Last September, we wrote about some of the pressing trends that would influence the world of graphic design in 2018.
Given the diverse and changeable nature of design, however, we felt that the topic deserved a little more focus and decided to discuss a host of additional trends that will alter the course of graphic design in the months ahead.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
The More Sophisticated Use of GIFs
The use of GIFs emerged as one of the biggest and most influential marketing trends in 2017, as Reuters prediction that 84% of all communication will be visual by the end of this year moved closer to becoming reality.
During the last 12 months, GIFs have become an intrinsic part of contemporary graphic design, as brand’s look to distinguish themselves across digital channels by injecting personality into their online presence.
Make no mistake; this year will see the use of GIFs increase, while businesses will also become far more sophisticated when leveraging this type of image. More specifically, they’ll develop less corny and novel GIF reactions, while cultivating custom branded images that share information and build awareness online.
In this respect, GIFs will follow the trail blazed by viral video and attain a brand new level during the next 12 months and beyond.
Bold and Handwritten will Become Dominant
In our previous post, we discussed the revival of hand-drawn images and illustrations in the world of graphic design, as brands look to stand out from their rivals in the digital age and better reflect the unique personality of your brand.
This year will see this trend continue, while it will also evolve to include the fonts that we see across both on and offline publications.
In simple terms, free and handwritten fonts will be used prolifically to create eye-catching designs in the months ahead, while there will also be a renewed emphasis placed on bold typographies that also utilise stark colour contrasts and gradients.
Unconventional Colours and Colour Combinations will take Centre Stage
The previous trends share a universal bond, as brands become increasingly focused on using graphics and imagery to define their online identity and stand out among their competitors.
With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that we’ll see businesses embrace unusual colours and colour combinations with increased relish during 2018.
So, in addition to seeing a rise on the widespread use of bold shades and contrasts, we’ll also see brands experiment with unusual tones and gradients across a full range of design projects.
There will obviously be a degree of trial and error involved with the application of unusual colour combinations, but brands that are successful will be able to create genuinely unique designs that quickly become synonymous with their business.
Our Final Thoughts
These trends will hopefully offer a clear insight into the evolutionary world of graphic design in the modern age, as we witness a clear shift from established and linear techniques to those that seek to break new ground.
Above all else, businesses will continue to leverage graphic design as a way of distinguishing their brand both on and offline, with those that operate in competitive markets likely to push the boundaries of creativity further than ever before.