Hello designers and design enthusiasts! Welcome to another year of exploring the exciting new trends for graphic design. Which are here to stay, which will be but a fleeting memory in a few months’ time, and which will leave us scarred for the rest of our lives? Place your best!
Top Graphic Design Trends for 2024
This year, we're seeing an incredible array of trends that are set to redefine the boundaries of visual communication. Whether you're deep in the industry or just have a penchant for eye-catching designs, these trends are sure to pique your interest. Without further ado, here's a snapshot of what's defining graphic design this year:
- AI-enhanced design
- Maximalism
- Mixed media and hand-drawn
- Retro pixels
- Nature-inspired aesthetic
- Diversity and inclusion
- 3D Elements
- Vibrant colors
- Barbie's Pink
- Abstract gradients and color transitions
- Experimental typography
- Motion
- Vintage minimalism
- Patterns
- Surrealism
Each of these trends offers a fresh perspective and new possibilities for creativity and expression in the design world. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into each trend in the sections to come, exploring their significance and how they're shaping the future of design. Now, LFG!!!
1. AI-enhanced design
Whether you love it or hate it, AI is undeniably shaping the future of graphic design. It's high time we see AI not as a threat but as a valuable ally in our creative arsenal. Lyudmil Enchev from Graphic Mama pointed out the game-changing role of AI in 2023, where it began to streamline everything from concept brainstorming to the final touches, offering a more efficient and cost-effective approach to both stock and custom graphics.
John Randall, a seasoned voice from Magpie Studio, sums it up perfectly for 2024:
“Looking ahead to 2024, graphic design is poised to heavily rely on the assistance of AI. It is imperative for designers to embrace this trend, integrating AI seamlessly into their workflows, and leveraging it intuitively to enhance their creative capabilities.”
This isn't about letting AI take the wheel; it's about harnessing its power to enhance our human creativity. As we look ahead, the fusion of AI with our artistic intuition promises a landscape where the possibilities are as limitless as our imagination. Let's navigate this terrain together, exploring how AI can become our most trusted ally in design.
2. Maximalism
Maximalism is making its grand return in 2024, and it's not holding back. According to Krystle Wong from Venngage:
"Maximalism explodes your brand narrative onto the scene, forging instant emotional connections with intricate details and captivating visuals."
This design trend is all about going big: bold geometric shapes, clashing colors, intricate patterns, rich textures, and retro fonts that all scream personality. It's the antithesis of minimalism's "less is more" philosophy, embracing a "more is more" approach that's both big and bold.
We're all in for this maximalist revival! It's about filling up spaces with vibrant, fun elements that don't shy away from making a statement.
As we dive into this year, the design world is packing every inch with creativity. Enina Bicaku of Looka notes:
"Margins are diminishing as designers load up every corner and crevice with color, shape, fonts, and visuals. Think of big, bold fonts in jarring sizes. Shapes and gradient color combinations that bleed outside of the design confinements. It adds interest, intrigue, and an overall disregard for page size."
This approach to design is about adding layers of interest and complexity, making every piece a feast for the eyes.
Maximalism in 2024 is a celebration of excess, a jubilant embrace of everything bold and fun in design. It's time to let loose, push boundaries, and fill our designs with all the things we love, in true maximalist fashion.
3. Mixed media and hand-drawn
The art of mixing media and embracing the charm of hand-drawn elements is gaining momentum in 2024. Abigail Baldwin, leading the charge at Buttercrumble, captures the essence perfectly:
“A mixed media approach is going to strengthen in 2024. Graphic design will blend illustration, textures, and typography to produce new stimulating compositions.”
This trend is a vibrant counterpoint to the digital precision of AI, offering a warmly human touch that's becoming increasingly sought after.
This resurgence of mixed media and hand-drawn designs is like a breath of fresh air, a creative rebellion that brings a deeply personal touch back into the digital realm. It's an invitation for designers to break free and experiment with a rich palette of techniques, tools, and materials, crafting visuals that resonate on a more authentic, human level.
And it's not just about aesthetics; it's about connection. Maryam Mohsin from Oberlo highlights a crucial insight: almost 90% of consumers crave authenticity from the brands they embrace. What better way to foster this authenticity than through custom illustrations? They're not just visuals; they're a bridge to consumer trust and brand loyalty.
Josh Howarth from Exploding Topics adds another layer to the conversation:
"Custom illustrations and visuals also stand out among the competition. Consumers are more interested in looking at custom art than stock photography. This is especially true on social media."
