Welcome to the rollercoaster world of graphic design in 2024, where some trends are like your teenage goth phase (sorry, mom, it's not just a phase!) and others are more like classic rock - timeless and always in style.
Let's dive into these trends with a light-hearted touch and figure out which ones are here for the long haul and which ones are just passing through, much like your embarrassing high school yearbook photos.
1. Bold Typography
Trend Insight: This year has seen a surge in using oversized, bold fonts. These typographies aren't just about size but also about character and personality. Designers are playing with custom fonts to create unique brand identities.
Trend Status: Timeless. Bold typography has the power to capture attention and make statements that are hard to ignore. Its adaptability across various mediums ensures its staying power.
via Pinterest and Behance
2. Retro Revival
Trend Insight: This trend is a nostalgic nod to the past, reviving pixel and dot art, neon colours, and vintage typefaces. It's a celebration of the old-school charm, reimagined for a modern audience. Especially dot-heavy iconography is having a comeback.
Trend Status: Fleeting. While captivating now, the Retro Revival might be too specific to eras, making it susceptible to becoming quickly dated as new inspirations emerge.
via Pinterest and Behance
3. Minimalism and Clean Lines
Trend Insight: Emphasizing simplicity and functionality, minimalism in 2024 is about using less to say more. This trend relies on well-thought-out layouts, monochromatic color schemes, and plenty of white space.
Trend Status: Timeless.
The appeal of minimalism lies in its clarity and ease on the eyes, making it a perennial favourite, especially in an age of information overload.
via Pinterest and Behance
4. 3D Design and Depth
Trend Insight: The rise of 3D software has allowed designers to create lifelike, immersive graphics. This trend is about adding depth (like reeded glass, which is especially big this year – thanks, IKEA) to make designs pop, giving them a realistic and engaging quality.
Trend Status: Timeless, but evolving.
The technology driving 3D design is rapidly advancing, so while the trend itself is here to stay, the ways in which it's used will likely change dramatically.
via Pinterest and Behance
5. Mixed Media and Collages
Trend Insight: Mixed media designs blend photography, illustration, and text to create layered, textured compositions. This trend is all about storytelling through a combination of mediums. Sometimes it gets labelled as "Anti Design", though most of the edgeless collages include thought-through concepts.
Trend Status: Somewhat Timeless.
The versatility of mixed media gives it staying power, but its popularity may ebb and flow as designers experiment with new techniques. Since we are currently reviving the "Emo and Scene" aesthetic, this trend will definitely stay until the bitter end of the year.
via Pinterest and Behance
6. Colour Blocking – Red Version
Trend Insight: 2024 is seeing a burst of bright, bold colours. These palettes are about making designs stand out and convey energy and optimism. Red for example, is currently facing a huge comeback by adding eye-catching pieces into "sad beige" interior colour schemes.
Trend Status: Fleeting.
While these colours are captivating now, they might soon be replaced by more subdued, sophisticated colour schemes as tastes evolve.
via Pinterest and Behance
7. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Design
Trend Insight: This trend focuses on nature-inspired motifs and sustainable practices in design production. It's about creating a visual connection to the environment and promoting eco-consciousness.
Trend Status: Timeless.
As awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the commitment to eco-friendly design. It's more than a trend; it's a movement.
via Pinterest and Behance
8. Gradients and Colour Transitions
Trend Insight: Gradients offer a smooth transition between colours, adding depth and dimension to flat designs. This trend is being used in various creative ways, from backgrounds to text overlays to 3D elements.
Trend Status: Timeless.
Gradients have been a design staple for years, continually reinventing themselves (2024 concentrates on unusual colour combinations), which suggests they'll remain relevant.
via Pinterest and Behance
“Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future.”
In sum, while some trends in 2024 are likely temporary, others are set to become key elements of graphic design for years to come. Understanding these trends helps us appreciate the ever-evolving nature of design and its ability to reflect both the times and timeless aesthetics.
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