Graphic design is a dynamic and ever-changing field that continues to evolve year after year. As we move deeper into 2023, we will likely see new trends and styles emerging that will reshape how we approach design. The use of technology, cultural shifts, and aesthetic preferences are all factors that can influence the direction of design trends.
While it's impossible to predict exactly what the future of graphic design will hold, we can look to current patterns and shifts in the industry to make informed predictions. Designers may continue experimenting with bold and vibrant colours, pushing the boundaries of 3D graphics and animations, or embracing minimalism to create impactful designs. New tools and software may also be developed to change how designers work and approach design challenges.
In this article, we will explore the current graphic design trends that we’ve noticed popping up in 2023. Whether you're a designer, marketer, or simply interested in the world of design, this article will provide valuable insights into the potential future of graphic design.
Keeping up-to-date with graphic design trends is important for a number of reasons. It's a fun and exciting way to stay engaged with the ever-changing world of design and to continually improve your skills and expand your horizons.
However, if you really want us to give you solid reasons why keeping an eye on trends in graphic design is important… Here are three!
Keeping up-to-date with design trends can also help you better connect with clients and understand their needs and preferences. By being knowledgeable about the latest design trends, you can have more informed conversations with clients and produce work that better meets their goals and objectives. It's like speaking the same language as your clients, which can make for a more productive and successful working relationship.
Following trends can be a great way to push your creativity and develop new ideas. It's like going on a journey of exploration, discovering new styles and techniques that you can incorporate into your own unique design aesthetic. By keeping an eye on what other designers are doing and experimenting with new approaches, you can expand your visual vocabulary and develop a more diverse and dynamic portfolio.
In the world of graphic design, staying on top of trends is crucial to staying relevant and competitive. It's like staying up-to-date with the latest fashion or music trends, but for design! By keeping up-to-date, designers can produce fresh and modern work, which is important when attracting and retaining clients. Plus, exploring new design styles and techniques and incorporating them into your work is always exciting!
Right, let’s get right to the juicy bits. Whether searching for some modern design inspiration or just interested in being in the know, grab a cuppa and read. 👇
Let’s get the elephant out of the room first… It seems that one of the biggest trends of 2023 is AI-generated design. With the boom in popularity of text-to-image generators like DALL•E, Stable Diffusion and MidJourney, you might wonder if there’s any reason to even hire graphic designers anymore!
Genuinely, we believe these AI generators are incredible tools that can help put ideas to “paper” from the get-go — allowing clients to workshop what they have in their head and giving us a better idea of what they really want in a design. But these systems are by no means perfect.
For one, many of these systems aren’t good at making more complex designs, such as those with additional people or typography. On the other hand, once you’ve burned through your free trial (a majority of them allow a maximum of 50 prompts), it does cost an arm and a leg to keep going.
So, thankfully, there are still plenty of reasons for graphic designers to stick around!
The minimalist movement has been growing in popularity for some time now, and a sub-movement known as "vintage minimalism" is just now gaining ground within that larger movement. It's basically a combination of two of the most popular design styles out there. By keeping things simple and focusing on the essentials, vintage minimalism creates a clean, sophisticated, and timeless look that's sure to catch people's attention.
One of the cool things about this trend is that it's not about creating a throwback or old-fashioned look. Instead, designers are using subtle hints of colour or typography to evoke a particular era or vibe. Have you noticed the vintage-inspired branding of some of Coca-Cola's recent campaigns? Their use of colour schemes, design elements, and even bringing back the old-school Coke bottle has helped them tap into a sense of nostalgia and Americana while keeping their look fresh and modern. This is a great example of how the vintage minimalism trend can be used to create a timeless and evocative design that resonates with people across generations.
The call for more diversity and inclusion in the design industry is nothing new. Inclusivity in design is one of the most important trends to maintain because it's all about recognising and celebrating our differences. Whether it's our background, culture, or personal experiences, everyone deserves to feel represented and included in the design world.
By taking an inclusive approach to design, we can create visuals and products that speak to a diverse range of perspectives. This means breaking down barriers, promoting greater understanding and empathy between people, and opening up new opportunities for collaboration and creativity.
Are you tired of playing it safe with simple designs? Well, the maximalism trend is here to shake things up and encourage you to embrace the bold and beautiful! Forget "less is more" - with maximalism, it's all about "more is more"! This design style is all about breaking the rules and going big with bold colour combinations, layered images, prominent typography, and repeating patterns.
One of the coolest things about maximalism is the use of variable fonts — this will definitely be a huge trend to watch as we go deeper into 2023! And if you're worried about making the most of your space, don't be! Maximalism lets you go wild with your typography, switching between condensed and expanded to really make a statement.
Get ready to let your creativity run wild with dramatic mixed-media images and playful patterns - this is what maximalism is all about! Use thick strokes, bright colours, and large designs to fill up all the space you have available. So don't be afraid to push the limits and create truly eye-catching and unforgettable designs!
While illustration has experienced a renaissance in recent years, it now faces stiff competition from photography when it comes to brand identity. Brands in 2023 are (also!) employing photography to establish identities that are both immersive and genuine, connecting with consumers on a more personal level. Photography seems to be the go-to medium for branding since it is both dynamic and physical, and can be readily transformed into videos for ad campaigns and social media.
But worry not, illustrators! Some companies are becoming really imaginative and weird with their product photography by combining 2D images with 3D graphics. Put some life into your advertisements, and social media videos like IKEA did with their "The Wonderful Everyday" campaign. Make an emotional connection with your target market through the use of humour and unique selling points to set your company apart.
Motion graphics are essentially digital animations that combine design, sound, and video to make something really cool and engaging. You've probably seen them in movie credits, TV ads, or videos online. They're like regular graphic design but with movement and sound, which can make them way more alluring!
In graphic design, motion graphics are used to add a bit of "wow" factor to designs that might otherwise be a bit boring or static. They can be used to show off products, explain ideas, or make something look cool and eye-catching. It's kind of like adding a bit of personality and energy to a design to make it stand out from the crowd. Really, it’s no wonder that motion graphics will continue to be a big thing in 2023!
A career in graphic design can be fulfilling, rewarding and flexible — but it isn’t without its challenges! Designers have the potential for creative expression, exploration, and autonomy but also face challenges such as competition, tight deadlines, and the need to stay current with the latest software and trends.
Overall, it can be a great fit for those with a passion for creativity and visual communication who are willing to put in the effort to build their skills and compete in a crowded market.
The graphic design industry is by no way dying in 2023. However, it definitely looks to be evolving beyond just the types of design as more people and businesses look to engage with on-demand graphic design services rather than keeping their own in-house teams.
While it seems like graphic design is on the rise overall, when it comes to a specific type of graphic design, motion graphics seems to be the winner in 2023.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for culturally sensitive and inclusive designs will only continue to grow. Designers will need to keep an open mind and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds to create more inclusive designs while also finding ways to reduce their environmental impact and promote ethical practices. Although these changes may require designers to step out of their comfort zones, they present exciting opportunities for growth and innovation in shaping a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future.
Of course, the best thing about being a creative is going against the grain and working according to your personal style. However, having these graphic design trends in mind and implementing them within your designs, regardless of the project, can help keep your designs fresh and relevant! But if you’re a marketer without a graphic designer or a graphics team on hand, consider getting in touch with an on-demand design agency that’ll do the legwork for you!
