8 Graphic Design Trends: A Practical Guide
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 8 min read

Contents

  1. Minimalist Design
  2. Muted Color Palettes
  3. Geometric Shapes
  4. Classic Serif Fonts
  5. Data Visualization
  6. Flat Icons and Illustrations
  7. Motion and Interactivity
  8. Augmented Reality

Staying up-to-date with the latest trends can be a real game-changer in the world of graphic design. Everything from color palettes to typographies can shift in style, entailing a need for constant learning and adaptation. If you're a designer or simply someone interested in the field, you'll want to keep a keen eye on the upcoming trends in graphic design, exploring visual styles and techniques. This practical guide is here to help you navigate the changing tides of design with ease. Let's dive right in, shall we?

Minimalist Design

First on our list is the minimalist design trend. Now, you might be thinking, "Isn't minimalism a concept we've been hearing about for years now?" You're not wrong. However, it's one of those trends that has managed to stand the test of time, evolving with changing tastes and technologies.

Minimalist design is all about simplicity and functionality. It's about saying more with less. While it might seem easy to create, it actually requires a clear understanding of design principles and a keen eye for detail. Here's why it's one of the upcoming trends in graphic design:

  • Focus on core content: By clearing away all the non-essential elements, minimalist design puts the spotlight on the core content. This makes your message clear and easy to understand, which is exactly what viewers appreciate.
  • Timeless appeal: Simplicity never goes out of style. A minimalist design, with its clean lines and muted colors, can remain relevant and appealing for years to come.
  • Efficiency: In today's fast-paced digital world, viewers value quick access to information. Minimalist design, with its uncluttered layout and straightforward navigation, facilitates this, making it a favorite amongst users and designers alike.

So, the next time you're exploring visual styles and techniques in graphic design, don't overlook the power of minimalism. It's a design philosophy that's here to stay, making it a trend certainly worth mastering.

Muted Color Palettes

Next on our exploration of upcoming trends in graphic design are muted color palettes. If you've been feeling a bit overwhelmed by the bright, bold colors dominating the digital landscape, you're in for a treat. Muted color palettes, with their soft, soothing hues, are making a big comeback.

But what makes muted colors so appealing? Let's take a closer look:

  • Natural and soothing: Muted colors have a natural, earthy feel that can be incredibly soothing to the eye. They're less intense than their vibrant counterparts, making them perfect for projects that require a more relaxed, grounded vibe.
  • Versatility: With their understated elegance, muted colors can work well with a variety of design styles—from minimalist to maximalist, from traditional to contemporary. They're like the chameleons of the color world, adapting seamlessly to different design contexts.
  • Inclusivity: Muted color palettes are often easier on the eyes, making them a great choice for designing accessible and inclusive content. They can help ensure that your designs are not just visually appealing, but also comfortable for all viewers to engage with.

So while exploring visual styles and techniques in the world of graphic design, don't hesitate to experiment with muted color palettes. They're not just a passing trend, but a powerful design tool that can help you create visually harmonious and inclusive designs. And who knows? They might just become your new favorite go-to palette!

Geometric Shapes

As we delve further into the upcoming trends in graphic design, we come across an old friend with a new twist: geometric shapes. Yes, you heard it right, those simple shapes from your middle school math class are now an exciting trend in graphic design!

Geometric shapes are not just about squares and circles. They're about exploring visual styles and techniques to create unique, engaging designs. Let's break down why geometric shapes are such a big hit:

  • Structure and Balance: Geometric shapes provide a sense of structure and balance to your designs. They can help you arrange elements in a visually pleasing way, making your designs more coherent and impactful.
  • Symbolism: Each geometric shape carries its own meaning. For instance, circles can symbolize unity and completeness, while squares can represent stability and order. By using geometric shapes strategically, you can add a deeper layer of meaning to your designs.
  • Visual Impact: With their sharp lines and defined edges, geometric shapes can create a strong visual impact. They can help draw attention to specific elements in your design, making it more engaging and memorable.

So, are you ready to revisit those math classes and start incorporating geometric shapes in your designs? Remember, it's all about being creative and having fun. Who said geometry can't be exciting?

Classic Serif Fonts

Next in our lineup of upcoming trends in graphic design is the return of the classic serif fonts. Yes, the same fonts that are probably reminding you of the times you skimmed through a hardcover book or a formal letter. But, don't let that fool you, because these fonts are now making a big comeback in the digital world!

Let's go through a few reasons why classic serif fonts are becoming a favourite among designers:

  • Elegance: With their delicate strokes and varying line widths, classic serif fonts bring an air of sophistication and elegance to your designs. They can instantly make your work look more refined and professional.
  • Readability: Serif fonts have little "feet" or lines attached at the ends of each letter. This feature can make text easier to read, especially in long paragraphs or dense text blocks. So, if you're designing something with a lot of text, serif fonts can be your best bet!
  • Versatility: Classic serif fonts can blend well with a variety of design styles. Whether it's a minimalist design or a data visualization project, a well-chosen serif font can enhance the overall look and feel of your design.

So, when you're exploring visual styles and techniques for your next design project, don't forget to consider classic serif fonts. They might just be the touch of elegance your design needs!