In the crowded digital landscape, these unique, handcrafted pieces are not just seen; they're felt, offering a standout experience that captivates and engages.
The move towards mixed media and hand-drawn elements is more than a trend; it's a renaissance of the personal touch in graphic design, celebrating the imperfections and authenticity that connect us all.
4. Retro pixels
Pixel art is a fun and nostalgic trend that quickly grabs people's attention. This aesthetic may be retro, but it has been injected with modern touches to give it a fresh take. It combines modern, high-quality graphics with 8-bit pixel-style elements. Krystle Wong of Venngage sums it up beautifully:
"Pixel art isn't just about looking retro; it's about celebrating simplicity and limitations, proving that sometimes the most captivating visuals are born from constraints, not abundance."
This trend is all about embracing the pixelated nostalgia of yesteryears while infusing it with contemporary design elements to create something uniquely engaging.
Pixel art captivates with its simplicity and inherent nostalgia, making it an instantly recognizable and appealing aesthetic. While it harks back to the era of 8-bit graphics, today's pixel art doesn't just dwell in the past. It's been rejuvenated, blending those iconic pixel-style elements with the sleekness of modern graphics.
Lyudmil Enchev from Graphic Mama captures the essence of this evolution:
"These inspirations have led to a style mix combining retro pixel elements with modern, high-quality graphics. Ultimately, this brings us to a design trend that offers infinite possibilities for creative experiments."
It's this fusion of old and new that sets the retro pixel trend apart, offering a playground of creativity where the simplicity of pixels meets the sophistication of today's graphic capabilities.
5. Nature-inspired aesthetic
The nature-inspired aesthetic is blossoming in 2024, intertwining the digital canvas with the tranquility and beauty of the natural world. Krystle Wong of Venngage eloquently states:
"This trend resonates with the growing emphasis on mindfulness and well-being. Nature-inspired textures, like rough wood grain or delicate watercolor washes, add a touch of tactile richness, further blurring the lines between the digital and the physical world."
This trend not only pays homage to the earth's natural beauty but also taps into a deeper yearning for connection and mindfulness in our fast-paced, digital lives.
Embracing nature in design goes beyond aesthetics; it's a nod to environmental consciousness, serving dual purposes of elevating beauty and championing sustainability. Through the use of natural color palettes, textures that mimic real-life elements, and recycled materials, this trend fosters a deeper appreciation for our planet, encouraging a more sustainable approach to design and consumption.
Enina Bicaku of Looka highlights the broader impact of this movement, noting:
"84% of consumers consider sustainability important in their purchase decisions. Products making sustainability-related claims are growing faster than those that don’t."
This statistic underscores the significance of integrating nature-inspired and sustainable elements into design, not just for their visual appeal but for their resonance with consumer values and the global shift towards environmental responsibility.
6. Diversity and inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are taking center stage in the graphic design arena, painting a vivid tapestry of humanity in all its myriad forms. Josh Howarth from Exploding Topics encapsulates this shift:
"The world of graphic design will likely see a much larger emphasis on depicting people of different ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, and abilities."
This movement is more than just a trend; it's a heartfelt embrace of the vast spectrum of human experiences and identities, celebrating the unique stories and perspectives that each person brings to the table.
The commitment to diversity extends beyond the visuals to the very creators behind them, fostering a design community that mirrors the rich tapestry it seeks to represent. It's about crafting visuals that not only reflect but also resonate with a global audience, bridging gaps and connecting us through shared and diverse experiences.
Krystle Wong of Venngage highlights an equally crucial aspect of this inclusive wave:
"Designers are also prioritizing accessibility, ensuring their visuals are usable by people with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities. This shift towards inclusivity isn't just about trends; it's about recognizing the power of design to build empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging in the world we share."
This approach underscores the transformative power of design not just to inform and delight, but to include and unite, making every interaction more meaningful and connected.
7. 3D Elements
The realm of 3D design is expanding at an exhilarating pace, with projections suggesting a 20% annual growth in the 3D modeling market from 2020 to 2026. Josh Howarth points out:
"The 3D modeling market is projected to grow 20% annually from 2020 to 2026. They cite the increasing access to advanced technology able to render 3D as a major force behind this trend."
This surge is largely fueled by advancements in technology that make 3D rendering more accessible and versatile than ever before.
