Life Changes: An Adult’s Perspective

GRAPHIC DESIGN TRENDS OF

WORDS + DESIGN: CHELSEA CALLAS

2020 may have been stormy (to say the least) in almost every respect, but despite all of the heartache and uncertainty, designers and artists continue to explore new ideas, remain playful in their approach, and establish new aesthetic trends to push design forward. Here are the top graphic design trends we’ve seen emerge and/or continue into 2021.

3D ILLUSTRATIONS

We’re starting to see artists and designers create 3D illustrations made possible by increasingly sophisticated software and design tools. These illustrations typically resemble clay models and feature playful elements such as geometric shapes, bright color palettes, and simple, friendly characters.

Illustration by: Horacio CG, IG@hoc. dog Illustration by Anna Kajda (www. kajdax. de)

THROWBACK TYPOGRAPHY

Retro typography is having a moment in 2021. Typographic styles from various decades are being used by designers and artists to add some vintage flavor to their designs. Most prominent seem to be groovy / psychedelic typefaces reminiscent of the 70s.

Typeface and image by TanType

ORGANIC THEMES

Plants, leaves, flowers, oh my! The trend of incorporating nature themes into graphic design has become more and more prominent. This was especially true over the past year as people were stuck inside and looking to bring nature closer to home.

Illustration by Rokas Aleliunas

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FLAT LOGOS

Over the past several years, as devices have gotten smaller and brands face increased competition for viewers’ attention, it only makes sense that logos have become flatter. This trend continues in 2021, however, it seems as though some brands are realizing that flat design can look a little…..well, flat. To inject personality into the tried and true flat logo format, some brands are going for a retro feel. Brands such as Burger King keep their logos flat for visibility and easy recognition, but imbue some character by going with a retro aesthetic.

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MONOCHROMATIC COLOR

Designers are choosing a color and sticking to it. Monochromatic color themes are one of my personal favorite design trends of 2021. Artists have been limiting designs to a single hue, but maintaining a rich sense of depth, texture, and variety in their works.

If there’s one hallmark of this pandemic, it’s

contradictions. The year has brought physical and emotional isolation as each of us navigates our own unique set of circumstances alone. At the same time, it’s encouraged unity and community as we navigate murky waters for the first time alone, yet together. It’s made our lives easier (no one likes a commute) and more difficult. It’s caused us to grow in profound ways, and also to regress to old and familiar comforts. In the design world, artists have been embracing contradictions as well. We’re seeing experimentation with futuristic 3D graphics at the same time we’re seeing completely flat, retro-inspired illustrations. Designers are bringing the outside in with organic themes, while also using perfectly precise geometric shapes to compose illustrations. Embracing contradictions and remaining playful amidst pain has made for a rich diversity of trends in the design world. We’re excited to see how design is catapulted forward even more in the next year.

Illustration by Andrew Murray Illustration by Olga Hashim