18 Graphic Design Trends for 2024: The Future of Creativity

Comsys Web design offers unsurpassed quality websites in any niche.

Are you looking for ways to make your business stand out in 2024? Want to learn the current design trends taking your industry by storm?

Piktochart and Vistaprint share their trends to watch out for in the following infographics.

Here are a few things that make the list:

• Textured 3d design
• Quirky characters
• Hand-drawn doodles
• Liquid retro display typeface
• Metallic typography
• Gradient leak
• Bold-pastel duotone colours
• Visible grid lines

Check out the infographics for more.

 

Graphic design is a constantly evolving field, and staying ahead of the curve is essential for any designer looking to create impactful and relevant work.

As we step into the year 2024, we find ourselves surrounded by a vibrant and dynamic design landscape.

In this blog post, we will explore 18 graphic design trends that are set to define the future of creativity in 2024.

Textured 3D Design

Textured 3D design is taking the graphic design world by storm in 2024. This trend combines the tactile qualities of texture with the depth and realism of 3D graphics.

Designers are using textured 3D elements to add depth and dimension to their projects, creating visually striking and immersive experiences.

• Digital Touch Sensation: Textured 3D Design brings a tactile element to digital art, allowing viewers to virtually feel textures.
• Depth and Realism: It adds depth and realism to 3D graphics, making them visually captivating and immersive.
• Tangible Experience: Viewers mentally simulate the sensation of touching various textures, creating a more emotional connection to the artwork.
• Material Storytelling: Texture choices convey information; for example, weathered textures hint at the passage of time, while glossy ones evoke a futuristic ambiance.
• Versatile Application: Textured 3D Design can be applied across industries like product design, architecture, gaming, and branding.
• Enhanced Realism: It heightens realism in VR and AR applications, creating virtual environments that feel almost real.
• Bridging Realms: Textured 3D Design bridges the digital and physical worlds, making the virtual feel more tangible.
• Creative Tools: Designers use specialized software to apply and manipulate textures on 3D models.
• Technical Challenges: Managing file sizes, compatibility, and optimizing rendering performance are essential considerations.
• Texture Mapping Mastery: Understanding how different textures interact with light and shadow is crucial for realistic results.

Quirky Characters

Quirky characters are making a big comeback in graphic design.

Whether it’s in branding, illustrations, or animations, designers are infusing their work with unique and eccentric characters that capture the viewer’s attention and add personality to their designs.

• Return to Personality: Quirky Characters inject personality and uniqueness into design, breaking away from generic visuals.
• Attention-Grabbing: These eccentric characters capture viewer attention instantly, making designs memorable.
• Versatility: They find application in branding, illustrations, animations, and even mascots.
• Storytelling Elements: Quirky characters tell stories and convey emotions, connecting with audiences on a deeper level.
• Human Touch: Imperfections and quirks in character design add a relatable, human touch.
• Nostalgic Appeal: Quirky characters often evoke nostalgia, resonating with audiences on an emotional level.
• Branding Magic: In branding, they become brand ambassadors, creating a distinct brand identity.
• Comedic Relief: They bring humor and playfulness, lightening the mood in designs.
• Diverse Representation: Quirky characters reflect diversity, promoting inclusivity and representation.
• Endless Creativity: Designers can experiment endlessly, pushing boundaries with quirky character design.
• Customizability: Tailored characters cater to specific brand or project requirements.

Hand Drawn Doodles

In a digital world, the charm of hand-drawn doodles is irresistible. Hand-drawn elements are being used to add a touch of authenticity and playfulness to designs.

These whimsical doodles bring a sense of nostalgia and warmth to modern digital projects.

• Nostalgic Charm: Hand-drawn doodles evoke nostalgia for a simpler, more personal time in design.
• Authenticity: They add an authentic and human touch to digital creations, breaking away from the polished digital aesthetic.
• Versatile Elements: Hand-drawn doodles can be integrated into various design styles and projects.
• Playful Expression: They bring a sense of playfulness and creativity, appealing to both children and adults.
• Customization: Doodles can be tailored to suit the tone and message of a project, making them highly versatile.
• Storytelling: Doodles can tell a story, convey ideas, and enhance visual communication.
• Whimsical Aesthetics: The whimsical and spontaneous nature of doodles adds visual interest and charm.
• Individuality: Each doodle is unique, allowing designers to create one-of-a-kind artwork.
• DIY Vibe: Hand-drawn doodles embrace a DIY spirit, inspiring creativity and personal expression.
• Adaptable Medium: They work well in both traditional and digital design, blending seamlessly.
• Artistic Freedom: Designers have the freedom to experiment and express themselves through doodles.

