# Kite-Flying Illustrations Nathaniel Eckstrom Draws Soft, Subdued and Surreal Scenes By Meghan Young | Published 2011-02-01 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nathaniel-eckstrom References: [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/gallery/Illustration/910149) & [nathanieleckstrom](http://www.nathanieleckstrom.com) As I glance through this portfolio of surreal worlds and quirky scenarios, I can't help but gawk at Nathaniel Eckstrom's work with a child-like sense of wonder. Soft and subdued, Nathaniel Eckstrom's illustrations seem to be drawn for children. Based in Australia, Eckstrom has actually created drawings for children's books as well as magazines, with experience in doing illustrations for animation films. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 21% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Soft, Subdued Illustrations:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a new line of children's books with soft, subdued illustrations to appeal to a different aesthetic. - **Surreal Worlds:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop virtual reality experiences that immerse users in surreal worlds inspired by Nathaniel Eckstrom's illustrations. - **Quirky Scenarios:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design a mobile game that features quirky scenarios, allowing players to interact with the charming and whimsical visuals. ### Who This Affects Most - **Children's Publishing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leverage Nathaniel Eckstrom's soft, subdued illustrations to bring a fresh and distinctive style to the children's publishing industry. - **Animation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with Nathaniel Eckstrom to create animated films that incorporate his unique illustration style and appeal to a wide audience. - **Virtual Reality:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate Nathaniel Eckstrom's surreal worlds into virtual reality technology for immersive experiences that push the boundaries of traditional entertainment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sun-Lit Kite-Inspired Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cygnet-light.md) - [Blue Silkscreen Skateboard Decks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kai-and-sunny-1.md) - [Inflatable Vibrant Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-dancer.md) - [Realistic Sketch-Reflective Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawing-series.md) - [Sculptural Mixed-Media Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folded-echoes.md) - [Whimsical Childlike Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-eternal-child.md) - [Statement Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1.md) - [Hand-Painted Watercolor Prints](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emma-webster.md) - [Imaginative Pared-Back Art Supplies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woset.md)