Already a significant presence in the design world, 3D is set to become even more prevalent across various design disciplines, from user interfaces to illustrations. Its dynamic and engaging nature makes it a standout choice for designers looking to captivate and hold the audience's attention. With its blend of fun and innovation, 3D design invites viewers into immersive experiences, transforming the flat digital landscape into a playground of depth and interactivity.
8. Vibrant colors
The realm of 3D design is expanding at an exhilarating pace, with projections suggesting a 20% annual growth in the 3D modeling market from 2020 to 2026. Josh Howarth points out:Vibrant colors are making a splash in 2024, turning the design world into a kaleidoscope of eye-catching hues. Sarah Macpherson, creative director at Halo Design Associates, highlights this trend:
"Fun, bright, attention-seeking colours are on the radar for 2024. Contrasting colour is ever popular in a design to try and get attention and stand out."
This year, the influence of pop culture, notably the Barbie movie, has amplified the appeal of bold, saturated colors, making designs pop more than ever. This colorful trend often showcases seamless gradients and a lively spectrum of rainbow shades, infusing designs with energy and vibrancy. It's a visual feast that's not just about aesthetics but about capturing and holding the viewer's attention in an increasingly crowded digital landscape.
Lyudmil Enchev adds:
"Perfect for social media, posters, and advertisem*nts. In 2024, extreme saturated coloring will remain the battleground of designers fighting to grab the attention and make their designs stand out."
This trend is a testament to the power of color in communication, proving that a well-chosen palette can make a design not just seen, but remembered.
9. Barbie's Pink
The Barbie movie has left an indelible mark on the graphic design landscape, catapulting pink to the forefront of trending hues. As noted by the Graphic Mama blog:
"The stylistics of the Barbie movie were so memorable that pink thrust its way to the forefront of graphic design trends. As expected, 2024 will continue to be highly inspired by that."
This vibrant trend isn't just about embracing pink; it's about blending it with a spectrum of candy-like colors and incorporating fun, playful shapes to create designs that are both eye-catching and whimsical.
Whether you're a fan of pink or not, this trend offers a broader palette that goes beyond a single hue, inviting designers to experiment with combinations that are lively, dynamic, and undeniably fun. It's a trend that proves the power of color in setting the tone and personality of a design, making it a standout choice for projects looking to make a bold statement.
10. Abstract gradients and color transitions
Gradients have long been a staple in the graphic design toolkit, but 2024 is set to take them into a realm of greater abstraction and creativity. Lyudmil Enchev captures the essence of this evolution:
"Gradients have been a popular trend in graphic design for a while now, but in 2024 gradients start to look more abstract, interesting, and artistic. Using vivid colors, or experimenting with unpopular color tones can make a design really stand out and we are super excited to see what creative designs with gradients will come up in 2024." - Lyudmil Enchev
This year, expect to see gradients that push the boundaries of conventional design, utilizing bold color schemes and innovative transitions to create pieces that are truly eye-catching.
This trend is becoming a playground for experimentation, where designers are encouraged to explore unconventional combinations and surreal effects, making each design distinctly unique and engaging.
Enina Bicaku of Looka points out the functional beauty of gradients:
"Functionally, gradients add focus to your designs and improve the appearance of overlaid text. They're a brilliant way to incorporate multiple bright colors in a way that isn't overwhelming."
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, gradients serve a strategic purpose in design, guiding the viewer's eye and enhancing readability, all while maintaining a harmonious balance of color.
11. Experimental typography
In 2024, the world of typography is breaking free from the conventional, venturing into the realm of the experimental. Graphic design, particularly in packaging, is seeing a bold shift towards typographic dominance, with a lean towards maximalist styles. This trend is making its mark across various products, from the labels of wine bottles and non-alcoholic brews to the branding of craft brandies and perfumes, where typography isn't just part of the design; it is the design.
Krystle Wong from Venngage delves into the essence of this trend:
"Experimental typefaces include anything that's a little different, including fonts with edgy and funky lines or strokes, animation, 3D elements, color, illustrations, and variable styling. They are identifiable because you can't look at these typefaces and pinpoint a name" or exact style for them."
This year, typography is all about pushing boundaries, embracing the unique and the unconventional. It's about creating a visual language that's as diverse and dynamic as the world around us, where fonts become a canvas for creativity and innovation.
12. Motion
Motion in graphic design is sweeping across the digital landscape, turning static visuals into dynamic narratives. Team Jukebox notes:
"Even simple animations used as a GIF are considered motion, and we're seeing this more and more. From small animated elements on a website to logo animations and full-blown storytelling using motion graphics. It's all out there on a large scale."
