Whether you’re making marketing materials, creating content, or something else entirely, building a successful brand requires a lot of design prowess.
And no matter what it is you’re designing, if you want to ensure you’re making use of all the tools at your disposal, you’ve got to stay up to date on the latest graphic design trends.
For this year, I think it’s safe to say that the dominant trend will be the use of AI in graphic design, and that will likely continue to be the leading trend for several years into the future.
That prediction may sound a bit premature, but if you look at what graphic designers are saying, this couldn’t be any more obvious.
For example, a survey from Adobe, which polled 1,000 creative professionals in the U.S., including graphic designers, found that even by this time last year, many of them were already using generative AI in their work, with 48 per cent saying they’d used ChatGPT, and 34 per cent saying they’d used DALL-E.
What’s more, the vast majority of respondents expected to be using some form of AI in their work in the future, including 69 per cent of graphic designers and illustrators.
Moreover, a survey from Canva, which polled more than 4,000 marketing and creative leaders, including graphic designers, found that 97 per cent of them are comfortable with the rise of generative AI, with 70 per cent saying AI is enhancing their team’s productivity, and 69 per cent saying it’s enhancing creativity.
All things considered, it’s clear that the graphic design landscape is rapidly changing, and many of these changes will come as a result of advances in AI.
As someone who helps business owners develop their brands, this trend toward the use of AI in graphic design is incredibly exciting for me, as it offers many unique opportunities to hone your brand positioning.
But while AI will undoubtedly be the most dominant graphic design trend of 2024, it’s by no means the only trend that will be relevant over the coming year.
So, if you want to explore what’s shaping the future of graphic design, and find out which graphic design trends 2024 will be dominated by, then keep reading to learn more.
Read: Looking to Redesign Your Logo? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re interested in graphic design trends, then chances are, you might also be thinking about redesigning your logo.
But if you don’t design logos for a living, then it can be difficult to even know where to begin.
With that in mind, this article explains what you need to know to redesign your logo, including both the right reasons to update your logo and the wrong ones.
What Are the Latest Graphic Design Trends?
If you want to make sure you’ve got access to all of the best design tools and techniques, you’ve got to follow the latest trends in graphic design.
With that in mind, below I’ve detailed the graphic design trends that I feel will be most important to watch out for in 2024.
1) Artificial Intelligence (AI)
As is the case with most industries today, artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly transforming the world of graphic design.
AI tools are being used to automate routine tasks, such as resizing images and generating colour palettes, allowing designers to focus more on creative aspects.
Furthermore, AI-driven platforms can analyze user engagement data to suggest design adjustments, making designs not only aesthetically pleasing but also more effective.
And as I mentioned above, for me, one of the most exciting aspects of this technology is how it can be used to benefit your brand positioning.
For instance, AI-powered tools can help refine your brand positioning by ensuring your branding remains consistent across all touchpoints.
However, at this point, there is still a stigma attached to anything created by AI, and people are becoming much better at spotting AI images, so you need to be aware of this and act accordingly.
For instance, if you’re trying to create a life-like or photo-realistic image, it’s going to be pretty obvious that it was made by AI, and a lot of people will not like it.
But in my experience, when it comes to creating imagery, where AI truly shines is in its ability to produce unique and creative images that don’t try to emulate reality.
Still, despite its limitations, and people’s negative perceptions, I think using AI art in graphic design will be one of the biggest design trends of 2024 and years to come.
2) Inclusivity and Accessibility
Designing for inclusivity and accessibility remains a priority in 2024.
When it comes to accessibility, the main focus is on creating content that is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
This involves using things like high-contrast colour schemes for better visibility, more legible typography, and considering colour blindness when choosing palettes.
Designers are also emphasizing the representation of diverse populations, incorporating images and themes that reflect a variety of cultures, orientations, and backgrounds, which makes designs feel more welcoming and relatable.
3) Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design
With the growing awareness of environmental issues like plastic pollution, sustainable design is becoming increasingly relevant.
This push for more sustainable and environmentally friendly design applies to both the materials used in physical products and the digital footprints of online designs.
