IN & OUT FOR 2026 (Creative business edition)
- Kristal Jones
- Jan 9
- 2 min read
A fun (but vey real) guide to what's working in branding + web design this year.
Every new year brings a fresh round of trends, ideas, and "this is YOUR year" energy. But in the design world, some things are officially in their era...
and some things are being lovingly retired.
Here's my fun and honest breakdown of what's IN for 2026 - and what we're collectively leaving behind.
IN FOR 2026
✨ Branding that actually looks like your business
Not Pinterest boards.
Not what your competitor is doing.
Not "aesthetics the algorithm told you to like."
Branding that feels like you.
💅 Intentional design (not last-minute panic)
We're choosing the calm clarity over chaos.
No more rushing before a launch - we're planning, refining, aligning.
💻 Websites you're proud to share
If you hesitate before sending your link...it's a sign.
2026 is for websites that reflect your next chapter, not your last one.
🎨 Templates that save your sanity
Posting should not take 3 hours.
A few strong templates keep your brand cohesive (and your stress low).
✨ Fonts that are friends, not frenemies
Two to three fonts that work together = instant professionalism
No more font squads fighting for attention.
🎨 Colour palettes that feel intentional
Soft, Confident, Aligned.
Not "I found this at 2am and hoped for the best."
🔎 Checking your domain BEFORE falling in love with a name 😭
This one...
Let's make it a collective resolution.
Your future self will thank you.
OUT FOR 2026
🚫 DIY chaos
We've all been there.
But "I'll fix it later" design is holding so many businesses back.
This year? We're choosing support.
📚 Twelve fonts in one project
Typography is not a group project.
🎭 "It'll do for now" branding
Temporary branding becomes permanent faster than you think.
Your brand deserves intention from the start.
😵 Colour palettes fighting for their lives
If your colours haven't met each other before...it shows.
🆘 Pixelated logos from the archives
Your brand is elevating - your visuals need to come with you.
🎨 Canva templates from 2019
We're refreshing.
We're upgrading.
We're embracing modern, clean design that actually works.
👀 Realising your dream business name is already taken...AFTER you've committed emotionally
2026: The year we check
✔️ Domain (visit www.fasthosts.co.uk)
✔️ Instagram handle
✔️ Email
✔️ Companies house (if needed)
Before falling in love!
What this all really means...
2026 is the year of:
✨ Alignment
✨ Intention
✨ Calm creative growth
✨ Branding that feels like your next chapter
It's not about perfection - it's about building a brand and website that feels clear, confident and completely YOU.
If you're ready to refresh your branding or website, or you're not sure where to start, I'm here to make the process simple, joyful and strategic.
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