By Sally Pritchett
CEO
Explore the freshest trends in graphic design and find inspiration to create communications that connect with your audience.
As spring is blooming all around us, there’s no better time to infuse your creative communications with the spirit of renewal and growth. In this article we’re sharing what’s been inspiring us lately and examining some of the design trends we’re excited to see.
Sustainability and purpose-driven branding
Sustainable design is not a trendy, niche approach, it’s fast becoming a core principle. Consumers are looking for brands that align with their values and have a clear social or environmental mission. Brands that can effectively communicate their purpose and demonstrate their commitment to making a positive impact are likely to resonate. Customers are placing more value on products and services that prioritise sustainability, with studies finding that 81% of consumers believe brands should actively work to protect the environment.
From a design style perspective, we’re seeing a lot more thought go into packaging. Not just classic recyclable material and eco postage, but packaging being reusable or rethinking it by giving it a second life.
Sustainability conscious styling is starting to shift away from cliche ‘green’ to using a wider palette of nature through muted blues, beige and pinks to represent sustainability alongside the classic textured, earthy feel.
Amble Outdoors | Sustainable clothing
As well as seeing these visual changes, the messaging is diving deeper. As a more well-informed audience which has growing concern over climate change and other environmental issues, consumers are increasingly looking for brands that prioritise sustainability. Messages and campaigns are bold and calling people out when they’re greenwashing or contributing to negative sustainable practices, working towards a force for change.
Make My Money Matter | Oblivia Coal Mine
The continued rise of AI
AI has made a huge impact on the marketing world over the last year. While the creative industry may feel under pressure from generative AI tools, it has also never felt so full of potential and scope for growth. AI is streamlining the design process, providing insights and generating multiple styles quickly. And AI is not going anywhere! AI is only going to get bigger and better, especially as us as humans learn to control it and manipulate it.
In this recent survey by It’s Nice That, 83% of creatives in the industry are already using AI tools. There are still ethical concerns around bias – which still need a human eye to carefully consider outputs – and legal concerns around plagiarism but the technology will undoubtedly continue to improve.
Midjourney outputs
Embracing nostalgia
Fashion repeats itself every twenty years or so, and this holds true in design too. The content of nostalgia marketing changes with the generations, as each generation has different cultural references. Gen Z may look to cultural references from the ’90s or early ‘00s, whereas Gen X or older millennials might feel nostalgic about the ’80s and its cultural touchpoints.
We have seen a huge re-emergence of ’90s inspired designs stemming from the iconic Barbie and Mean Girls movies allowing many of us to embrace the childhood nostalgia. This is paving the way for vibrant colours, abstract shapes, funky patterns, and scrapbooking to name a few. These design styles create an emotional bond with the audience, this especially aligns with Gen Z’s growing digital fatigue and their desire for meaningful experiences and authenticity.
Cadburys | Yours for 200 years
Bold type
Sometimes text needs to do the talking. In a world where there is so much visual information thrown at us and video/social media can be so intrusive, a simple message is effective. More campaigns are using simple type to tell the message and make an impact. Simplicity is key. Clean imagery is being used but enhanced by the typography.
B&Q | You can do it
Inclusive design
Inclusive design that is both diverse and accessible has rightly become a staple. Ranging from high-contrast graphics, clear typography, alt text for images, and diverse and inclusive messaging.
Inclusive design enables us to talk to global audiences, breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes.
Nike | This athlete isn’t just an athlete she’s a mother too.
Impactful communications that connect with people
It’s clear that the world of graphic design is always changing and we’re seeing exciting trends shaping the way we communicate.
But amidst all this change, one thing stays the same: our commitment to making impactful designs that connect with people. Whether it’s telling your brand’s story or spreading a message, we’re here to help. If you’re looking to get cut through with your creative communications, reach out to us. Let’s work together to make something that makes a lasting impression.