Liquid Retro Display Typeface

The fusion of retro aesthetics and modern design is exemplified by the Liquid Retro Display Typeface trend.

This style combines the fluidity of liquid forms with vintage typography, creating a captivating visual juxtaposition that appeals to both nostalgia and contemporary sensibilities.

• Retro Revival: Liquid Retro Display Typeface blends vintage aesthetics with a modern twist, reviving retro vibes.
• Fluidity and Flexibility: Letters appear to flow and melt, creating a dynamic and liquid-like visual effect.
• Nostalgic Appeal: It triggers nostalgia while offering a fresh take on retro design.
• Versatile Application: This typeface works well in branding, posters, and digital interfaces.
• Eye-catching: The fluid, retro letters grab attention and leave a memorable impression.
• Artistic Freedom: Designers can customize and distort letters to fit their creative vision.
• Sleek and Futuristic: It combines a retro look with a sleek, futuristic edge, making it suitable for diverse projects.
• Contrast and Balance: The juxtaposition of fluidity with structured letterforms creates a visually engaging contrast.
• Visual Interest: The dynamic shapes and lines add visual interest and intrigue to designs.
• Distinctive Branding: Brands use this typeface to stand out and convey a unique identity.

Metallic Typography

Metallic typography is all about adding a touch of luxury and opulence to your designs.

The use of metallic textures and effects on typography can make your text shine and stand out, creating a sense of sophistication and elegance.

• Luxurious Aesthetic: Metallic typography exudes opulence and sophistication, elevating design projects.
• Shimmer and Shine: Letters appear to gleam and glisten, mimicking the sheen of real metal.
• Versatility: It can be used in various design applications, from branding to print materials.
• Contrast and Impact: Metallic typography creates striking contrast against different backgrounds.
• Elegant Branding: Brands use it to convey exclusivity, quality, and a sense of luxury.
• Customization: Designers can experiment with different metallic finishes, like gold, silver, or copper.
• Attention-Grabbing: The reflective properties of metallic fonts draw viewers’ eyes and hold their attention.
• Textured Realism: Metallic typography can emulate the texture and appearance of different metals.
• Modern Twist: While it’s luxurious, it can also have a modern and edgy vibe when used creatively.
• Memorable Impressions: It leaves a lasting impression due to its unique and premium look.

Gradient Leak

Gradient leak is a trend that involves the controlled blending of colours and gradients within design elements.

This technique creates a sense of fluidity and movement, making designs feel dynamic and alive.

• Subtle Transition: Gradient leak involves subtle colour transitions that appear to seep or leak into one another.
• Organic Flow: It creates a sense of fluidity and movement within design elements.
• Visual Intrigue: The gradient leak effect captures attention by adding an element of surprise and intrigue.
• Dynamic and Engaging: It adds a dynamic and engaging quality to visuals, keeping viewers interested.
• Versatile Application: It can be applied to backgrounds, typography, and various design elements.
• Depth and Layering: The gradient effect can give the illusion of depth and layering within a composition.
• Contemporary Aesthetics: It aligns with modern design sensibilities, making designs feel current.
• Colour Harmony: Skillful use of gradients can create harmonious colour schemes that enhance overall aesthetics.
• Brand Identity: Gradient leaks can be used to reinforce brand identity and create a cohesive visual language.
• Evoking Emotion: The choice of colours in gradient leaks can evoke specific emotions or moods.

Bold-Pastel Duotone Colours

Duotone palettes have been a staple in graphic design for some time now, but in 2024, we’re seeing a twist on this classic trend.

Bold-pastel duotone colours combine the vibrancy of bold colours with the softness of pastels, creating a visually striking contrast that adds depth and intrigue to designs.

• Colour Contrast: Bold-pastel duotones combine vibrant, bold colours with soft, pastel shades for striking contrast.
• Visual Impact: The combination creates a visually striking and attention-grabbing effect.
• Aesthetic Balance: It strikes a balance between boldness and subtlety, making designs visually appealing.
• Expressive Palettes: Designers can convey a wide range of emotions and moods with this colour pairing.
• Versatility: Suitable for various design applications, including branding, web design, and print materials.
• Accessibility: It allows for legibility and accessibility while maintaining a captivating visual experience.
• Contemporary Appeal: Bold-pastel duotones align with contemporary design trends, making designs feel fresh and current.
• Brand Identity: Brands can use these duotones to establish a unique and memorable visual identity.
• Harmonious Combinations: The combination of bold and pastel shades can create harmonious and balanced colour schemes.
• Storytelling: These duotones can be used to convey specific narratives or themes within a design.

