# Crafty Paperation Taking art back from the digital era to a nostalgic traditional age. By [Meghan Young](https://www.trendhunter.com/meghan) | Published Sep 23, 2009, updated Feb 4, 2013 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/paperation-craftiness-taking-art-back-from-the-digital-age-to-a-nostalgic-t ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.8/10 - Evidence articles: 12 ## What is the Crafty Paperation trend? **Crafty Paperation:** While many artists are choosing to innovate by taking the digital path, others are falling back on more traditional mediums. For some it is an attempt to stand out, for others, it is fear of failing to excel with new tools, and for others still, reasoning lies in loyalty to a craft. For every artist against new technology, there are hundreds of consumers favoring traditional art. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 12 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 20 to Sep 23, 2009 - Published: Sep 23, 2009 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Crafty Paperation trend ### Return to traditional mediums in art As some artists choose to move towards digital mediums, others are finding success by embracing traditional art forms. ### DIY papercraft From toys and jewelry to speakers and weapons, consumers are enjoying more papercraft projects and experiences. ### Intricate and innovative papercraft Artists like Wataru Itou and Ingrid Siliakus are pushing the limits of what is possible with papercraft, inspiring others to explore the art form in new ways. ## What the Crafty Paperation trend means for industry ### For Art and crafting supplies As consumers embrace traditional and DIY art forms, there is an opportunity for art and craft supply companies to introduce new products and materials to meet growing demand. ### For Paper and printing The growing interest in papercraft projects and experiences presents an opportunity for paper and printing companies to develop new products that cater to this niche market. ### For Museums and galleries As papercraft gains recognition as an art form, there is an opportunity for museums and galleries to showcase more works that use this innovative medium. ## Trend signals for Crafty Paperation Trend score 4.8 out of 10, from popularity 64%, activity 73%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 64% - Activity: 73% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Crafty Paperation trend 12 featured examples from Feb 20 to Sep 23, 2009. - [3-D Graffiti](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/julien-vallee): Julien Vallee's 'Paper Spray' Brings Urban Art to Life (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Art galleries can capitalize on the changing perception of graffiti by showcasing institutionalized graffiti art and promoting it as a recognized artform. - [Intricate Papercraft Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/7gods-light-installments): 7GODS Light Installments Embrace Delicate Decor (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Incorporating dynamic design features in lighting products can differentiate brands in a competitive industry. - [Killer Papercrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-weapons): Postleferguson's DIY Weapons, From Paper Grenades to Uzis (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The DIY Weapons papercraft trend may provide a boon to the arts and crafts industry with a new product to sell to hobbyists. - [Budget-Friendly DIY Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clever-dyi-toys-free-papercraft-projects-to-print-and-assemble): Free Papercraft Projects to Print and Assemble (Category: Eco) Implication: Toy manufacturers can explore the use of eco-friendly materials in the development of new toys to appeal to increasingly environmentally conscious consumers. - [Hand-Cut Typography Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/typography-poster-peter-karras): Frenetic Papercraft Masterpieces by Peter Karras Put All Others to Sha (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Artists and designers can embrace the trend of hand-cut typography posters to tap into a niche market and cater to typography art enthusiasts. - [Papercraft Couture Editorials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lofficiel-july-august-2009): L'Officiel July/August 2009 Rocks Origami Outfits (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Fashion brands and designers can harness the power of papercraft couture to create innovative and visually striking designs that captivate consumers and differentiate their brand… - [Papercraft Castles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wataru-itou-castle): Amazing Mini Architecture From Wataru Itou (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The growing demand for papercraft materials and tools creates opportunities for suppliers to offer specialized products catering to artists and hobbyists. - [Immaculate Papercrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ingrid-siliakus-papercraft): Ingrid Siliakus Builds Amazing Petite Paper Cities (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The art and design industry can explore new avenues of creativity by pushing the boundaries of papercraft and incorporating architectural influences. - [Novel Papercraft Wigs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barclay-douglas-papercraft-wig): Barclay Douglas' Head Adornment is Perfect for Bookworms & Bibliophiles (Category: Eco) Implication: Fashion houses can explore the innovation of using novel materials like papercraft in their designs to create unique and sustainable fashion pieces. - [Papercraft-Inspired Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emi-brooch-hair-clip): Emi Brooch and Hair Clip Oozes Delicate Femininity (Category: Fashion) Implication: The delicate and feminine aesthetic of the Emi Brooch presents an opportunity for businesses in the fashion accessories industry to offer products that cater to individuals lookin… - [Paper Craft Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/think-outside-the-parking-box): Le Creative Sweatshop Makes You 'Think Outside the Parking Box' (Category: Autos) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for advertisers to explore new ways of incorporating paper craft in their campaigns and capturing audience attention. - [Old-School USB Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-papercraft-speakers): Retro Papercraft Speakers Are One Funky DIY Project (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for consumer electronics companies to develop and market retro-style USB speaker kits that appeal to the DIY-minded consumers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Sensory Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sensory-packaging) (Art & Design) - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Fruit-Inspired Cleaning Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vilada-punch) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) - [Textural Furniture Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fall-designs-blu-dot) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)