“Slop” is The Economist’s word of the year. Referring to mass-produced, low quality digital content, it’s the word on everyone’s lips, and the content on everyone’s screens – but it’s not a trend that can be sustained for long. As AI takes hold in the workplace and throughout creative industries, those who will set themselves apart are those that give real thought to how they’re adopting the technology. We know content output boosts brand recognition, but viewers will soon tire of generated content that prioritises quantity over quality, and ends up being bland.
So, how can you set your content apart from the sea of slop? In 2026, we are set to see one of the biggest shake-ups for the creative industry in a decade, resulting in three key trends that successful creatives will integrate into their strategies. For more, see our 2026 graphic design trends roundup.