Visible Grid Lines

Designers are embracing the beauty of grids in 2024. Visible grid lines are being used not just for alignment but also as an integral part of the design itself.

These grids add structure and a sense of order to compositions while also serving as a design element in their own right.

• Structural Elements: Visible grid lines are not just for alignment but serve as integral design elements.
• Order and Precision: They add a sense of order, precision, and organization to compositions.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Grid lines can contribute to the overall aesthetic and visual harmony of a design.
• Versatile Application: Used in web design, print layouts, editorial design, and data visualization.
• Clarity: They enhance the readability and clarity of complex information or content.
• Creative Freedom: Grid lines can be customized to fit various design styles and aesthetics.
• Modern Design: The trend aligns with modern design sensibilities, making designs feel up-to-date.
• Brand Consistency: Grids help maintain consistency in brand visuals and across design collateral.
• Whitespace Management: They aid in managing whitespace and optimizing content placement.
• Visual Impact: The contrast between grid lines and content can create a visually appealing and engaging effect.

Future Fusion: Gritty Textures and Neon Palettes

The fusion of gritty textures and neon palettes is creating a futuristic and edgy design aesthetic.

This trend combines the raw, tactile quality of textures with the bold and vibrant colours of neon to create designs that feel both cutting-edge and tactile.

• Fusion of Contrasts: This trend combines the rough and tactile quality of gritty textures with the vibrant and intense colours of neon palettes.
• Visual Impact: The juxtaposition of grit and neon creates a visually arresting and attention-grabbing effect.
• Edgy Aesthetics: It exudes an edgy and rebellious vibe, making designs feel cutting-edge.
• Versatile Application: Suitable for branding, digital art, packaging, and urban-themed designs.
• Emotional Resonance: The combination of textures and colours can evoke strong emotions and moods.
• Contrasting Elements: Gritty textures provide a tangible contrast to the smooth and vivid neon hues.
• Complexity and Depth: This fusion adds complexity and depth to designs, making them more engaging.
• Contemporary Sensibilities: Aligns with contemporary design sensibilities, catering to modern audiences.
• Brand Differentiation: Brands can use this trend to stand out and create a distinctive visual identity.
• Creative Expression: Designers have the freedom to experiment and push creative boundaries.

3D Hyper-Surrealism: Blend of Hyper-Realism and Surreal 3D Visuals

3D hyper-surrealism is pushing the boundaries of what is visually possible.

This trend combines hyper-realistic 3D elements with surreal and dreamlike visuals, creating designs that are both awe-inspiring and thought-provoking.

• Hyper-Realism Meets Surrealism: This trend combines the precision of hyper-realistic 3D graphics with surreal and dreamlike elements.
• Visual Spectacle: It creates awe-inspiring and thought-provoking visuals that push the boundaries of reality.
• Attention-Grabbing: The blend of hyper-realism and surrealism instantly captivates viewers’ imaginations.
• Emotional Depth: These designs often evoke deep emotions and a sense of wonder.
• Versatile Application: Suitable for art installations, digital art, and storytelling through visuals.
• Narrative Potential: Hyper-surrealism can convey complex narratives and abstract concepts.
• Immersive Experiences: In virtual reality and augmented reality, it offers immersive and otherworldly experiences.
• Experimental Freedom: Designers can experiment with different levels of surrealism and hyper-realism.
• Mind-Bending: It challenges viewers’ perceptions and provokes curiosity and introspection.
• Cutting-Edge Aesthetics: Aligns with futuristic aesthetics, making designs feel avant-garde and cutting-edge.

Bento Box Grids: Artfully Arranged Compartments

Bento box grids are a design trend that organizes content into artfully arranged compartments, reminiscent of the Japanese lunch boxes they are named after.

This approach brings order and structure to complex layouts while maintaining a visually appealing and organized appearance.

• Inspired by Japanese Bento Boxes: Bento Box Grids are layouts artfully arranged into compartments, reminiscent of Japanese lunch boxes.
• Organized Structure: They bring structure, order, and balance to design compositions.
• Visual Hierarchy: Grids allow for clear visual hierarchy, making content easily digestible.
• Compartmentalization: Information and visuals are compartmentalized, enhancing organization and readability.
• Versatile Layouts: Suitable for web design, editorial layouts, social media, and presentations.
• Visual Consistency: Grids maintain consistency in content placement and alignment.
• Creative Freedom: Designers can experiment with different-sized compartments and arrange content creatively.
• Multi-Purpose: Bento Box Grids work well for displaying various types of content, including images, text, and multimedia.
• Cultural Aesthetic: This trend draws inspiration from Japanese aesthetics, adding cultural depth to designs.
• Impactful Design: Compartments create a visually impactful and memorable layout.

