Graphic design is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and adaptation. As a graphic designer, you need to stay on top of the latest trends and techniques to create engaging and effective visuals for your clients and audiences. But how do you know what’s hot and what’s not in the world of graphic design?

In this blog post, we will explore five graphic design trends that are expected to dominate in 2024. These trends are based on the research and analysis of various sources, such as industry reports, expert opinions, and popular examples. We will explain what each trend is, why it is popular, and how you can apply it to your own projects.

By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of the current and future direction of graphic design, and you will be inspired to try out some of these trends in your own work. Let’s get started!

Trend 1: AI Assistance

AI assistance is a trend that involves using artificial intelligence to help graphic designers with various tasks and challenges. AI assistance can take many forms, such as tools, platforms, plugins, or bots, that leverage the power of machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and other AI technologies.

One of the main benefits of using AI assistance for graphic design is that it can automate repetitive or manual tasks, such as removing backgrounds, resizing images, color correction, font matching, and style transfer. This can save time and effort for designers, allowing them to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of their work.

Another benefit of using AI assistance for graphic design is that it can generate entirely new content based on prompts, such as words, sketches, or images. For example, AI tools like DALL-E by OpenAI can create realistic and diverse images from text descriptions, such as “a cat wearing a suit” or “a snail made of harp”. This can inspire designers to explore new ideas and possibilities, as well as create unique and original designs.

Some examples of AI assistance tools for graphic design are:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: A suite of software applications that offer various AI features, such as Content-Aware Fill, Neural Filters, Sensei, and Photoshop Camera.
• Canva: A web-based platform that simplifies the design process with AI features, such as Background Remover, Magic Resize, Smart Animate, and Text Effects.
• Designhill: An online marketplace that connects designers and clients, and also offers an AI-powered logo maker that can create custom logos in minutes.
• Let’s Enhance: An AI-driven image upscaler and enhancer that can improve the resolution, quality, and details of images without any loss in quality.

AI assistance is a trend that is transforming the graphic design process, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and creative. By using AI tools and platforms, designers can leverage the power of artificial intelligence to enhance their skills, productivity, and innovation.

Trend 2: Pixels Rediscovered

Pixels Rediscovered is a trend that involves creating pixel art and pixel-inspired designs that celebrate the nostalgia and charm of the 8-bit and 16-bit era. Pixel art is a form of digital art that uses pixels, the smallest unit of a digital image, as the main element. Pixel art is often associated with retro video games, such as Super Mario, Pac-Man, and Tetris, that used pixels to create characters, backgrounds, and animations.

One of the reasons why Pixels Rediscovered is popular is that it evokes a sense of nostalgia and fun, as it reminds us of the games and media we enjoyed in our childhood. Another reason is that it creates a unique and distinctive aesthetic, as it contrasts with the smooth and realistic graphics of today.

Some of the applications and variations of Pixels Rediscovered are:

• Game Design: You can use Pixels Rediscovered to create retro-style games that appeal to both old and new gamers, such as Stardew Valley, Celeste, and Shovel Knight.
• Web Design: You can use Pixels Rediscovered to create pixelated web interfaces and backgrounds that add some personality and flair to your websites, such as the website of Pixel Vision 8, a game engine that lets you create pixel games.
• Graphic Design: You can use Pixels Rediscovered to create any kind of graphic design, such as logos, posters, flyers, and stickers, by using pixels to form patterns, textures, or images.

Some examples of Pixels Rediscovered designs are:

• Pixel Art: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide: A guide that teaches you the basics and techniques of pixel art, such as pixel size, color palette, shading, and animation.
• Pixel Art Maker: A tool that allows you to create your own pixel art by drawing with pixels on a grid.
• Pixels Rediscovered: A collection of beautiful and inspiring pixel art and pixel-inspired designs, curated by Behance.
• How to Create a Pixel Art Portrait in Photoshop: A tutorial that teaches you how to create a pixel art portrait in Photoshop using the Mosaic filter and a custom brush.
• Pixel Fonts: A selection of fonts that mimic the pixel style and can be used for various purposes and platforms.

Pixels Rediscovered is a trend that can add some retro and pixelated charm to your designs, as well as express your personality and style. By using Pixels Rediscovered, you can create a nostalgic and distinctive look that can appeal to your clients and audiences.

