A LOOK AT THE BIGGEST TRENDS IN GRAPHIC DESIGN

If you are a graphic designer, you must be aware that regardless of the project, you must be up to date on the newest design trends; colourful and bold, including 3D components, doodle elements, and experimental typefaces. 
 
Graphic design, often regarded as communication design, is the art of communicating a message via visual and textual elements. Communication can take place in either a digital or tangible media. When providing graphic design services, designers employ pictures, typography, icons, or simply text to achieve a certain goal.  

Graphic design has evolved into an essential aspect of every company’s marketing strategy in today's highly competitive world; helping to increase their brand awareness. Anyone who fails to communicate and engage with their target market may find it difficult to generate revenue or create leads. As someone once said, "a picture is worth a thousand words," the image is what draws the most attention; which is where graphic design plays a crucial role.   

Graphic design trends are important, especially when it comes to branding and marketing. On one hand, they provide insight into what is now trendy in the business, and on the other hand, they provide an idea of what will be successful in the marketplace in the future. In this blog, we will go through some of the latest graphic design trends that you will benefit from being aware of if you are looking to study a BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree at the University of Bolton. 

1. 3D ELEMENTS AND FIGURES: 

Virtual reality is set to take over our daily lives. As a result, we have grown accustomed to viewing 3D pictures on our displays. We perceive them as more authentic and believe they are closer to us. That is why 3D design has grown in popularity, particularly in character development. Tools like Cinema 4D and even the most recent Adobe upgrades allow you to dip your fingers into the 3D realm and begin creating your own three-dimensional creations. While it was once all about realistic dimensions, designers are now experimenting with new techniques and pushing limits, resulting in a slew of new graphics.  

2. BRINGING THE 90’S BACK:  

We're also nostalgic, and the age of vivid aesthetics continues to be popular. This visual style has several features that have shown to be fairly timeless and based on work published last year, we may expect to see a lot of this aesthetic moving forward. Grainy 3D graphics, bright colours, simple forms and patterns, bubbly lettering, thick outlines, and everything in between. This design incorporates various elements where the possibilities are limitless, giving creatives the opportunity to continue experimenting.  

3. DOODLING ART:  

After many years of crisp vector images, businesses tend to add more personality to their branding today. Visuals no longer need to be pixel-perfect because companies want to reconnect with their consumers and be more approachable; whether it serves as the main art style for the business. 

4. EXPERIMENTAL TYPOGRAPHY:  

Readability is a top consideration for typographers who design typefaces. However, readable writing may be monotonous, particularly for huge headlines; experimenting with forms, textures, and colours to produce something distinctive and eye-catching. This is one of the reasons why experimental typography is a modern-day graphic design trend. 

Technology isn't going away, and businesses will continue to strive to draw our attention to their goods and services. Experimental typography may cause us to sit up and take notice when we are confronted with a block of text that is strange and amazing, indicating the character of the firm that is utilising it, which may also mirror elements of our own personality. 

5. ELEMENTS OF NATURE AND FLUID PATTERNS:  

When we observe straight lines and sharp angles in a design, we may associate them with artificial and man-made elements. Nature, on the other hand, is packed with swirls, loops, and waves of limitless variation. When graphic designers employ these flowing forms in their work, they instil a sense of the natural, of the great outdoors, and all the magnificent things to be discovered there.  

Nature calms us. It may make us feel peaceful, joyous, and creative, and it may even improve our attention. A designer may elicit little samples of these feelings in their audience and develop successful site designs, branding, and other vital promotional materials by employing natural forms in their layouts.  

6. VISUAL ESCAPISM:  

Visual escapism is an art series created by Minjin Kang and Mijoo Kim of Mue Studio in New York. They aimed to create surreal, dreamlike environments that blur the line between fiction and reality. Soft gradients and colouring, natural sunlight, enormous amounts of water, exquisite simplicity, and a sense of peace defines this art style. Graphic designers may employ this style to produce serene, relaxing graphics that may resonate with consumers suffering from anxiety, as well as provide respite from unjust conflicts that undermine world security and increase human stress. Someone who likes this style may want to briefly escape from the difficulties of life, receiving comfort for only a few moments.  

7. EVERYTHING IN MOTION: 
 
After years of static pictures being the natural means to promote outdoors, the instant it could 'move' was deemed something spectacular. We're so used to static pictures these days that it's difficult to capture our concentration. However, for a company looking to make a statement, this could not be further from the truth. The advancement of technology has made it feasible to promote with motion in many more ways than before feasible. Small billboards may now be found at bus stations, shopping centres, and high-footfall areas.  

When Mitch Paone, partner and creative director of DIA Studio, was asked, 'But why is motion so crucial anyway?'. He explained, "On the surface, a static image cannot compare with a looping gif. On a profound level, movement shapes identity, just as we can tell a salsa dancer from a hip-hop dancer. The dancers might be identical, yet their movement conveys the narrative." 

 
IS GRAPHIC DESIGN A GOOD CAREER CHOICE?  

Many organisations are turning their attention to build a stronger digital brand presence, those seeking a job in graphic design can discover an abundance of opportunities. Graphic design is a fantastic job for those with creative minds. It might be ideal for individuals who enjoy art while also knowing how to innovate via design, envision and create ideas to solve design challenges. Whether you choose to learn product development, graphic design, or a more specialised job like motion graphics, there will always be a great demand for designers.   

Motion designers, animators, and conception designers that can develop exciting, and gamified environment themes in graphic designs will gain increased participation in various digital communities. Many creative workers are being enticed to work in design. At Bolton University, our Bolton School of the Arts members benefit from staying on current design trends, and graduate with great opportunities to make their creative mark in the graphic design industry. 

Although it is important to stay up with trends and have your design connect with its target audience, this does not necessarily imply developing replica design projects or adhering to norms. Because if you do, your design will become outdated very quickly. So, it comes down to striking a balance between innovation and tradition. Find that point of union, and your design will be timeless. Consider the branding designs of well-known corporations such as Apple, Netflix, or Mastercard. Despite a few slight alterations throughout time, they remain distinct and long-lasting. 

BA (HONS) GRAPHIC DESIGN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BOLTON 

If you’re looking for a University that has been voted first for Student Satisfaction for the past five years*, then look no further than the University of Bolton. Study in our inclusive, friendly, and creative environment that is proud to put our students and their needs first. 

Our graphic design students gain access to our custom-designed computer suites featuring Adobe Creative Suite and Cintiq Drawing. Our students gain great career opportunities, making them ready to pursue a successful career in a competitive industry.  

The Bolton School of the Arts has been supporting students for over 140 years and the ethos of collaboration and crossing disciplines there today is the same as it has always been. If you’re interested in turning your passion for art into a career, then look at our BA (Hons) Graphic Design course.  

For more information, please send us an email to enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or speak to a member of our award-winning Student Services Team over the phone on 01204 903807.  

*Complete University Guide – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 - Northwest