This trend is gaining traction, not just for its visual appeal but for its ability to engage and tell stories in a more interactive way.
Thanks to technological advancements, incorporating motion into design has never been more accessible. Even something as straightforward as an animated GIF on social media can inject life into a brand, making it appear more vibrant and engaging.
Team Jukebox highlights the democratization of this trend:
"Brands don’t need a million-dollar budget anymore to show their brand in motion. And, in doing so, are creating new layers of depth for consumers."
Now, motion is an attainable tool for brands of all sizes, adding a new dimension to how they connect with their audience.
13. Vintage minimalism
For those who cherish the charm and simplicity of bygone days, vintage minimalism in graphic design is a true delight. Enina Bicaku from Looka transports us to another time, noting:
"Think of visiting a centuries-old apothecary or a perfumer in ancient times. This trend is channeling the look and feel of a typewriter label, a wax stamp, and hand-drawn instructions on labels."
This design style evokes the elegance and mystique of the past, blending it with the clean lines and simplicity of minimalism. It's about using a restrained color palette and carefully selected retro fonts to create a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a clean, modern edge.
The beauty of vintage minimalism lies in its understated approach. By keeping font combinations to a minimum and possibly introducing a contemporary typeface, the designs achieve a timeless quality with a hint of modernity.
Team Jukebox elaborates on the essence of minimalism:
"With a limited color palette and a focus on typography, minimalism allows designers to convey a message with precision. Its adaptability to various mediums, from websites to branding, makes it a versatile choice for design projects."
This approach not only honors the aesthetic of the past but does so with clarity and purpose, making it a compelling choice for a wide range of design endeavors.
Whether you want to evoke the groovy-ness of the 70s or create the nostalgia of being a Victorian ghost (why are ghosts always Victorian?), this trend will surely capture the imagination of audiences.
14. Patterns
Patterns are the unsung heroes of design, infusing projects with depth, character, and a touch of nostalgia. Whether it's the intricate dance of florals or the bold assertion of geometric shapes, patterns have a unique way of weaving narratives into the visual fabric. They're not just decorative elements; they're storytellers, capable of encapsulating a brand's essence and forging deeper connections with audiences.
Imagine the allure of a chocolate bar, its appeal magnified by the intricate pattern adorning its wrapper. It's not just chocolate; it's an invitation to a sensory experience, enhanced by design.
Team Jukebox captures the essence of this trend:
"In today's digital age, patterns connect us to tradition while allowing for endless creative exploration. They offer a canvas for storytelling, from minimalistic elegance to vibrant whimsy."
In the vast expanse of digital space, patterns serve as a bridge to the tangible, a reminder of the textures of life, offering endless possibilities for designers to express, engage, and enchant.
15. Surrealism
Surrealism, a movement that first captivated the world in the 1920s, continues to wield a significant influence in today's design landscape, melding the realms of reality and the fantastical to ignite curiosity and bring forth the unexpected. This artistic trend leverages vibrant hues, stark juxtapositions, and the strategic use of negative space to craft images that challenge the ordinary, inviting viewers into a world where the rules of reality are delightfully skewed.
Josh Howarth from Exploding Topics articulates the allure of surrealism in modern design:
"Shutterstock says surreal images can be eccentric and energizing, but also point to the fact that surrealism can be chic and modern if done in the right way."
This encapsulates the essence of surrealism in contemporary graphic design – a harmonious blend of eccentricity and elegance that captures the imagination.
Ready, set, design!
Get ready for a design revolution in 2024. The landscape of design is brimming with dynamic trends ready to inspire and challenge. From the transformative power of AI and the resurgent flamboyance of maximalism to the tactile rebellion of mixed media, the spectrum is vast and varied. Retro aesthetics, organic inspirations, and a kaleidoscope of colors mark this year's trends, alongside a renewed emphasis on diversity, playful 3D designs, innovative typography, engaging motion graphics, and the timeless charm of vintage minimalism. Patterns weave their narratives, while surrealism invites us to explore beyond the boundaries of the conventional.
In this ever-evolving dialogue of design, every trend is an opportunity to connect, to express, and to redefine the visual narrative. As Krystel Wong puts it:
"Design is a conversation, an invitation to connect, and a canvas for personal expression." - Krystel Wong
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we navigate this vibrant year in design together. Don't forget to follow us on our social platforms – Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram – to stay in the loop on all things design, marketing, and brand strategy.
