Graphic Design Trends To Watch In 2025
Are you in a creative rut? Lacking inspiration? Need that extra oompf to take your design to the next level? If you want to keep your designs fresh and engaging, you need to know what's trending. In this post, we'll dive into the graphic design trends that are going to be huge in 2025. Get ready for some insights and ideas to help your designs really stand out and grab people's attention.
Funky Typography
It’s time to get creative with your fonts! This trend is all about capturing a user’s attention with bold colours, unexpected textures, and experimental shapes. In a saturated market, designs can get washed out by competitors, so embracing fun typefaces will be your key to remaining competitive.
Signature elements:
- Textured finishes, such as 3D rendered chrome, realistic fur, and the timeless grain-like texture have been plastered across all digital channels and print mediums.
- Custom fonts are becoming more commonplace to make memorable and unique branding elements. Even a simple edit to an existing font can create an entirely new appearance and experience.
- Unexpected pairings of fonts create intrigue with careful consideration. The juxtaposition can be a great tool depending on your brand and message.
Our favourite examples:
Minimalism vs. Maximalism
Minimalism, meet maximalism. Now, we have “midi-malism”! Over the years, we’ve seen the shift between minimalism to maximalism and vice versa many times. Looking forward, we’re going to see the pair meeting in the middle. Finessing this graphic design style means you can say more with less and still deliver with a punch.
Signature elements:
- Uncomplicated design that effortlessly merges design elements in a manner that feels balanced yet exciting to look at.
- Inspiration from other styles of graphic design to elevate the visuals. For example, using colour palettes from maximalism, shapes from bauhaus, or fonts from modernism.
Our favourite examples:
AI Design Practices
If you can dream it, AI can make it! The ever increasing capabilities and accessibility of generative AI is reshaping the graphic design scene. Programs like Midjourney, DALL-E, Craiyon and more enable designers to take the next step with their art, whether it’s to create an entire piece or work or an element within the piece.
Signature Elements:
- Limitless capabilities that aren’t bound by access to materials, other programs, or some technical skills.
- Surreal elements or use of CGI to really capture attention or elevate product placement.
Our favourite examples:
Accessible Designs
This trend is no new-comer and has been a priority for designers in more recent years and it will remain a top consideration for the years ahead. Finding the balance between visually appealing and functional designs requires intentional planning and out-of-the-box thinking to make sure neither design nor inclusivity is compromised.
Signature elements:
- Contrasting colours that make it easy to distinguish overlapping elements enhances readability. It also is a fun way to spice up your designs!
- Readable fonts that reduce strain and difficulty in processing. For website, it’s important to create elements that are readable by assistive technology.
- Accessibility compatibility with tools such as accessiBe, which allows users to increase fonts, contrast, or highlight links as needed.
Our favourite examples:
Digital Scrapbooking
The influence of scrapbooking and physical crafts are influencing graphic design in a creative way. The digital version of scrapbooking and collaging is taking off, especially since the popularisation of photo stickers! This trend is perfect for brands that want to portray themselves as youthful and fun.
Signature elements:
- Stickers and drawings add depth and character to these designs, simulating a scrapbook you might’ve made once upon a time! This is a great way to evoke emotion from viewers.
- Collages of images using overlays and borders creates a dynamic feel for the design. This allows for creative layering of images and textures that create a unique aesthetic.
- Funky text, similar to the initial trend of funky typography, adding scribble text or collaged cut-outs of letters elevates this design style.
Our favourite examples:
Nostalgia
The 2000s called, they want their style back! We don’t think designers will be returning these fun, vibrant, and slightly tacky styles back any time soon, though. The resurgence of retro and nostalgic design elements has been a go-to for many youthful brands, from the use of pixelated fonts and clashing colours to repurposing popular toys or shows from childhood.
Signature elements:
- Nostalgic symbols inspired by popular children’s shows, books, and toys are used to make designs that tug on the heart strings.
- Colour palettes that are vibrant
- Heavy use of overlay to create a design that’s full of life and creativity. Mixing textures, colours, and fonts is a fun way to play at the nostalgia of childish creativity and mimicking the over-the-top ads targeted at children.
Signature elements:
Brushing Up On Graphic Design Trends
Creatives are always pushing the boundaries with design, which is why it's important to always stay across trends. Endless scrolling for inspiration on social media and perusing blogs is always a great way to keep your finger on the pulse.
To learn more about 2025's design trends with their applications and examples, download our free eBook!
