12 Graphic Design Trends to Watch Out for in 2024

Graphic design is a creative and dynamic field that constantly adapts to the changing needs, preferences, and expectations of the audience and the market. As we approach a new year, we can anticipate some new and exciting graphic design trends that will influence the way we communicate, express, and inspire. In this blog post, we will explore 12 graphic design trends to watch out for in 2024, and how they can help you create stunning and impactful visuals.

Trend 1: Retro-Futurism

Retro-futurism is a style that combines elements from the past and the future, creating a nostalgic and visionary aesthetic. Retro-futurism is inspired by the sci-fi and fantasy genres, as well as the cultural and technological trends of the 20th century. Retro-futurism is characterized by its use of bright and neon colors, geometric and organic shapes, pixelated and glitchy effects, and vintage and futuristic fonts.

Retro-futurism is a trend that appeals to the emotions and imagination of the audience, as it evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder. Retro-futurism is also a trend that reflects the current social and environmental issues, as it questions the impact and consequences of the technological and industrial progress. Retro-futurism is a trend that can be used for various purposes, such as:

• To create a unique and memorable brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a playful and adventurous tone, such as posters, flyers, or stickers
• To tell a captivating and engaging story, such as illustrations, animations, or comics

The visual aesthetics of retro-futurism are extremely diverse, because works in this genre may refer to a wide range of historical periods, from the Industrial Revolution to the early Internet age.

Retrofuturistic illustrations, designs, books, or movies show the world of the future as seen by people from the past. Thus, dieselpunk shows us a gloomy future of WWII-technology war machines and endless military confrontations, referring to the period from the 1930s to the 1960s. Along with ideas about the senselessness of war, dieselpunk tells stories about people who are afraid of nuclear war, suspect others in espionage, and enthusiastically discuss new weapons.

However, the following retro futurism aesthetic features are common for most artworks and designs of the genre:

• Recognizable aesthetics of the past (from the Victorian era to the beginning of the digital age);
• Nostalgic vibe;
• Emphasis on engineering, science, and technology;
• A radical (either optimistic or pessimistic) view of the future;
• Retro futurism fonts, geometric and rounded;
• Faded backgrounds and vibrant colors.

Trend 2: Minimalism

Minimalism is a style that focuses on simplicity and clarity, eliminating any unnecessary or distracting elements. Minimalism is inspired by the principles and philosophy of the modernist and Bauhaus movements, as well as the Japanese and Scandinavian cultures. Minimalism is characterized by its use of white and negative space, monochrome and muted colors, geometric and clean shapes, and sans-serif and elegant fonts.

Minimalism is a trend that appeals to the logic and rationality of the audience, as it delivers a clear and concise message. Minimalism is also a trend that reflects the current lifestyle and mindset of the audience, as it promotes a sense of calmness and harmony. Minimalism is a trend that can be used for various purposes, such as:

• To create a professional and trustworthy brand identity, such as business cards, brochures, or websites
• To convey a sophisticated and elegant tone, such as invitations, cards, or certificates
• To highlight a specific and important element, such as logos, icons, or infographics

Trend 3: Gradients

Gradients are a technique that creates a smooth and gradual transition between two or more colors, creating a rich and vibrant effect. Gradients are inspired by the natural and cosmic phenomena, such as the sunrise and sunset, the rainbow and the aurora, and the galaxy and the nebula. Gradients are characterized by their use of contrasting and complementary colors, linear and radial directions, and solid and transparent modes.

Gradients are a trend that appeals to the senses and perception of the audience, as it creates a dynamic and immersive visual. Gradients are also a trend that reflects the current mood and attitude of the audience, as it expresses a sense of optimism and diversity. Gradients are a trend that can be used for various purposes, such as:

• To create a colorful and eye-catching brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a cheerful and energetic tone, such as posters, flyers, or banners
• To add depth and dimension to a flat and simple element, such as backgrounds, shapes, or texts

Trend 4: Typography

Typography is the art and technique of arranging and designing letters, words, and texts, creating a visual and verbal communication. Typography is inspired by the history and evolution of the written language, as well as the cultural and social trends of the present and the future. Typography is characterized by its use of different types and styles of fonts, such as serif, sans-serif, script, display, or handwritten.

Typography, a pivotal aspect of design, holds the power to influence how we perceive and engage with visual content. As we gaze into the future of 2024, several emerging trends are poised to reshape the world of typography. These trends reflect evolving tastes, technological advancements, and a renewed focus on user experience. In this article, we will delve into the upcoming typography trends that are set to dominate the design landscape in 2024.