Trend 3: Grids & Visible Borders

Grids & Visible Borders are a trend that involves using grids and borders to create structured and organized designs. Grids and borders are not new concepts in graphic design, but they have gained more popularity and prominence in recent years, especially in web design and UI design. Grids and borders can help create a clear and consistent layout, as well as guide the eye and the flow of information.

One of the reasons why Grids & Visible Borders are popular is that they can create a minimalist and elegant impression, as they reduce the clutter and noise in the design. Another reason is that they can create a modern and futuristic aesthetic, as they evoke a digital and technological vibe.

Some of the applications and variations of Grids & Visible Borders are:

• Web Design: You can use Grids & Visible Borders to create responsive and adaptive web interfaces and backgrounds that work well on different devices and screen sizes, such as the website of Gridset, a tool that helps you create custom grids for your web projects.
• Logo Design: You can use Grids & Visible Borders to create simple and geometric logos that reflect the identity and values of your brand, such as the logo of Spotify, which uses a grid of dots to form a sound wave.
• Poster Design: You can use Grids & Visible Borders to create striking and artistic posters that convey a message or a mood, such as the poster of Tron: Legacy, which uses a grid of lines and shapes to create a neon and sci-fi effect.
• Graphic Design: You can use Grids & Visible Borders to create any kind of graphic design, such as flyers, banners, stickers, and cards, by using grids and borders to form patterns, textures, or images.

Some examples of Grids & Visible Borders designs are:

• Grids & Visible Borders: A collection of beautiful and inspiring Grids & Visible Borders designs, curated by Behance.
• Grid Generator: A tool that allows you to create your own Grids & Visible Borders backgrounds by choosing from a variety of colors, shapes, and styles.
• How to Create a Grid-Based Design in Illustrator: A tutorial that teaches you how to create a Grids & Visible Borders design in Illustrator using the Grid tool and the Stroke panel.
• Grid Fonts: A selection of fonts that mimic the Grids & Visible Borders style and can be used for various purposes and platforms.
• Grid Patterns: A selection of patterns that feature Grids & Visible Borders elements and motifs and can be used for various purposes and platforms.

Grids & Visible Borders are a trend that can add some structure and organization to your designs, as well as express your personality and style. By using Grids & Visible Borders, you can create a minimalist and modern look that can appeal to your clients and audiences.

Trend 4: Barbie’s Pink

Barbie’s Pink is a trend that involves using a bright and vibrant shade of pink that is associated with the iconic Barbie doll and brand. Barbie’s Pink is also known as Pantone 219 C, and it has a hexadecimal color code of #E0218A¹². Barbie’s Pink is a shade of magenta-pink that can create a striking and cheerful impression.

One of the reasons why Barbie’s Pink is popular is that it is a trendy color for 2024, according to the Pantone Color Institute, which selects the color of the year and forecasts the color trends for each season. Barbie’s Pink is one of the colors that reflects the optimism and joy of the post-pandemic era, as well as the empowerment and confidence of women³.

Another reason why Barbie’s Pink is popular is that it is inspired by the Barbie phenomenon, which is a cultural and media movement that celebrates the legacy and influence of the Barbie doll and brand. In 2024, Barbie celebrates its 75th anniversary, and there are many events and products that commemorate this milestone, such as the live-action movie “Barbie” starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the album “Barbie” by Lizzo, and the Barbie Pink Collection by Mattel Creations⁴⁵⁶.

Some examples of Barbie’s Pink designs are:

• Barbie Pink Collection: A series of stunning dolls that feature Barbie in various outfits and accessories, all in Barbie’s Pink color.
• LIZZO – Pink (From Barbie The Album): A catchy and upbeat song by Lizzo that celebrates Barbie’s Pink color and attitude, with lyrics like “I’m living in a Barbie world, everything is pink”.
• Barbie Pink Xbox: A limited-edition console that is designed in Barbie’s Pink color and comes with a matching controller and headset, as well as a digital copy of the “Barbie” movie and game.
• Barbie Pink Balmain Hoodie: A fashionable and luxurious hoodie that is made of Barbie’s Pink cotton and features the Balmain logo and Barbie’s silhouette.
• Barbie Pink Nail Polish: A nail polish that is formulated with Barbie’s Pink color and has a glossy and long-lasting finish.

Barbie’s Pink is a trend that can add some fun and flair to your designs, as well as express your personality and style. By using Barbie’s Pink, you can create a bold and beautiful look that can stand out from the crowd.

