See which of the 2021 graphic design trends are here to stay.

 

Gold and gradients. Psychedelia. Surrealism. Black and white color palettes.

These are some of the graphic design trends 2021 has seen so far. But the thing about trends is, they aren’t always here to stay.

While we’ll bid farewell to some of 2021’s graphic design trends, we’ll be welcoming others into 2022 with open arms. These upcoming design trends have a few things in common: they all aim to spread cheer, celebrate diversity, and improve our mental health.

5 Graphic Design Trends for 2021 and 2022

Trend #1: A Modern Spin on Retro

Many designs will evoke nostalgia by incorporating elements from years past. Expect to see branding with heavy influences from the 70s, 80s, and 90s that appeal to Generation X and Millennials.

Why It Works:

1.) It’s a Positivity Machine. Retro color palettes, fonts, and patterns make for uplifting designs that inspire positivity. Uncertainty is commonly a side effect of a major life change or crisis (cough, cough COVID).

Nostalgia helps counteract negative emotions these trying times bring. Plus, ad recall and information retention are higher when people are in better moods. (Sar et al. 2010).

2.) There’s Power in the Familiar. Unlocking your audience’s memories allows the brain to revisit the “sensory experience and the psychological memories” of perceived simpler, happier times. (Bridwell 2020).

3.) Trust is a Must. Dr. Filippo Cordaro found that nostalgia marketing “makes us feel a stronger sense of social connectedness with others.” This perceived connectedness creates a sense of trust between consumer and brand.

Trend #2: Optimism

Optimism and playfulness will play a significant role in this year’s designs as well. Trendy graphics in vibrant colors with illustrations, 3D typography, and emojis will be prevalent online and in print.

Why It Works:

1.) Get a Reaction. Emojis and illustrations are a great way to spark a response from people, which helps generate engagement between brands and their audiences.

2.) Let Us Entertain You. Expect to see an increase in charming animations and kinetic typography. Like traditional animations, kinetic typography uses moving text entertainingly.

Not only are these elements adaptive and multifunctional, but they also provide a clear message and help to lighten the mood of seemingly heavy topics and situations.

Trend #3: Be Authentically You (AKA Socially Conscious Marketing)

Major brands, like Old Navy and Summersalt, are ditching models in favor of more realistic representations of their customers (finally).

Why It Works:

1.) Mirror Images. People want to see themselves directly reflected in the brands they love. That means creative should feature:

• People of color
• Size inclusivity
• A wide variety of ages
• Individuals with disabilities
• People within the LGBTQ+ community
• People who embrace their individuality – tattoos, crazy hair colors, piercings, etc.

2.) Pause Production. Influencers are jumping on the authenticity train, too. Less-produced content with more open and honest dialogue, highlighting things typically regarded as flaws (think stretchmarks and mental illness), is what resonates with followers.

3.) It’s In Stock. Stock illustrations are more diverse and abstract, too. This further breaks from one-size-fits-all models and images to help audiences see themselves represented in brands.

Trend #4: Embrace Nature

With more people living in urban settings, brands are bringing the great outdoors to your doorstep. These designs will focus on soft, flowing lines and calming color palettes that evoke the call of the wild.

Why It Works:

1.) It’s Good For You. Reconnecting with nature is essential for people and supporting their mental health. Studies have shown that time spent in nature can heighten attention spans, lower stress, improve moods, and reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders (Weir 2020).

2.) It’s Good for the Planet. This renewed interest in nature has made sustainability a topic of interest for many consumers who have begun to seek out eco-friendly options when making purchases.

Brands will use design as an opportunity to promote sustainability, whether it be in their packaging or contributions to the environment as a whole.

Trend #5: Clean Data Visualization

Easily digestible data will help ensure your audience receives your intended message.

Why It Works:

1.) It’s Iconic. Data in visualization or icon form (yes, emojis count!) is critical to drive your message to consumers and entice them to act.

2.) It’s Concise. The internet, social media, and fast-rotating environmental signage have trained us to have shorter attention spans and even shorter time to process information.

Basically, the quicker and easier you can present your message, the better.

The Importance of Design Trends

The purpose of design is to make people feel something – and usually, that means to feel something good.

Communicating feelings of compassion, connection, and solidarity will continue to be important in 2022. In doing so, brands will be able to make a stronger connection to their consumers.

Are you interested in adopting some of these trends for your brand? Drop us a line and see how our team of designers can use their strategic design expertise to help bring these trends to life for you in the new year.