Source:https://looka.com/blog/graphic-design-trends/
Every year, graphic design trends show us how art can imitate life. These trends are a reflection of our ever-changing needs and perspectives as a society.
In 2024, we’re seeing graphic designers dive head-first into diversity and inclusion, 3D surrealism, and start to dip their toes into the world of AI-powered design.
From the warm feels of nostalgia to the chilling look of cyber realism and loaded compositions, 2024 design trends are a clash of machine advancements and human comforts. Expect to see a dichotomy of perspectives on the past and the fast-approaching future!
Why graphic design trends matter
Graphic design trends help you create projects that communicate and connect to your audience in a timely way. By following and understanding trends, you’re communicating to your audience that you are plugged into the graphic design world and engaged with how consumer interests are evolving.
As writer and activist, Toni Cade Bambara said, “The role of the artist is to make revolution irresistible”. In other words, graphic design trends aren’t only a sign of the times, they’re sometimes a catalyst to change themselves!
1. Diversity and inclusion
Although diversity and representation should be an industry standard and not a fleeting choice, It’s making a breakthrough in 2024.
In graphic design, it means representing your designs and products with more “real” people. People who aren’t models. People who don’t fit the cookie-cutter looks of society’s impossible standards.
Designers are diving into diversity unapologetically and highlighting the many looks, perspectives, and lifestyles of the beautiful people on earth. Our strengths as a society lie in our varying outlooks on life. Why not celebrate it?
2. 3D surrealism
The rise of AI technology and tools has herded in a new graphic design trend. Surrealistic settings, products, and environments are coming in hot as tech in 2024 takes leaps and bounds into the future. These designs have an inflatable, 3D look that feels like it’s straight out of the Cyberpunk world.
AI tools like Midjourney and Open AI make these visuals accessible at cyber speeds. This graphic design trend is ideal for ads, posters, social media, and web design. Reddit’s 2024 rebrand is the first brand embodying this trend with its 3D mascot and logo symbol.
3. 70s nostalgia
Last year Y2K brought back glitter, gaudiness, and worst of all, low-rise jeans. But this year designers are looking to the funky 60s and 70s for nostalgic relief. This is one of the top graphic design trends you’ll see this year. Think of faded retro color palettes, handmade illustrations, and a focus on the human touch to designs.
In 2024, people are clinging to the simplicity of older times. With all this talk of AI, quantum computing, and the end of the world as we know it, designers and people alike need a break from technological advancement. Que the rise of polaroid cameras and film – and a regression to simpler graphics and colors.
Unlike the unhinged look of Y2K designs, these retro designs are more earthy. Think of retro stripes, floral or funky patterns, and a laid-back look and feel. Re-watch some ’70s classics to get into the vibe of the golden years.
You’ll see a revival of vintage art designs and retro stripes and checkers all over branding and graphics. 2024 is embracing the look of older designs in new ways!
The graphic design industry often evolves in tandem with the world of fashion, beauty, and interior design. Jumping on this trend signals to your audience that you are present and engaged with up-and-coming design styles.
4. Maximalism in composition
We saw 2023 usher in a slew of maximalism to save us from uninspiring routines and the same old safe bets in design. In 2024, we’re seeing a pivot into loaded compositions that feel like a “Where’s Waldo?” book.
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.