Trend 5: Vibrant Colors

Vibrant Colors are a trend that involves using bright and saturated colors that can create a lively and energetic impression. Vibrant Colors can range from warm colors, such as red, orange, and yellow, to cool colors, such as blue, green, and purple. Vibrant Colors can also be mixed and matched to create striking and harmonious color combinations.

One of the reasons why Vibrant Colors are popular is that they can attract and retain the attention of the viewers, as they stand out from the background and contrast with other elements. Another reason is that they can convey positive and uplifting emotions, such as happiness, excitement, and confidence.

Some of the best practices and tips for using Vibrant Colors are:

• Use a color wheel or a color palette generator to find complementary, analogous, or triadic color schemes that work well together.
• Use a color picker or a color analyzer to find the exact color values and codes for your chosen colors, such as RGB, HEX, or CMYK.
• Use a color contrast checker or a color accessibility tool to ensure that your colors have enough contrast and readability for different types of viewers, such as those with color blindness or low vision.
• Use a color psychology guide or a color meaning chart to understand the associations and meanings of different colors, and how they can affect the mood and behavior of your viewers.

Some examples of Vibrant Color designs are:

• VibranceGUI: A tool that automates the digital vibrance control of your graphic card driver, enhancing the color saturation and vibrancy of your games.
• Bright Color Palettes: A collection of beautiful and inspiring color palettes that feature bright and vibrant colors, curated by Coolors.
• 80 Eye-Catching Color Combinations: A guide that showcases some of the best color combinations for your design projects, from logos and websites to flyers and merchandise, featuring vibrant and eye-catching colors.

Vibrant Colors are a trend that can add some spice and zest to your designs, as well as express your personality and style. By using Vibrant Colors, you can create a vivid and memorable look that can dazzle your clients and audiences.

Trend 6: Reeded Glass Effect

Reeded Glass Effect is a trend that involves creating a realistic and elegant look of reeded glass on your designs. Reeded glass is a type of glass that has vertical or horizontal grooves on one or both sides, creating a textured and distorted appearance. Reeded glass is often used for windows, doors, cabinets, and partitions, as it provides privacy without blocking light.

One of the reasons why Reeded Glass Effect is popular is that it adds a sense of depth and realism to your designs, as it mimics the way light and shadows interact with the glass surface. Another reason is that it creates a sophisticated and refined aesthetic, as it evokes a vintage and classic style.

Some of the applications and variations of Reeded Glass Effect are:

• Photo Editing: You can use Reeded Glass Effect to enhance your photos by adding a layer of reeded glass over them, creating a subtle and artistic distortion. You can also use Reeded Glass Effect to create interesting compositions by blending multiple photos with different reeded glass textures.
• Web Design: You can use Reeded Glass Effect to create stunning web interfaces and backgrounds by applying reeded glass textures to your elements, such as buttons, icons, menus, and headers. You can also use Reeded Glass Effect to create a frosted glass effect, which is a popular trend in web design.
• Graphic Design: You can use Reeded Glass Effect to create eye-catching graphic designs, such as logos, posters, flyers, and banners, by using reeded glass textures as overlays, masks, or filters. You can also use Reeded Glass Effect to create a 3D glass effect, which is a common technique in graphic design.

Some examples of Reeded Glass Effect designs are:

• Reeded glass effect — Photoshop tutorial: A step-by-step guide on how to create a reeded glass effect in Photoshop using the Displace filter and a pattern overlay.
• How to make this exact textured glass effect in Photoshop and Affinity?: A question and answer on how to create a reeded glass effect in Photoshop and Affinity using a geometric distortion and a blended layer.
• Reeded Glass vs. Ribbed Glass: What’s the Difference?: An article that explains the difference between reeded glass and ribbed glass, and shows some examples of both types of glass.
• Reeded Glass | What Is It, Style Ideas & Key Benefits: An article that provides more information and inspiration about reeded glass, such as its history, types, styles, and benefits.
• Reeded Glass Texture Trend – Purpose and Decorating Ideas: An article that showcases some examples and ideas of how to use reeded glass texture in your home decor.

Reeded Glass Effect is a trend that can elevate your designs to a new level of realism and elegance, as well as add some texture and interest to your visuals. By using reeded glass effect, you can create a unique and distinctive look that can impress your clients and audiences.

Trend 7: Nature Reference Designs

Nature Reference Designs are a trend that involves using elements and motifs from nature to create organic and harmonious designs. Nature Reference Designs are inspired by the beauty and diversity of the natural world, such as plants, animals, landscapes, and phenomena. Nature Reference Designs can also be influenced by the principles and patterns of nature, such as symmetry, fractals, and Fibonacci sequence.

