Top Graphic Design Trends Your Brand Needs To Know For 2022
This year we can expect a bunch of engaging and colorful graphic design trends. As much of Gen Z enters adulthood (and into their respective creative careers), we may see a divergence from a minimalist millennial aesthetic. Though don’t worry - if your brand is all into less is more and clean lines - you’re not going out of style. We’re just making room for a pop of expression and broadening of creative horizons. On top of graphic trends, some colors will be standing out more in 2022. Keep reading for the top graphic design trends of 2022 - and hey, maybe it might be time for your brand to refresh some creative.
1. The New Modern Gen Z
Gen Z voices have been at the forefront of a revisioning of society, culture and media for the past few years. Especially, with the world turned upside down by the pandemic, the creativity that flowed out of young creators in isolation pushed against a minimalistic, tepid and almost safe approach to design. We will see a movement towards a variety of color vs monochromatic colors. The Collage, especially ones that evoke a sense of the abstract or escapism are also making a comeback.
noodlemie - 99 designs
2. Movement
For content that truly captures the attention of your audience, static imagery is just not going to make the cut. Graphic designers now, especially ones new to the field, should have a solid grasp of motion and composition through motion. This isn’t just for social media content, but for web design as well.
Drunk Elephant
Adobe After Effects is soon not going to just be a bonus, but prerequisite knowledge for all graphic designers. This will be even more important when it comes to data visualization. Static graphs and charts no longer catch the eye, designers need to engage the viewer’s attention through motion graphics. For inspiration, look at data designer Kirell Benzi or information designer Federica Fragapane.
Federica Fragapane
3. 90s Nostalgia
The 90s are making a huge comeback and not just in fashion (I never thought I’d own a bucket hat again). Basic fonts back to the early 90s day of the internet, with a touch of bold headline fonts are being seen across many young-appealing brands (Youth to The People) below.
Youth to the People
4. Custom Fonts
Typography is seeing an overhaul in 2022 as well. Custom fonts are coming back in popularity, and old rules of legibility are not as important as they once were. Reliance on Helvetica and all its variations are being deemed dusty and boring, with experimental typography making a forefront.
5. Environmentally Conscious
With looming environmental issues topping daily headlines, it’s no surprise that brands that support sustainability and eco-conscious manufacturing are on the rise. Along with that, a return to nature in design is highly desirable at the moment (and yes, this is often done on minimalist principles). This is vital for packaging design as well, as more and more brands move to sustainability, they want their packaging to be as clean as their products.
Girlfriend Collective
6. Top Colors
Shutterstock just released it’s 2022 color trend report and according to the source, colors that evoke a sense of “calm” are on the rise. After two tumultuous years, we could all use a bit of peace in our lives. The top color palettes are corals, violets, pinks - and the big environmental favorite topping the chart - greens of all hues.
wikipedia (shades of green)
urban outfitters
This is only a shortlist and many other trends are growing in popularity, as well as anti-design trends that fail to follow all the rules (but we’re keeping this list E-commerce friendly). As the year progresses, we are sure to see the emergence of even more exciting and beautiful trends in the graphic design world. So let us know, do you think 2022 will inspire the adaption of some new design trends for your brand?