Typography is a trend that appeals to the intellect and creativity of the audience, as it conveys a meaning and a personality. Typography is also a trend that reflects the current expression and identity of the audience, as it showcases a style and a voice. Typography is a trend that can be used for various purposes, such as:

• To create a distinctive and recognizable brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a specific and intentional tone, such as titles, headings, or quotes
• To enhance and embellish an existing element, such as images, illustrations, or icons

Trend 5: Illustration

Illustration is the art and technique of creating and presenting images, drawings, or paintings, creating a visual and artistic communication. Illustration is inspired by the imagination and fantasy of the artist, as well as the reality and context of the subject. Illustration is characterized by its use of different mediums and techniques, such as digital, traditional, or mixed, and different styles and genres, such as realistic, abstract, or cartoon.

Illustration is a trend that appeals to the emotions and imagination of the audience, as it tells a story and a message. Illustration is also a trend that reflects the current culture and values of the audience, as it represents a perspective and a vision. Illustration is a trend that can be used for various purposes, such as:

• To create a unique and memorable brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a playful and adventurous tone, such as posters, flyers, or stickers
• To illustrate and explain a complex and abstract concept, such as infographics, diagrams, or charts

Trend 6: Animation

Animation is the art and technique of creating and displaying images, drawings, or paintings, that move and change over time, creating a visual and dynamic communication. Animation is inspired by the motion and transformation of the objects, characters, and scenes, as well as the sound and music that accompany them. Animation is characterized by its use of different types and formats of animation, such as 2D, 3D, or stop-motion, and different styles and genres, such as realistic, abstract, or cartoon.

Animation is a trend that appeals to the senses and perception of the audience, as it creates a lively and interactive visual. Animation is also a trend that reflects the current technology and innovation of the audience, as it demonstrates a skill and a technique. Animation is a trend that can be used for various purposes, such as:

• To create a colorful and eye-catching brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a cheerful and energetic tone, such as posters, flyers, or banners
• To add depth and dimension to a flat and simple element, such as backgrounds, shapes, or texts

Trend 7: Collage

Collage is a technique that combines and arranges different elements, such as images, texts, or shapes, creating a new and original composition. Collage is inspired by the art and craft of the avant-garde and the pop art movements, as well as the DIY and the remix cultures. Collage is characterized by its use of different sources and materials, such as photographs, magazines, newspapers, or stickers, and different methods and tools, such as cutting, pasting, or editing.

Collage is a trend that appeals to the intellect and creativity of the audience, as it conveys a meaning and a personality. Collage is also a trend that reflects the current expression and identity of the audience, as it showcases a style and a voice. Collage is a trend that can be used for various purposes, such as:

• To create a distinctive and recognizable brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a specific and intentional tone, such as titles, headings, or quotes
• To enhance and embellish an existing element, such as images, illustrations, or icons

Trend 8: 3D Design

3D is a technique that creates and displays images, drawings, or paintings, that have three dimensions: height, width, and depth, creating a realistic and immersive effect. 3D is inspired by the science and technology of the computer graphics and the virtual reality, as well as the art and design of the sculpture and the architecture. 3D is characterized by its use of different software and hardware, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or Blender, and different devices and platforms, such as computers, tablets, or smartphones.

However, Adobe and other innovators have simplified the use of 3D design, making it approachable for a broader audience. From small elements to use in layouts to full-blown 3D masterpieces, this style hasn't come close to reaching its full potential and will continue to evolve and innovate. This graphic design trend of 2024 is still gaining momentum and will become an even bigger part of our day-to-day visual communication.

3D is a trend that appeals to the senses and perception of the audience, as it creates a dynamic and immersive visual. 3D is also a trend that reflects the current technology and innovation of the audience, as it demonstrates a skill and a technique. 3D is a trend that can be used for various purposes, such as:

• To create a colorful and eye-catching brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a cheerful and energetic tone, such as posters, flyers, or banners
• To add depth and dimension to a flat and simple element, such as backgrounds, shapes, or texts

Trend 9: Abstract

Abstract is a style that creates and displays images, drawings, or paintings, that do not represent or resemble any recognizable or realistic objects, characters, or scenes, creating a conceptual and artistic effect. Abstract is inspired by the art and philosophy of the abstract and the expressionist movements, as well as the psychology and the emotion of the human mind. Abstract is characterized by its use of different elements and principles, such as colors, shapes, lines, textures, or patterns, and different techniques and methods, such as painting, drawing, or collage.

