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!
- Diversity and inclusion
- 3D surrealism
- 70s nostalgia
- Maximalism in composition
- Experimental typography
- Illustration and animation
- Anti-design
- Vintage minimalism
- Abstract gradients and transitions
- Texture and senses
- Earth-first design
- Geometric shapes
- AI-powered design
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?