Seven predictions in the midst of the craziness and uncertainty regarding the creative industries. Here is what we see happening.
The creative industries are consolidating around two extremes: large, efficient, AI-powered operations and highly specialized, relationship-driven boutique services. The middle ground—generic creative services—is disappearing.
If you’re starting a creative business, or trying to make your existing business fly: Skip the “full service” approach. The ”we do everything agency” is dying a painful death. Pick a specific niche, build genuine expertise, and create content that demonstrates your strategic thinking, not just your aesthetic skills.
The question isn’t whether you can survive the changes. The question is whether you’ll position yourself to profit from them. This will take reinventing your business. No, really.
If you’re a creative agency owner: Focus on operational efficiency through AI tools while doubling down on strategic human insight. Build subscription revenue models and specialize ruthlessly.
After years of digital-first everything, there’s growing appetite for in-real-life creative experiences. Pop-up studios, creative workshops, and hybrid digital-physical projects are commanding premium pricing.
Solo freelancers are forming “virtual agencies”—networks of specialists who collaborate on larger projects without traditional agency overhead. This trend is creating opportunities for premium project work that individual freelancers couldn’t handle alone. (This is what we’re building with Original Minds)
While everyone chases the cool clients, or the big ones, money is being made in unglamorous but essential services: social media management for local businesses, template creation for DIY entrepreneurs, and process optimization for overwhelmed agencies.