Abstract is a trend that appeals to the emotions and imagination of the audience, as it evokes a sense of curiosity and wonder. Abstract is also a trend that reflects the current culture and values of the audience, as it expresses a perspective and a vision. Abstract is a trend that can be used for various purposes, such as:

• To create a unique and memorable brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a playful and adventurous tone, such as posters, flyers, or banners
• To illustrate and explain a complex and abstract concept, such as infographics, diagrams, or charts

Trend 10: Data Visualization

Data visualization is a technique that creates and displays data, information, or statistics, in a visual and graphical form, such as charts, graphs, maps, or tables, creating a clear and effective communication. Data visualization is inspired by the science and technology of the data analysis and the information design, as well as the art and design of the graphic design and the illustration. Data visualization is characterized by its use of different types and formats of data, such as numbers, words, or images, and different types and styles of visuals, such as pie, bar, line, or scatter.

Data visualization is a trend that appeals to the logic and rationality of the audience, as it delivers a clear and concise message. Data visualization is also a trend that reflects the current technology and innovation of the audience, as it demonstrates a skill and a technique. Data visualization is a trend that can be used for various purposes, such as:

• To create a professional and trustworthy brand identity, such as business cards, brochures, or websites
• To convey a sophisticated and elegant tone, such as invitations, cards, or certificates
• To highlight a specific and important element, such as logos, icons, or infographics

Trend 11: Social Media

Social media is a platform that enables and facilitates the creation and sharing of content, such as images, videos, texts, or links, among users, creating a social and interactive communication. Social media is inspired by the needs and preferences of the users, as well as the features and functions of the platform. Social media is characterized by its use of different types and formats of content, such as photos, stories, reels, or tweets, and different types and styles of design, such as filters, stickers, or emojis.

Social media is a trend that appeals to the social and emotional needs of the audience, as it creates a sense of connection and belonging. Social media is also a trend that reflects the current lifestyle and mindset of the audience, as it promotes a sense of self-expression and identity. Social media is a trend that can be used for various purposes, such as:

• To create a personal and relatable brand identity, such as profiles, posts, or stories
• To convey a fun and engaging tone, such as memes, gifs, or videos
• To generate and increase awareness and engagement, such as hashtags, challenges, or polls

Trend 12: Sustainability

Sustainability is a concept that aims to balance and preserve the environmental, social, and economic aspects of the world, creating a responsible and ethical impact. Sustainability is inspired by the challenges and opportunities of the global and local issues, such as climate change, pollution, or poverty. Sustainability is characterized by its use of different elements and principles, such as colors, shapes, textures, or patterns, and different methods and tools, such as recycling, reusing, or reducing.

Sustainability is a trend that appeals to the values and morals of the audience, as it creates a sense of purpose and action. Sustainability is also a trend that reflects the current culture and values of the audience, as it expresses a perspective and a vision. Sustainability is a trend that can be used for various purposes, such as:

• To create a green and eco-friendly brand identity, such as logos, packaging, or signage
• To convey a positive and hopeful tone, such as posters, flyers, or banners
• To educate and inspire a change and a difference, such as infographics, diagrams, or charts

Trend 13. Doodles

These hand-drawn, often whimsical, and spontaneous illustrations add a touch of human personality to brands. Doodles infuse designs with a sense of authenticity as if the artist's hand is still at work. From the margins of notebooks to the digital canvas, doodles invite playfulness and creativity into design.

They can be subtle accents or take center stage, depending on the message and mood. This trend is an echo of the never-ending charm of handcrafted styles in a world dominated by digital precision. Doodles remind us that design doesn't have to be rigid; it can be spontaneous, free-spirited, and highly engaging. As we journey through 2024, be ready to embrace this design trend of the unpretentious and endearing world of doodles and other hand-drawn illustration styles, where every line drawn is a unique stroke of imagination and character.

Trend 14. Modern natural

This style of design has become even more popular throughout the years. Earthy tones, handmade illustrations, and characteristic typography. Just some of the main elements of the modern natural that bring you closer to nature than most other styles do. It works great for organic products and businesses that care about the planet and conveys a certain honesty about the company.

In an era in which people are becoming more and more aware of global warming and their behaviors regarding consumption and the way they live, it’s more than logical that an aesthetic style like this would become widely used by brands and creatives.

Conclusion

Graphic design is a creative and dynamic field that constantly adapts to the changing needs, preferences, and expectations of the audience and the market. As we approach a new year, we can anticipate some new and exciting graphic design trends that will influence the way we communicate, express, and inspire. In this blog post, we have explored 12 graphic design trends to watch out for in 2024, and how they can help you create stunning and impactful visuals.

We hope that you have found this blog post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments about this topic, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading and happy designing!