The online is now the main channel of marketing and exposure for most if not all brands across the globe. And companies are investing more and more in content creation meant for customer communication and attraction. Graphic design is at the center of all this, and it explains why graphic design trends dictate and rule the day in marketing.
Graphic design trends specifically have a central role in the creation of the much-needed and relevant digital work used by various if not all industries. Think about it! The signage you see out there, the banners, the presentations, websites, animations or logos, and even architectural work production. All entail graphics that have been morphing ever since the digital revolution started.
And as these graphic design trends change every year, it’s a notorious fact that graphic design is at the center of how brands interact with clients or consumers. It drives more engagement and appeal and ultimately conversions.
Thus, here are graphic design trends to follow in order to adapt and thrive.
You will notice that some graphic design trends are returning while others have been building momentum in the last couple of years.
Retro Futurism Design Appeals
Graphic design trends are much like fashion trends, they’re cyclical in nature. Simple patterns and simple layouts are back. The term retro futurism refers to the way design predictions from the future were illustrated in previous eras. It also describes how some current graphic design aesthetics have combined futuristic technology and retro designs.
Therefore, retro-futurism in graphic design trends is an intricate affair with several layers of panache to showcase.
In 2021, it will explore deeper past styles and incorporate futuristic designs to empower old images with a very unique appeal.
There is growth and progress as far as life is concerned, and they will be expressed and emphasized in this year’s trends. As such, the longing is to take people to an ideal place where the good old past and the hopeful future co-exist.
Source: Pinterest
Authenticity Everywhere
This trend is actually a need that continues to dominate the markets. And it’ll not stop. Everyone in each industry is readjusting themselves to offer authenticity. Graphic design trends are not left behind. Authenticity involves a diversity of people, cultures, opinions, and so on. People are keen on everybody’s inclusivity even in marketing matters.
Even the fashion industry has ditched traditional models and is considering the diversity of color, age, and size. Therefore, there will not be any untrue facades in 2021. Designers will opt for real styles that represent humanity no matter where they are.
Nature Inspired
To go along with the authenticity trend, people are still concerned with natural and organic trends. Life changed for so many in 2020, everyone will be looking for softer and more natural designs that mimic true nature.
This will include more earthy tones and colors, and more muted patterns that give a natural feel. And it will include textures that are earthy, with a stone or wood feel, etc. All these are meant to set a mood that reflects what people are yearning for in 2022.
At least anything that will cover what graphic design trends in 2021 couldn’t. Graphic designers in 2022 will bring nature back to the people in more ways than before.
The beauty of this graphic design trend is that it can blend in perfectly with any industry. It’s suitable for any technique the designer applies, and it will consequently thrive.
Eco-Friendly Trends
You probably predicted this one. There has been a growing concern about the environment over the last decade, this was one of the leading graphic design trends in 2022 and it will still be here in the future. And after the 2020 pandemic challenges, this trend is more real today than ever before.
Environmental sustainability is a collective responsibility. The campaigns begin with small works of graphic design. Big brands are taking the lead in driving these campaigns because they have all realized that the consumer is mindful of their own part in environmental sustainability. They’re looking at everything including packaging as well as recyclability.
Optimism and Uplifting Trends
Religious groups are no longer the only parties giving optimism and uplifting. The creative industry and even commercial industries are offering people more playful, optimistic, and positive patterns and designs.
What is the latest trend in graphic design as far as this theme is concerned? You will be looking at more warm patterns and colors, more vibrant designs that suggest more inclusivity and positivity. It will also include witty animations and charming art designs. Inspiration will be the keyword here. Anything that will offer comfort and rejuvenation to the masses. Most probably it will be among the leading graphic design trends in 2022.
Fine Art Integration
Previously fine art and graphic design have been two distinct fields with little hope for fusion. But 2021 has other plans. There is a prediction of abstract art expressionism and acrylic brushstrokes soon to be seen in products around you.
Fine art involves surface variations and depth creation through painting. It will be incorporated into physical products to give them a textural feel when touching. And a unique appeal that’s popular with a certain class and culture. Think of wine branding and packaging. Such designs keep the users intrigued and encourage them to take a moment to look at and feel the products.
Gold in Graphic Design
Gold is trending everywhere and in graphic design too. As metallic effects are trending everywhere, graphic design trends will go gold. As seen all over including the latest mobile devices to fashion and even décor throughout 2020, these metallic trends are just going to expand.
Gold naturally draws attention to itself. Thus, this will work flawlessly whether the designer uses a minimalist approach or decides to go all out.
You will have options to play around with including all the gold shades, and matte or reflective or shiny effects. Simply put, you will be spoilt for choice. It will possibly be incorporated with other textures; depending on the designers and the brand. But whichever way it goes, gold will easily catch attention.
Muted Color Trend
As said earlier, some trends have been here before and this one is definitely one of those. It’s a popular trend for a couple of reasons. One is that it’s cool and “laid back” and offers a smooth feel. The second reason is that it allows the rest of the features and illustrations to be bold.
Muted colors are simply vivid colors whose edge has been knocked over either by being fused with another similar color, white or black. Muted colors are the new favorite of many consumers and designers alike because they have a calming effect.
Even the loudest advertisement may seem less irritating when placed on top of muted colors. There is a way they blend in well with almost any kind of text.