One of the reasons why Nature Reference Designs are popular is that they can create a sense of connection and well-being, as they remind us of the importance and value of nature. Another reason is that they can create a unique and distinctive aesthetic, as they showcase the variety and complexity of nature.

Some of the applications and variations of Nature Reference Designs are:

• Logo Design: You can use Nature Reference Designs to create memorable and recognizable logos that reflect the identity and values of your brand, such as the logo of WWF, which uses a panda as a symbol of wildlife conservation.
• Poster Design: You can use Nature Reference Designs to create eye-catching and artistic posters that convey a message or a mood, such as the poster of Avatar, which uses a tree as a symbol of the connection between humans and nature.
• Web Design: You can use Nature Reference Designs to create stunning web interfaces and backgrounds that enhance the user experience, such as the website of National Geographic, which uses images and videos of nature to showcase their stories and missions.
• Graphic Design: You can use Nature Reference Designs to create any kind of graphic design, such as flyers, banners, stickers, and cards, by using elements and motifs from nature, such as flowers, leaves, animals, and stars.

Some examples of Nature Reference Designs are:

• Nature Inspired Design: A collection of beautiful and inspiring Nature Reference Designs, curated by Behance.
• Nature Logo Maker: A tool that allows you to create your own Nature Reference Designs by choosing from a variety of icons, fonts, and colors.
• How to Create a Nature-Inspired Logo in Illustrator: A tutorial that teaches you how to create a Nature Reference Design in Illustrator using the Shape Builder tool and the Gradient tool.
• Nature Fonts: A selection of fonts that mimic the Nature Reference style and can be used for various purposes and platforms.
• Nature Patterns: A selection of patterns that feature Nature Reference elements and motifs and can be used for various purposes and platforms.

Nature Reference Designs are a trend that can add some organic and harmonious charm to your designs, as well as express your personality and style. By using Nature Reference Designs, you can create a natural and distinctive look that can appeal to your clients and audiences.

Trend 8: Dot Display Graphics

Dot Display Graphics are a trend that involves creating retro and pixelated designs by using dots or circles as the main element. Dot Display Graphics are inspired by the old-school digital displays, such as LED signs, calculators, clocks, and arcade games, that used dots or segments to form characters and images.

One of the reasons why Dot Display Graphics are popular is that they evoke a sense of nostalgia and nostalgia, as they remind us of the simpler and happier times of the past. Another reason is that they create a unique and distinctive aesthetic, as they contrast with the smooth and realistic graphics of today.

Some of the applications and variations of Dot Display Graphics are:

• Logo Design: You can use Dot Display Graphics to create memorable and recognizable logos that stand out from the crowd, such as the logo of Spotify, which uses dots to form a sound wave.
• Poster Design: You can use Dot Display Graphics to create eye-catching and artistic posters that convey a message or a mood, such as the poster of The Matrix, which uses dots to form the iconic code.
• Web Design: You can use Dot Display Graphics to create fun and interactive web interfaces and backgrounds that engage the users, such as the website of Dot Design, which uses dots to form various shapes and animations.
• Graphic Design: You can use Dot Display Graphics to create any kind of graphic design, such as flyers, banners, stickers, and cards, by using dots to form patterns, textures, or images.

Some examples of Dot Display Graphics designs are:

• Dot Design: A web design agency that specializes in Dot Display Graphics and showcases their work and services on their website.
• Dot Art Generator: A tool that allows you to create your own Dot Display Graphics by uploading an image or drawing with dots.
• Dot Display Graphics: A collection of beautiful and inspiring Dot Display Graphics designs, curated by Behance.
• How to Create a Dot Display Effect in Photoshop: A tutorial that teaches you how to create a Dot Display Effect in Photoshop using the Halftone filter and a custom pattern.
• Dot Display Font: A font that mimics the Dot Display style and can be used for various purposes and platforms.

Dot Display Graphics are a trend that can add some retro and pixelated charm to your designs, as well as express your personality and style. By using Dot Display Graphics, you can create a nostalgic and distinctive look that can appeal to your clients and audiences.

Trend 9: Abstract Gradients

Abstract Gradients are a trend that involves using smooth and colorful transitions between different hues to create abstract and artistic designs. Abstract Gradients can be used as backgrounds, overlays, filters, or shapes to add some depth and dimension to your visuals. Abstract Gradients can also be combined with other elements, such as typography, images, or icons, to create contrast and harmony.

