# Macabre Animalism Critters in design are taken from cutesy to dark for added sophistication. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Apr 23, 2015 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/macabre-animalism ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.3/10 - Evidence articles: 9 ## What is the Macabre Animalism trend? **Macabre Animalism:** The use of animals in design used to signify a cutesy, meme-friendly tone. In today's society, where consumers are more concerned with individualism than pleasantries, this has shifted toward a darker tone. The use of animalism in a more macabre context questions the concept of humanity, providing what consumers crave: more meaningful experiences. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 9 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 21, 2014 to Feb 13, 2015 - Published: Apr 23, 2015 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Macabre Animalism trend ### Macabre Animalism The trend of using animals in a more macabre context questions the concept of humanity, providing more meaningful experiences to consumers. ### Human-Animal Hybrids The trend of exploring the relationship between humans and nature through human-animal hybrids provides a space for artists and designers to showcase the stresses of our cohabitation, leading to potentially new forms of sustainable product design. ### Animal Hybrid Ads The trend of showing strange animal combinations in advertising, as exemplified by Smokaccino, provides restaurants and marketing teams an opportunity to showcase new menu items in an exciting and visually engaging way. ## What the Macabre Animalism trend means for industry ### For Art and Design These trends can inspire artists and designers to use animal references in new and innovative ways, pushing the boundaries of aesthetic conventions. ### For Robotics and Technology The trend of using animal references in robotics and technology, such as the DALER drone inspired by vampire bats, shows potential for new forms of disaster relief and remote exploration. ### For Marketing and Advertising The trend of using animal hybrids in ads, like Smokaccino's, can inspire more creative, unusual and memorable campaigns for businesses in the restaurant industry and beyond. ## Trend signals for Macabre Animalism Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 72%, activity 80%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 72% - Activity: 80% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Macabre Animalism trend 9 featured examples from Jul 21, 2014 to Feb 13, 2015. - [Mystical Emotive Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emotive-portraits): Viktorija Raggana Captures the Magic Power of Vilnius, Lithuania (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity for fine art photographers to incorporate symbolic and surreal elements to add depth and emotion to their portrait photography. - [Animal Hybrid Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weird-animal-hybrids): Smokaccino's Ads Combine Land and Sea Critters to Make Weird Animal Hybrids (Category: Marketing) Implication: The restaurant industry can explore the opportunity of creating unique menu offerings by combining different animal species, as shown by Smokaccino's animal hybrid ads. - [Watercolor Cat Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watercolor-cat): Artist Endre Penovac Creates Ghostly Images of Furry Felines (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for artists and designers to explore and experiment with watercolor techniques to create unique and captivating cat paintings. - [Robotic Spider Dresses (UPDATE)](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spider-dress): Anouk Wipprecht Designs an Outfit that Protects Its Wearer (Category: Tech) Implication: The fashion industry can benefit from incorporating robotics and wearable technology to create innovative and interactive clothing items. - [Fantastical Macabre Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roxanne-jackson): Artist Roxanne Jackson Creates a Grisly World of Surreal Art (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The art industry could benefit greatly from supporting artists that create unique and thought-provoking works that challenge traditional norms and expectations, potentially leadin… - [Vampire Bat Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vampire-bat-drone): The DALER Prototype Drone Can Scope Out Inaccessible Areas (Category: Tech) Implication: The vampire bat drone technology can revolutionize the field of disaster relief by providing enhanced search and rescue capabilities in inaccessible locations. - [Sea Creature Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sea-creature-tables): Artist Kirk McGuire Creates Sculptural Furniture (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Furniture designers can explore new artistic approaches by incorporating realistic animal sculptures into their creations, offering unique and captivating pieces. - [Human-Animal Hybrids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/humananimal-hybrids): Artist Crystal Morey Creates Gorgeously Meditative Sculptures (Category: Art & Design) Implication: An opportunity for artists to create unique pieces inspired by Morey's human-animal hybrid concept. - [Monstrous Snake Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snake-monster): The Snake Monster Robot Can Be Configured For Different Purposes (Category: Tech) Implication: The Snake Monster robot's modular system architecture and multi-jointed legs open up innovative opportunities for robotics applications in industries such as manufacturing, agricu… ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)