The self-made mythos is as powerful as ever, despite societal upheaval testing its limits. Even mundane pastimes have been monetised as people cash in on massive audiences and leave no niche unexplored. Selling out is no longer a source of embarrassment, it’s just what makes the world go round.

Aware of hidden agendas, people no longer believe in the possibility of absolute truth or complete transparency from institutions, public figures, and individuals. Yet they are still drawn to honesty, integrity, and – at times – even vulnerability, which they expect from peers and brands alike.

Today, audiences are shaping the cultural agenda. Empowered to speak up for the causes they believe in, people are actively calling out brands they see as inauthentic. What are the main drivers of this behavioural shift? And how can brands win the trust of these outspoken advocates?

‘Influence’ is a multi-billion dollar industry. But what actually is it? Who determines who has it? And what impact does it have on society? Canvas8 spoke to brand and trend strategist Olivia Yallop about the future of influencer ubiquity and how brands can stay ahead in an influence economy.

The pandemic sparked major shifts in influencer culture, with traditional celebs making way for more relatable stars and micro-communities fostering clout through shared passions. We know that personal recommendations still matter, but who will exert the most influence post-COVID-19?

F*** You Pay Me is an app that aims to eradicate pay disparity for influencers. Similar to Glassdoor, content creators can anonymously share their experience of collaborating with brands, providing transparency on rates and helping other influencers to get paid equitably.

People are following more fashion influencers than ever before as they chase limited-edition releases and adopt a fluid approach to trends and style. After investigating this behaviour in our Fashion and Style Sector Snapshot, Canvas8 spoke to ten Britons about online influencers and hype culture.