2024 is already breaking all the rules for graphic design.
As I settle in for the year, I’ve curated a collection of the most compelling, emerging styles, techniques and daring graphic design trends I see continuing in 2024.
2024 will be the year of:
TREND #01
Organic Sustainability
Infusing designs with a deep connection to nature, graphic designers are drawing inspiration from organic beauty. Earthy packaging designs and eco-conscious color palettes weave narratives that engage conscious consumers.
TREND #02
Timeless Minimalism
The enduring charm of minimalism continues to thrive in 2024. Characterized by clean lines, ample white space, and focused messaging, this trend promotes efficient communication and versatility across various mediums.
TREND #03
Pixel Art Revival
The use of pixels transcends nostalgia and finds a place in modern design, offering a unique blend of retro and futuristic aesthetics. Scaled-up pixel elements contribute to surprising and visually engaging projects.
TREND #04
Utilitarian Design
Focused on functionality in an increasingly digital world, utilitarian design simplifies user experience through minimalism, clear navigation, and recognisable elements. This trend conveys solidity and trust in quality.
TREND #05
Fluorescent Color Palettes
Vibrant and energetic colour palettes, featuring fluorescent yellows, blues, oranges, and greens, dominate designs in 2024. This trend aims to create visually striking and impactful stories across web design, branding, and print materials.
TREND #06
Doodles and Spontaneity
Hand-drawn doodles inject human personality into designs, fostering a sense of authenticity and playfulness. From subtle accents to prominent features, this trend celebrates the unpretentious world of spontaneous illustrations.
TREND #07
Modern Natural
Earthy tones, handmade illustrations, and characteristic typography define the modern natural trend. Ideal for environmentally conscious brands, this style conveys honesty and a connection to nature.
TREND #08
3D Design Accessibility
3D graphic design takes the spotlight in 2024, thanks to tools like Adobe Illustrator’s “Inflate” feature. Accessibility has increased, making 3D design approachable for a broader audience, from small elements to full-blown masterpieces.
TREND #09
Bold Gradients
Gradients make a bold comeback by seamlessly blending colours, adding depth and dimension to designs. Whether for backgrounds or main brand elements, gradients create visually intriguing transitions.
TREND #10
Brand Illustrations
Departing from generic stock visuals, brands are adopting bespoke illustrations to convey their values and form authentic connections with audiences. This trend emphasises the importance of visual storytelling and individuality in branding.
TREND #11
Fancy Printing Techniques
Embracing tactile and tangible experiences, designers explore innovative printing methods, from letterpress to foiling and embossing. Special materials like cotton and kraft create unique and memorable designs.
TREND #12
Sharp Serifs
Serifed fonts take centre stage, providing brands with a distinct and character-filled typography choice. Sharp and rounded serifs, influenced by popular media like “Stranger Things,” bring diversity to typographic landscapes.
TREND #13
Prominent Photography
Original and inventive uses of photography replace generic stock visuals. From product images to captivating depictions of people and nature, photography becomes a dynamic storytelling medium.
TREND #14
Collage Artistry
Collages blend images, shapes, and textures to create visually stimulating compositions. From digital mosaics to handcrafted cut-and-paste works, this trend adds raw authenticity and creativity to designs.
TREND #15
Playful Designs
Infusing designs with creativity and whimsy, playful elements stand out with vibrant colour schemes, unconventional typography, and quirky illustrations. This trend aims to create memorable and enjoyable visual experiences.
TREND #16
Retro Resurgence
Vintage-inspired designs, from color palettes to grainy photography, continue to grow. Retro minimalism combines the simplicity of minimalism with the charm of vintage design, creating clean and timeless visuals.
TREND #17
Generative Art
Embracing code as a creative tool, generative art crafts ever-evolving visuals through AI-driven patterns and mathematical equations. This trend celebrates the harmony between technology and artistic expression.
TREND #18
Stickers in Design
Stickers, inspired by social media expression, find a place in design layouts. Digital bursts of confetti, emojis, or hand-drawn elements add personality and vibrancy to visual compositions.
TREND #19
Custom Typography
The customisation of typography gains momentum, with major brands embracing hand-lettered pieces and customised fonts. This trend adds a unique touch, elevating branding efforts and fostering individuality.
TREND #20
Motion Graphics
Easier-to-use software enables the creation of high-quality motion graphics, from simple animations to full storytelling experiences. Motion adds layers of depth and engagement to brands in both online and offline settings.
TREND #21
Raw Design Styles
Styles like Cyberpunk, Brutalism, and Anti-Design embrace rawness and an unfinished aesthetic. Despite being niche, raw design makes a bold statement and appeals to those seeking a strong and powerful visual impact.
TREND #22
Expressive Typography
Typography pushes boundaries with accessible font creation tools, allowing designers to inject personality and character into letterforms. Quirky fonts become a means of creative expression.
TREND #23
Maximalism
Rejecting the “less is more” philosophy, maximalism embraces bold colour combinations, layered images, and prominent typography. This style turns heads and utilises available space for eye-catching designs.
TREND #24
Captivating Patterns
Patterns, ranging from intricate geometrics to playful florals, add character and nostalgia to designs. Custom patterns become powerful assets for brands, connecting tradition with endless creative possibilities.
As 2024 unfolds, these graphic design trends offer a rich tapestry of possibilities for designers to experiment, innovate, and create visually stunning and engaging experiences.