Go back 15–20 years. The early 2000s were a time of skeuomorphism's reign, with design elements mimicking real-world objects like buttons and folders. Then came the minimalist revolution, stripping away clutter and emphasizing clean lines and negative space. Next up was flat design, a natural transition from minimalism that offered a bold and simplified aesthetic.
Lately, some of the more recent obsessions have revolved around brutalism, with its raw, industrial-inspired textures designed to be engagingly uncomfortable. As 2024 carries onward, however, the graphic design world promises a fresh new chapter—a wild mix of the old, the new, and the gloriously unexpected. So, grab a cup of something strong (alcohol or caffeine, or hey, even both), and let's dive into the design trends you can expect to see more of as we head toward 2025.
Bold Minimalism—Elaborating Here Would Be Counterintuitive
Minimalism, the timeless trend that whispers sophistication with clean lines and negative space, isn't going anywhere. But in 2024, it's getting a steroid shot. Bold Minimalism injects a dose of vibrancy into classic simplicity. Think clean layouts amplified by a strategic pop of color, or a minimalist logo that packs a powerful punch with one character out of place or an entire word in a different font. Start minimal, make one aggressive change, and call it a day.
Brands that do this well:
Doodles—Yes, Doodles
All those kids that couldn’t pay attention during a class lecture? Yeah, they’re graphic designers now, and they’re really good at it. Hand-drawn illustrations are making a comeback, and it’s awesome. These whimsical creations add a touch of human warmth and authenticity to your designs, a breath of fresh air in a world obsessed with sterile perfection. Picture a super clean, functional website, and then give a tattoo artist the go-ahead to make her mark on each page. It’s pretty brilliant if you think about it.
Brands that do this well:
Patterns and Gradients—A Nostalgic Collab
Nothing like a little vintage. Vintage doesn’t go out of style because, like with fashion, it’s cyclical. Gradients are back, and they're ready to give your designs a mesmerizing blend of color transitions. From subtle fades to bold shifts, gradients add depth and intrigue, like a choose-your-own-adventure for the eyes. And their partner-in-crime? Patterns. From geometric grids to playful florals, patterns bring personality and a touch of storytelling to your projects or branding.
Brands that do this well:
Pixels Rediscovered—Back to the Retro Future
Another version of vintage or retro takes it a bit further back. Remember those clunky old video games with their blocky characters? Believe it or not, pixel art is having a resurgence. It’s like we got sick of everyone having 4K cameras in their pocket and we just want something that’s pixelated again. Except now, we can get really good at it. This unexpected trend adds a touch of nostalgia with a modern twist. Think pixelated elements integrated into sleek, high-res graphics. It's like a time machine collided with a cutting-edge design studio, and the result is weirdly enticing.
Brands that do this well:
Harnessing the Power of These Graphic Trends
Don't just blindly follow the herd. These trends are a springboard for your creativity, a launchpad to propel your designs into the stratosphere. Originality is a myth, but use these design trends and brands as inspiration. That being said, don't be afraid to inject your own unique style, or take things in a slightly different direction. That's what makes graphic design so cool.
Conclusion
Does any of this spark an idea? Did you have one of these trends in mind for a branding project or a web design? Maybe we can help. Our designer is pretty darn good, to be honest, so run your ideas by us, and let’s see what we can create together. We look forward to hearing from you.
