from the Artlist Creative Trends 2025 Report is this: creativity is evolving, but human stories are still at the core. The way brands use visual content—whether bold aesthetics, real storytelling, or staying flexible—will determine how well they connect with audiences in 2025.
1. The Human Renaissance: Putting People at the Heart of Your Content
The era of faceless brands is over. People crave connection, and storytelling has never been more vital. As AI fills the market with generic content, brands that succeed are those showcasing real, raw human stories.
Raised Media Co.'s Perspective:
Authenticity in video and photography is about capturing those unscripted moments that touch people’s emotions. Whether filming a team brainstorming, a customer testimonial, or behind-the-scenes moments, the human touch makes your brand more trustworthy and relatable.
Authenticity also means embracing imperfections—those small moments that weren’t planned but perfectly capture the spirit of the people behind your brand. These genuine interactions are what audiences connect with most, creating deeper bonds. Think about a candid smile, a spontaneous laugh, or someone completely absorbed in their passion. These moments make your brand more human and relatable.
How Brands Can Implement This:
Real Storytelling Through Video: Brands can create content centered on real people. Go beyond the script and highlight genuine experiences that happen behind the scenes or during everyday business activities.
Emotional Photography: Capture candid moments or carefully staged shots that evoke emotions. Let each photo be a window into your brand’s story.
With AI content on the rise, human stories are what truly connect with people. We create visuals that showcase those real moments.
2. Bold Visuals: Maximalism That Demands Attention
"Design carbs” trend points to maximalism—visuals that are bright, bold, and full of meaning. This is not the time to play it safe. Brands should use photography and video to create content that grabs attention and sticks in people’s minds.
Raised Media Co.'s Perspective:
Maximalism is not about overloading visuals—it’s about making bold, purposeful choices. Strong visuals require careful planning, from vibrant color palettes to layered compositions that are dynamic without overwhelming.
The beauty of maximalism lies in its ability to captivate viewers with texture, color, and detail. Imagine visuals so vivid that the energy can be felt. Bright, unexpected contrasts and bold choices aren’t just eye-catching—they make a statement, provoking emotion and capturing what your brand is about.
How Brands Can Implement This:
Bold Photography: Use lighting, colors, and creative framing to make striking, memorable images that reflect your brand's energy. Integrate unique textures or props to elevate the sensory experience of your photos.
Dynamic Video Content: Use slow motion, creative transitions, or unique angles to create video content that excites. Add depth by incorporating foreground, middle-ground, and background action to keep viewers engaged.
Bold visuals do more than grab attention—they tell a brand’s story in a way people won’t forget.
3. Cross-Generational Content: Building Bridges Between Audiences
Content that is targeted towards all age groups requires balance. Younger audiences want creativity and innovation, while older generations lean into nostalgia and trust. Successful brands find ways to appeal to both without losing their focus.
Raised Media Co.'s Perspective:
Cross-generational content isn’t about trying to please everyone; it’s about creating shared emotional experiences. Whether through a nostalgic photo series or a dynamic video campaign highlighting universal themes like joy or adventure, we help brands find the right balance.
Shared experiences can bridge the gap between generations. Whether it’s showcasing a tradition that carries on or capturing new experiences that different age groups can enjoy, it’s all about finding those moments that speak to everyone. With the right approach, even specific content can feel universal.
How Brands Can Implement This:
Inclusive Visual Campaigns: Create visuals that reflect diverse audiences while telling stories that unite them. Think of family vacations or events that different groups can enjoy together—such visuals add authenticity to your brand.
Storytelling for All Ages: Use a mix of timeless black-and-white photos and modern video editing to appeal to everyone. Combine nostalgic elements with current trends to create a fresh twist that connects across generations.
Universal themes make your content feel like a shared experience, no matter who’s watching.
4. Agility Without Compromise: Staying Trendy Without Losing Focus
Trends come and go, but agility is key. Brands need to move fast while staying true to themselves. Professional video and photography provide the foundation for quick campaigns without sacrificing quality.
Raised Media Co.'s Perspective:
Agility doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means working with a team that anticipates your needs and delivers polished content quickly. By focusing on pre-planning and scalable solutions, your visuals can be timely and high-quality.
Fast turnarounds don’t mean rushed work; they mean planning ahead. Being proactive allows you to ride trends as they happen, while still delivering crafted, high-quality content.
How Brands Can Implement This:
Fast Content Production: Streamline your content process to get high-quality visuals out quickly that align with trends. Create a library of content that can be adapted for new trends.
Flexible Production: Capture video and photos with adaptability in mind so they can be used in multiple campaigns. Record extra footage or take different angles to add flexibility for future use.
Trends move fast, but your content should always feel on-brand and deliberate.
5. The Human-AI Collaboration: Creativity That Stands Out
AI is a powerful tool, but it’s just that—a tool. The real magic happens when human intuition and creativity work together with technology. Brands that lean into human-first visuals, with AI as support, will stand out in the crowded digital space.
Raised Media Co.'s Perspective:
AI can’t replace the human eye. However, it can help with editing or ideas, but the heart of every great visual lies in the creativity and skill of the team behind the camera. We use AI as support, not as a replacement.
AI can enhance workflows, but human creativity turns good content into great content. If used correctly, AI helps boost the emotional core of your visuals without overshadowing it. It can also free up creative minds to focus on storytelling instead of repetitive tasks.
How Brands Can Implement This:
AI-Enhanced Editing: Use cutting-edge tools to improve photos and videos while keeping the creative vision intact. Let AI handle tasks like color correction or initial edits, but rely on human judgment for the final touches.
Show Authenticity: Capture real moments and behind-the-scenes footage to highlight the human creativity behind your brand. Use AI tools combined with manual touches to keep things real while improving efficiency.
Let AI handle the grunt work—your visuals will tell the story.
Closing Thoughts: Visuals Are Your Brand’s Most Powerful Tool
The trends of 2025 demand more from brands—boldness, agility, and, above all, authenticity. Photos and videos are no longer just pieces of a marketing strategy—they’re at the core of how your brand connects with its audience.
Visual storytelling goes beyond traditional marketing. It’s more than delivering a message—it’s about creating an experience that speaks directly to the heart of your audience. Whether it's a bright, maximalist image that makes someone pause mid-scroll or a real moment that sparks an emotional response. Embrace these trends, push boundaries, and let your visuals tell stories that stick with your audience.
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Raised Media Co. is a NYC-based commercial photography and video production agency specializing in experiential visual content. We help brands and personalities share compelling stories through high-impact photos and videos.
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