For instance, designers are minimizing waste by optimizing resources and choosing eco-friendly materials, and in digital spaces, there is a move toward more energy-efficient design practices, such as optimized images for faster loading times, which can help reduce energy consumption while you’re browsing.
4) 3D and Immersive Experiences
The adoption of 3D design continues to expand, fueled by advancements in AR, VR, and mixed-reality technologies, and it’s going to be one of the graphic design trends to watch in 2024.
These tools are bringing new dimensions to traditional flat designs, offering users more interactive and immersive experiences.
From web interfaces to advertising, 3D elements are increasingly being used to create a sense of depth and realism that enhances user engagement and retention.
5) Retro and Vintage
Nostalgia is driving the resurgence of retro and vintage design elements, with an emphasis on late 20th-century styles, which will be trending in 2024 and beyond.
This trend includes things like the revival of pixel art from the ‘90s, vibrant neon colours from the ‘80s, and smooth pastel shades from the ‘70s.
That being said, this year, you’ll see designers combining these old-school influences with modern aesthetics to appeal to both nostalgic older generations and the curiosity of younger audiences.
6) Typography Experimentation
In 2024, typography is not just about readability, but also about personality and expression.
Designers are experimenting with mixed fonts, kinetic typography, and custom typefaces that can enhance brand identity and user interaction.
Moreover, animated text and variable fonts are particularly popular, offering dynamic and responsive design options that adjust to various contexts and devices.
7) Dark Mode and Colour Gradients
Dark mode continues to be a favourite for its aesthetic appeal and reduced eye strain, particularly in low-light environments, and this trend is set to accelerate in 2024.
The popularity of these features has been growing exponentially, not least because they pair so beautifully with vibrant colour gradients that add visual interest and depth.
These gradients can be used in backgrounds, buttons, and overlays, providing a rich interplay of colours that draw the user’s eye and guide them through the design.
8) Data Visualization
As data becomes more integral to decision-making, its presentation is becoming more innovative, and this will continue to be the case throughout 2024.
Designers are creating more interactive and intuitive charts and infographics that allow people to explore and understand complex data with ease.
These visualizations can incorporate animations, clickable elements, and even AR components to make data exploration more beautiful and beneficial.
9) Authentic and Handcrafted
In an era dominated by interactions with AI, authenticity is becoming increasingly sought after.
With that in mind, handcrafted designs that include elements like hand-drawn illustrations or watercolour textures provide a more human touch that digital designs often lack.
These elements help brands stand out by offering a unique and artisanal feel to their visuals, which can resonate more deeply with consumers, and as a result, I think this art style will be one of the graphic design trends to watch this year.
10) Motion and Interactivity
The integration of motion design into web and mobile interfaces is transforming user experiences, and this trend will not be slowing down in 2024.
Throughout this year, you’re going to see more and more designers using these dynamic elements, as they’re crucial for guiding users, providing feedback, and adding a layer of depth to the digital experience.
The popularity of things like subtle animations, interactive elements, and smooth transitions will only continue to grow this year, as they can enhance the usability of interfaces, making interactions feel more natural and engaging.
11) Minimalism and Maximalism
Both minimalism and maximalism find their places in 2024’s graphic design landscape.
Minimalism appeals through its clarity and simplicity, making it ideal for conveying clear messages and improving user experiences.
On the other hand, maximalism embraces excess and complexity, offering rich, vibrant, and detailed designs that capture attention and evoke emotional responses.
But regardless of which one you prefer, you can expect to see more use of these art styles in 2024 and far into the future.
Want to create or redesign a logo, but don’t know where to begin? Why not set up a free 30-minute consultation with me to find out what we can do for you?
To your business success,
Susan Friesen
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About the Author, Susan Friesen
Located in the lower mainland of B.C., Susan Friesen is a visionary brand strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of British Columbia’s premiere boutique web development and digital marketing agency, eVision Media.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she is an expert in helping businesses establish their online presence and create a strong brand identity.
Her passion for empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners to succeed in the digital world has earned her a reputation as a leading authority in the branding and marketing industry.
Visit www.BrandIdentitySteps.com and download your FREE guide: "Unlocking Customer Trust and Business Growth: Your 7-Step Guide to Defining a Compelling Brand Identity that Appeals to Your Perfect Clients".