Cluttercore: Busy Graphics, Thick Strokes, and Cloud Colours

Embracing the chaos and busyness of life, cluttercore is a trend that celebrates cluttered and chaotic designs.

It involves using thick strokes, busy graphics, and cloud-like pastel colours to create designs that are visually overwhelming yet strangely comforting.

• Celebration of Chaos: Cluttercore embraces busy and chaotic graphics, revelling in the beauty of visual overload.
• Thick Strokes: Designs often feature bold and thick strokes, adding a sense of weight and prominence.
• Cloud Colours: Soft, pastel cloud-like colours dominate the palette, creating a dreamy and whimsical atmosphere.
• Playful and Whimsical: The trend exudes playfulness and whimsy, appealing to those seeking unconventional aesthetics.
• Visual Overstimulation: Cluttercore thrives on visual overstimulation, challenging design norms of minimalism.
• Thematic Richness: Complex compositions allow for the exploration of various themes and narratives.
• Impactful Branding: Brands can use cluttercore to establish a unique and unforgettable visual identity.
• Audience Engagement: It captivates viewers with its busy graphics and invites them to explore intricate details.
• Visual Contrasts: The contrast between chaos and simplicity creates intriguing visual dynamics.
• Artistic Rebellion: Cluttercore is a form of design rebellion, rejecting conventional notions of minimalism.

Inflatable 3D: Bubbly 3D Renders Capture Playfulness

Inflatable 3D is all about adding a touch of playfulness to designs. This trend uses 3D renders that give objects a bouncy and inflatable appearance, evoking a sense of fun and whimsy.

• Bubbly 3D Renders: Inflatable 3D is characterized by 3D designs that appear to be soft, bouncy, and inflated.
• Playful and Whimsical: It exudes a sense of playfulness and whimsy, making designs feel lighthearted and fun.
• Realism Meets Fantasy: The trend blends hyper-realistic 3D rendering techniques with imaginative and fantastical elements.
• Attention-Grabbing: The bubbly and inflated appearance instantly captures viewers’ attention.
• Versatile Application: Suitable for product design, character design, animations, and marketing materials.
• Visual Engagement: Inflatable 3D designs engage viewers with their tactile and inviting aesthetics.
• Childlike Nostalgia: It can evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of childhood toys and balloons.
• Brand Appeal: Brands use this trend to create memorable and approachable visual identities.
• Unconventional Realism: It challenges the norms of realism in 3D design, adding a unique twist.
• Interactive Potential: Inflatable 3D elements can be used in interactive designs, adding to user engagement.

Digital Deconstruction: Pixelated and Glitchy Rebellion

Digital deconstruction is a rebellious trend that embraces pixelation and glitch effects.

It challenges the norms of perfection and precision in design, creating designs that feel raw, unfinished, and glitchy.

• Pixelated and Glitchy Aesthetics: Digital Deconstruction involves deliberate pixelation and glitch effects in design.
• Rebellion Against Perfection: It challenges the norms of perfection and precision in design, celebrating imperfections.
• Raw and Unfinished: Designs often appear raw, unfinished, and intentionally disrupted.
• Visual Rebellion: It’s a visual rebellion against the sleek and polished aesthetics of digital design.
• Nostalgic Throwback: Pixelation and glitches evoke nostalgia for the early days of digital graphics and video games.
• Experimental Playground: Designers have a creative playground to explore and push the boundaries of digital imperfection.
• Conceptual Depth: Glitch effects can add conceptual depth and provoke thought.
• Contemporary Aesthetics: Digital Deconstruction aligns with contemporary design sensibilities, making designs feel edgy and avant-garde.
• Brand Differentiation: Brands use this trend to stand out and convey a rebellious or avant-garde identity.
• Unique Visual Language: It helps create a distinctive visual language that sets designs apart from the mainstream.

Freehand Revival: Hand-Drawn Lines

The freehand revival trend is all about returning to the basics of hand-drawn lines.

In a world dominated by digital tools, designers are rediscovering the beauty and imperfections of freehand drawing, adding a sense of authenticity and humanity to their work.