Data Visualization

Let's move on to another trend making waves in the world of graphic design: data visualization. If you've ever found yourself lost in a sea of numbers, you'll know that raw data can be quite hard to digest. But what if you could present that data in a visually engaging and easy-to-understand format? That's exactly what data visualization can help you with!

Here's why data visualization is counting among the most sought-after upcoming trends in graphic design:

  • Clarity: Data visualization helps to translate complex data into a visual format. This makes it easier for viewers to understand the information, recognize patterns, and make informed decisions. So, if you're working with data-heavy content, this technique can be a game-changer!
  • Engagement: Let's face it, a colorful chart or graph is much more engaging than a spreadsheet full of numbers. Data visualization not only makes data more understandable but also more engaging. This can be particularly useful in presentations, reports, or social media posts.
  • Storytelling: Effective data visualization can tell a story. It can highlight the key points, show changes over time, or draw attention to a particular aspect of the data. This storytelling aspect can make your design more compelling and memorable.

So, the next time you're exploring visual styles and techniques, consider incorporating data visualization into your design. It's not just about making data look pretty, but about making it more meaningful and impactful!

Flat Icons and Illustrations

Another trend that's capturing the spotlight in the graphic design arena is the use of flat icons and illustrations. This trend is a shining example of the saying, "less is more". But don't be fooled by its simplicity; flat design can pack quite a punch when it comes to visual impact. Wondering why? Let's dive in!

Here's why flat icons and illustrations are soaring among the upcoming trends in graphic design:

  • Visual Clarity: Flat design thrives on simplicity. It does away with fancy 3D effects and sticks to clean, simple shapes. This makes the icons or illustrations easy to recognize and understand. So, if you're looking for a way to convey your message clearly and concisely, flat design could be your answer.
  • Modern Appeal: There's something undeniably fresh and modern about flat design. It's sleek, it's stylish, and it fits in well with the minimalist aesthetic that's popular today. So, if you're keen on giving your designs a modern makeover, flat icons and illustrations are worth exploring.
  • Flexibility: Flat design is versatile. It works well in a variety of contexts, be it websites, apps, posters, or logos. Plus, it's easily adaptable to different visual styles and techniques. This flexibility makes flat design a handy tool in any graphic designer's toolkit.

So, in your journey of exploring visual styles and techniques, don't forget to give flat icons and illustrations a try. They might look simple, but remember, sometimes the simplest designs can have the most profound impact!

Motion and Interactivity

If you're keen on exploring upcoming trends in graphic design, brace yourself for a world where static images take a backseat. Enter the realm of motion and interactivity, where design elements move, respond, and engage with viewers. So, are you ready to dive into this dynamic dimension of graphic design?

Here's why motion and interactivity are ruling the roost in the graphic design landscape:

  • Enhanced Engagement: The human eye is naturally drawn to movement. So, by adding motion to your designs, you can grab your viewer's attention in a snap. And when you add interactivity into the mix, you promote active engagement. Viewers no longer passively consume the content; they interact with it. And that's a surefire way to leave a lasting impression!
  • Storytelling Potential: Motion and interactivity can breathe life into your designs. They enable you to tell a story, evoke emotions, and create a narrative flow. This storytelling potential can give your designs a deeper layer of meaning and make them more compelling.
  • Technological Advances: The rise of digital media and technology has made it easier than ever to incorporate motion and interactivity into your designs. So, why not leverage these advances to keep your designs fresh and up-to-date?

As you explore visual styles and techniques, remember that motion and interactivity are not just about creating flashy effects. They're about connecting with your viewers, telling a story, and creating an immersive experience. So, are you ready to bring your designs to life?

Augmented Reality

Look around, and it's clear to see that Augmented Reality (AR) is no longer the stuff of science fiction. From social media filters to virtual try-on features in shopping apps, AR has already infiltrated our daily lives. So, it's no surprise that it's one of the hottest upcoming trends in graphic design. Let's dive deeper into this exciting trend:

  • Immersive Experiences: AR can turn a flat, two-dimensional design into an interactive, three-dimensional experience. This can make your designs more immersive, engaging, and memorable. It's like giving your viewers a pair of magic glasses that lets them see your design in a whole new way!
  • Practical Applications: AR isn't just about creating cool effects. It has practical applications too. For example, architects and interior designers can use AR to create virtual walkthroughs. This allows clients to explore a design as if they were actually there. So, AR can be a powerful tool for visualizing ideas and concepts.
  • Future-Proofing Your Designs: With tech giants like Apple and Google investing heavily in AR, it's clear that this technology is here to stay. By incorporating AR into your designs, you're not just keeping up with the latest trends. You're also future-proofing your designs, ensuring that they remain relevant and fresh in the years to come.

As you continue exploring visual styles and techniques in graphic design, remember to keep an eye on the horizon. AR is not just an upcoming trend; it's a glimpse into the future of graphic design. So, why not take the leap and start experimenting with AR today?

If you enjoyed our blog on "8 Graphic Design Trends: A Practical Guide" and want to dive deeper into combining graphic design with photography, don't miss Jarrett Lampley's workshop on 'Creative Crossovers: Photography & Graphic Design'. This workshop will help you explore the fusion of graphic design and photography, opening up new creative possibilities for your projects.