The creative economy contributed an estimated 7.3 percent of the Philippines’ GDP in 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, underscoring the sector’s growing influence on business, media, and culture.
As Filipino brands and creators ride this momentum, they face a new challenge: how to adapt to rapidly evolving AI tools without losing the authenticity that resonates with local audiences, Canva said in a statement.
AI is everywhere, but authenticity still wins
Canva’s newly released Design Trends 2026 report highlights this tension.
Drawing insights from its Design Advisory Board, a survey of 1,000 creators in the US and Brazil, and behavior from more than 260 million creators globally, the report reveals one clear takeaway: visual authenticity matters more than ever in an AI-driven world.
As artificial intelligence becomes deeply embedded in creative workflows, creators are pushing back against overly polished, machine-perfect outputs, Canva said.
‘Imperfect by Design’ emerges as the new creative standard
This shift has given rise to what Canva calls “Imperfect by Design”—a creative standard where designs feel human, expressive, and relatable.
“AI is accelerating how Filipinos create, but it’s human emotion that keeps the work meaningful,” said Angelo Cuyegkeng, design lead of Canva Philippines, in the same statement.
“We’re seeing creators embrace designs that feel imperfect, expressive, and deeply personal—and that’s becoming the new creative edge in 2026.”
AI as a creative collaborator, not a replacement
Rather than replacing creativity, AI is becoming a collaborator.
The report shows that 49 percent of creators use AI tools weekly, while 30 percent rely on them daily, cementing AI’s role as a core part of modern creative workflows.
This growing familiarity is encouraging experimentation, allowing creators to move faster while still injecting personality into their work.
Bold visuals and playful experimentation lead 2026 trends
Among the standout visual trends for 2026 is Reality Warp, marked by bold, surreal imagery powered by AI—designed to grab attention and amplify self-expression.
Other key trends include Drama Club and Prompt Playground, reflecting how creators are using AI to transform technical formats into playful, imaginative outputs. Canva also reported a 48.9 percent rise in searches for lo-fi, motion collage, and retro-tech aesthetics.
Minimalism makes a strong comeback
At the same time, the data reveals a counter-movement toward simplicity.
Searches for “clean layout,” “serif,” and “simple branding” grew 54 percent year over year, generating 45 million impressions on Canva.
This contrast highlights a creative landscape where bold experimentation and quiet minimalism can coexist.
Why ‘Feeling Real’ may matter most in 2026
As automation reshapes how content is produced, designs that feel real may stand out the most. For Filipino brands, success in 2026 may hinge on using AI with intention—leveraging speed and scale while keeping human emotion, authenticity, and creativity at the core. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