• Hand-Drawn Lines: Freehand Revival involves the resurgence of hand-drawn lines and strokes in design.
• Organic and Imperfect: Designs celebrate the organic, imperfect, and human touch of hand-drawn elements.
• Unique Character: Hand-drawn lines add a unique and personalized character to digital and print materials.
• Nostalgia and Authenticity: They evoke nostalgia and authenticity in a digital world.
• Versatile Application: Suitable for branding, illustrations, icons, and typography.
• Emotional Connection: Hand-drawn elements create an emotional connection with viewers, conveying a sense of craftsmanship.
• Customization: Designers have the freedom to create custom and one-of-a-kind illustrations and graphics.
• Artistic Freedom: It encourages experimentation and artistic expression in design.
• Timeless Appeal: The timeless quality of hand-drawn elements transcends design trends.
• Brand Identity: Brands use hand-drawn elements to establish a warm, approachable, and personal brand identity.

Anime Bold: Vibrant Backgrounds and Exaggerated Characters

Anime Bold is a trend that draws inspiration from the vibrant and dynamic world of anime.

It features exaggerated characters set against vivid and eye-catching backgrounds, creating designs that are visually captivating and full of energy.

• Anime Influence: Anime Bold draws inspiration from Japanese anime and manga, known for vibrant visuals and exaggerated characters.
• Vibrant Backgrounds: It features colourful and dynamic backgrounds that set the stage for the narrative.
• Exaggerated Characters: Characters are often exaggerated in appearance, with bold features and expressive expressions.
• Visual Storytelling: Anime Bold excels in visual storytelling, conveying emotions and narratives through visuals.
• Dynamic Compositions: The trend uses dynamic compositions to create a sense of movement and energy.
• Emotional Resonance: Exaggerated characters evoke strong emotions and empathy in viewers.
• Versatile Application: Suitable for animation, web design, digital art, and multimedia projects.
• Pop Culture Appeal: It taps into the appeal of pop culture and the global fascination with anime.
• Character Development: Designers can experiment with character design, pushing creative boundaries.
• Brand Engagement: Brands use this trend to engage younger audiences and convey a sense of fun and excitement.

Garden Cutouts

Garden cutouts bring the beauty of the natural world into graphic design.

This trend involves using intricate and detailed cutout illustrations of plants, flowers, and foliage to create visually stunning and organic designs.

• Garden Cutouts: This trend incorporates elements of nature, such as flowers, plants, and foliage, as cutout-style graphics in designs.
• Nature’s Beauty: It celebrates the beauty and serenity of the natural world, bringing the outdoors into digital and print materials.
• Versatile Botanicals: Garden cutouts can feature a wide range of botanical elements, from leaves and vines to blossoms and branches.
• Organic and Playful: The cutout style adds an organic and playful touch to designs, making them feel approachable.
• Visual Contrast: Nature’s vibrant colours and textures create a striking contrast against other design elements.
• Cohesive Branding: Brands use garden cutouts to convey a connection with nature and a commitment to sustainability.
• Visual Storytelling: Botanical cutouts can be used to tell stories, evoke emotions, and enhance visual narratives.
• Artistic Freedom: Designers have the freedom to experiment with various botanical elements and arrangements.
• Eco-Friendly Appeal: It aligns with eco-friendly and green design sensibilities, resonating with environmentally conscious audiences.
• Timeless Aesthetics: The beauty of nature is timeless, making garden cutouts a lasting design choice.

Graphic Graffiti

Graphic graffiti is a trend that takes inspiration from street art and graffiti culture.

It involves using bold and expressive typography, vibrant colours, and urban motifs to create designs that are rebellious, edgy, and full of attitude.

• Urban Inspiration: Graphic Graffiti draws inspiration from urban street art and graffiti culture.
• Bold and Expressive: It features bold, expressive lines, shapes, and typography that command attention.
• Visual Chaos: Designs embrace a controlled chaos, creating a sense of energy and rebellion.
• Vivid Colour Palette: Bright and vibrant colours often dominate, adding visual impact.
• Versatile Application: Suitable for branding, posters, album covers, and urban-themed designs.
• Counterculture Aesthetics: It aligns with counterculture aesthetics, appealing to audiences seeking edgier visuals.
• Storytelling Through Art: Graffiti-style designs can convey messages, stories, and cultural references.
• Street Art Influence: The trend captures the essence of street art, bringing it into various design disciplines.
• Creative Freedom: Designers have room to experiment with typography, shapes, and graffiti-inspired elements.
• Cultural and Subcultural Appeal: Graphic Graffiti resonates with those who identify with street culture and artistic rebellion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the graphic design landscape in 2024 is a vibrant and dynamic one, with a wide range of trends to explore and experiment with.

Whether you’re drawn to the tactile qualities of textured 3D design, the playfulness of quirky characters, or the rebellious spirit of graphic graffiti, there’s a trend for every designer to explore and incorporate into their work.

As we step into the future of creativity, embracing these trends can help designers create visually striking and relevant designs that captivate and engage audiences in 2024 and beyond.

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