One of the reasons why Abstract Gradients are popular is that they can create a dynamic and eye-catching impression, as they capture the attention of the viewers with their vibrant and varied colors. Another reason is that they can convey different moods and emotions, depending on the choice and combination of colors.

Some of the best practices and tips for using Abstract Gradients are:

• Use a color wheel or a color palette generator to find complementary, analogous, or triadic color schemes that work well together.
• Use a gradient tool or a gradient generator to create smooth and seamless transitions between your colors, adjusting the angle, position, and opacity of the gradient stops.
• Use a gradient mesh or a gradient map to create more complex and realistic gradients, adding more details and variations to your colors.
• Use a blend mode or a transparency effect to blend your gradients with other elements, creating interesting and unique effects.

Some examples of Abstract Gradient designs are:

• Abstract Gradients: A collection of beautiful and inspiring Abstract Gradient designs, curated by Behance.
• Gradient Background Generator: A tool that allows you to create your own Abstract Gradient backgrounds by choosing from a variety of colors, shapes, and styles.
• How to Create an Abstract Gradient Poster in Photoshop: A tutorial that teaches you how to create an Abstract Gradient poster in Photoshop using the Gradient tool and the Pen tool.
• Gradient Fonts: A selection of fonts that mimic the Abstract Gradient style and can be used for various purposes and platforms.
• Gradient Patterns: A selection of patterns that feature Abstract Gradient elements and motifs and can be used for various purposes and platforms.

Abstract Gradients are a trend that can add some depth and dimension to your designs, as well as express your personality and style. By using Abstract Gradients, you can create a dynamic and colorful look that can appeal to your clients and audiences.

Trend 10: Composition-Heavy Designs

Composition-Heavy Designs are a trend that involves creating complex and unique designs by arranging and combining multiple elements in a single image or interface. These elements can include shapes, colors, textures, typography, images, icons, illustrations, and more. The goal is to use all the available space on the canvas and create a dense and detailed graphic that can tell a story, convey a message, or evoke an emotion.

One of the reasons why Composition-Heavy Designs are popular is that they can capture and hold the attention of the viewers for longer, as they have more to explore and discover in the design. This can be beneficial for marketing and promotional purposes, as it can enhance brand recall and recognition. Another reason is that Composition-Heavy Designs can express more creativity and originality, as they allow designers to experiment with different styles, techniques, and combinations.

Some of the elements and principles of effective Composition-Heavy Designs are:

• Balance: The design should have a sense of equilibrium and harmony among the different elements, avoiding overcrowding or emptiness in any area.
• Contrast: The design should use contrasting colors, shapes, sizes, and fonts to create visual interest and hierarchy, highlighting the most important elements.
• Repetition: The design should use consistent and recurring elements, such as patterns, motifs, or themes, to create unity and coherence.
• Alignment: The design should use a grid or a guide to align the elements and create a clear and organized layout.
• Proximity: The design should group related elements together and separate unrelated elements to create a logical and meaningful structure.

Some examples of Composition-Heavy Designs are:

• Leo Natsume: A Brazilian illustrator and designer who creates colorful and vibrant compositions with geometric shapes, icons, and typography.
• Mohamed Sherif Midoom: An Egyptian graphic designer and art director who creates intricate and detailed compositions with images, textures, and typography.
• Bolverk: A Polish graphic design studio that creates bold and dynamic compositions with shapes, colors, and typography.
• Andrew Footit: A South African graphic designer and typographer who creates minimalist and elegant compositions with shapes, colors, and fonts.
• V13: A Greek graphic design studio that creates playful and whimsical compositions with illustrations, icons, and typography.

Composition-Heavy Designs are a trend that showcases the diversity and complexity of graphic design, as well as the skill and creativity of the designers. By using Composition-Heavy Designs, designers can create engaging and effective visuals that can communicate more than words.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have explored 10 graphic design trends that are expected to dominate in 2024. These trends are based on the research and analysis of various sources, such as industry reports, expert opinions, and popular examples. We have explained what each trend is, why it is popular, and how you can apply it to your own projects.

By following these trends, you can create engaging and effective visuals that can communicate your message, express your style, and impress your clients and audiences. You can also experiment with different combinations and variations of these trends, and find your own unique and distinctive voice.

We hope this blog post has inspired you to try out some of these trends and share your feedback with us. If you want to learn more about graphic design, you can check out our other blog posts or contact us for more information. Thank you for reading and happy designing!