And on top of it, muted colors seem more natural, so they combine well with all the other graphic design trends listed above.
Simple Infographic Visualization
Data can be complex, and that’s why data visualization should be all about displaying the data in a simple-to-understand format. Most consumers of data may not necessarily have the skills to interpret complex figures. So, it should be shown in the simplest design that will require zero explanation. It’s the main reason why this trend will be among the leading graphic design trends of the year.
Clever designers are ensuring that they do not overload their data presentations with too much information lest they run the risk of losing the main points. Finally, it is all about making data easy to comprehend even for a school child.
Geometric Shapes
These ordinary shapes are coming back with some sophistication: they’re bringing abstract designs with them. Designers love them for many reasons. They’re easy to create and use and they offer beautiful structure to a visual.
The shift has been eased by their precision. When you look at a geometrically shaped design you’ll not miss the consistency and contrast offered. And most designers are pairing these shapes with muted color pallets to create outstanding graphic designs.
Social Slide Decks
This graphic design trend is relatively new but it will be here for a while because not only are these sliding decks easy to create, they’re a very useful engagement tool that’s easily sharable.
Picture this: are you likely to read an entire caption or would you rather just slide the decks? It’s the curiosity in wanting to know what’s in the next slide that makes this trend a force that you cannot ignore.
Emoji Trends
Emojis are the global language that everyone anywhere can understand. They’re the easiest way to express emotion wherever they’re used. They’re great at communicating underlying feelings that may not be clear with a statement only. It’s for this reason that they will be ranked among the leading graphic design trends in 2022.
Emojis encourage interaction and are very effective even when used alone. They have become a central feature in communication and graphic designers with an interest in creating a reaction and a response from their audience will be using Emojis in their work.
Creatives will get more imaginative with graphics by using various techniques and styles of representing them. There are many places or areas where emojis can work and going forward this is a trend that’s likely to last long.
3D Typography Designs
If you ever wondered which trends helped shape the development of graphic design, then 3D Typography is one such trend. Designers continue to explore their creative boundaries using typography and lettering.
They have taken the maximalist trend further and are now creating 3-Dimensional typography that is uber-realistic. It’s created using a combination of vector and 3D modeling software.
Several approaches to this trend are available: you can go iconographic where you can convey the text theme through a visual depiction of the word. You can also use calligraphy where you can infuse a text with instant mood through the style you use. (e.g., a romantic message can be written a certain way, invitation cards can be designed in a way to show style and elegance, etc.)
In 2021, designers are looking to create more real letters using all these techniques. They want to create very ornate 3D designs looking as if they’re about to pop out of the page. Designers will also be constructing paper collage effects that will give letters a more organic look, perfect for environmental-themed content or children’s content.
Voxel Art
Are you familiar with Minecraft? That style is what’s called voxel art. A voxel is a 3D cube that almost resembles Lego blocks. They’re the 2nd version of a 2D pixel. As 3D continues to play a major role in this year’s graphic design trends, shape elements will be used to create new different concepts. And voxel art is a fine blend of both.
Voxel art is a very visual technique that fuses childish simplicity with a classic appeal, yet it’s very modern. It’s a more fun and less serious trend and that’s what people will be looking forward to this year.
Monochromes and Duotones
As seen in muted colors, this trend is also about limited palettes. It’s also about giving a soft calm vibe to allow for bold and complex illustrations and designs. It’s not only a preference of designers. The consumer too will appreciate the simplicity that monochromes and duotones offer all the while as they play off complex features.
There is a cool sense of unified harmony and structure that these combinations bring. A site can look inviting and structured when this trend is used.
Text Heavy Videos
Video marketing statistics have shown that 87% of marketing professionals are using video as a marketing tool. And consumers on the other hand consider video content as their favorite type of content on social platforms. This is probably one of the reasons why text-heavy videos are on the rise and will stay so throughout 2022.
Another reason that will contribute to the rise in this trend is that people are still working remotely. And therefore, creating new video content might still be difficult. To make use of already existing good-quality text content, creatives have turned to repurposing old text content into videos. And even better, new content is being created in this version.
This trend will stay on the rise because marketers will have a sure bet that a good number of consumers will consume the content. The CTA will be easy to include at the end of a quick short video. And it’s also a great branding tool where you get to showcase your brand colors and fonts that consumers can quickly identify you with.
Source: YouTube
How Important Is It to Follow Graphic Design Trends or Create Your Own?
Changes in technology and especially the shift to mobile continue to change a lot. And good graphic design has been around over time and still undergoes different shifts and changes from time to time.
Top-level designs adapt to changing times. If graphic designers would have never adapted to changing times, so much would still be stuck back in time. And advancements people are enjoying now wouldn’t be there.
People will always hop into the next popular thing. So, this makes it important for a brand to understand trends and be able to play around and adapt to them. A great example is Google. They’re ever adapting to new trends and that’s why they’re market leaders.
Conclusion
The pinnacle of any business is to stand out and be different from the crowd. And the role that graphic design trends play in this regard cannot be understated.
To separate yourself as a brand from the rest of the noise, you have to learn how to keep up with graphic design trends, you need to explore the upcoming graphic design trends and adapt. Leverage them in the best way you can. It will help your brand flourish in the ever-changing marketplace. So, don’t be left behind, explore and adapt.
