Stay Ahead of the Curve: 9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work

Stay Ahead of the Curve: 9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work

As we enter 2023, the graphic design world is abuzz with anticipation for the new trends that will emerge. From technological innovations to a desire for escapism or rebellion, there is a wide range of responses to the current climate among designers. 

Whether driven by curiosity or a desire to push against the status quo, the graphic design trends of 2023 are sure to be diverse and exciting. As always, it will be fascinating to see how designers interpret and incorporate these trends into their work.

Here are our top 9 picks which should inspire you:

1. Expressive Typography

Graphic design relies heavily on typography, as text is a crucial element for conveying a message. However, designers are continually experimenting with ways to infuse character and personality into the letterforms. Typography plays a vital role in the field of graphic design.

Thanks to accessible font creation software like Glyphs, anyone can now easily create their own font. As a result, there is a plethora of unconventional fonts available in 2023. Whether you're seeking a font that will bring character to your designs or make a bold statement, you can find a unique font that fits your needs.

9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work
Dribbble - Asset 107aluminimalsim.jpg by patkos
9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work
Emme Posters by Antonio Calvino on Dribbble

2. 3D Designs

Advancements in 3D artwork software like Cinema 4D and Adobe have made it easier than ever to create three-dimensional art. While realism was a focus in the past, artists are now exploring the limits of what can be achieved with 3D design. These tools are providing opportunities for anyone to try their hand at creating 3D art.

It's important to remember that 3D design is not just limited to digital art. It can also be applied to product design, architecture, and even papercraft illustrations. Don't be afraid to use 3D characters for your team instead of traditional photographs, or incorporate 3D elements into your typography. The possibilities are endless with 3D design.

9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work
Dribbble - Artboard 1.jpg by Eslam Mhd
9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work
Dribbble - INTERFACES_DRIBBBLE.png by Peter Tarka

3. Minimal Vintage

It's common for people to nostalgically remember the "good old days" of music, fashion, and design, as it can evoke positive memories and a perception that artists and designers put more effort and passion into their work in the past. 

The vintage design style reflects this sentiment by harking back to a time when everything was crafted by hand with attention to detail. This style is often associated with a simpler, more authentic time period.

Also, Minimalism has been a popular trend for some time, and the recent emergence of vintage minimalism combines the simplicity of minimalism with a nostalgically vintage aesthetic. This hybrid approach involves removing unnecessary elements and focusing on the essentials, resulting in a clean, sophisticated, and timeless design.

9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work
Renegade Beer label by Aleksandar Savic on Dribbble

9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work
Dribbble - full set.png by Beth Mathews

4. Illustrations

Effective brand illustrations can be so distinctive and original that they become closely associated with a particular brand, even when they are not paired with the brand's logo. Google is a notable example of a company that uses this design style effectively in its "Google Doodles".

Brands like Dropbox and Mailchimp also have popularized the use of brand illustrations, and smaller brands are starting to adopt them as well. The trend of using brand illustrations received a boost after these larger companies invested in their own styled illustrations.

9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work
Robots - Moderna on Behance
9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work
Google Doodle for Celebration of Embroidery Shirt Day on Behance

5. Prominent Photography

Photography plays a significant role in both online and offline design. It's essential to use photos that align with the message you want to convey. In the past, this often meant relying on generic stock photos that lacked personality. 

However, designers are increasingly using their own original photography or finding innovative ways to use existing photos to add depth and vitality to their designs.

The use of original or creatively repurposed photography is a trend that is likely to continue as businesses strive to differentiate themselves from their competitors. In the coming years, we can expect to see more advanced and innovative uses of photography, such as 3D images, interactive elements, and even augmented and virtual reality experiences.

9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work
Posters Design by Kate Zest Studio on Dribbble
9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work
Théâtre de la ville 2021-2022 – Visual Journal

6. Motion Graphics

For many years, static imagery was the norm for outdoor advertising. However, adding motion to an advertisement was seen as a special and magical effect.

Thanks to advances in design technology, it is now possible to create high-quality moving images for both indoor and outdoor advertising. These dynamic advertisements can be found on small billboards at bus stops, malls, and city squares, and brands no longer need a large budget to showcase their brand in motion. 

By using moving imagery, brands can add new dimensions to their advertisements and engage consumers in a more impactful way.

Kinetic Typography | Hrvoje Grubisic

How do you like your 🏀? | Elen Winata


7. Brutalism

Brutalism in design is known for its rough, unfinished appearance and is often perceived as harsh or even cold. However, it can also be viewed as strong and powerful. This design style is inspired by the architectural movement of brutalism and shares its focus on functionality and simplicity.

Brutalism has experienced a resurgence in web design in recent years due to its raw and distinctive aesthetic. This design style, which combines elements of utilitarian design and Y2K, may not appeal to everyone but can be used to create distinctive and memorable websites. If you want to make a strong impression with your design, brutalism may be the right choice for you.

9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work
Experience the Highest With RooR | Dieline - Design, Branding & Packaging Inspiration (thedieline.com)

9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work
Poster Design | Such DIfferent Posters on Behance

8. Utilitarianism

Utilitarian design prioritizes function above all else. As more of our lives move online, it has become increasingly important for websites and apps to be user-friendly and straightforward to navigate. As a result, utilitarian design has become more popular in recent years.

The goal of utilitarian design is to make the user experience as simple as possible by eliminating unnecessary elements. This can be accomplished through the use of minimalism, clear navigation, and straightforward content.

9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work
Dribbble - MCvijetic_RENC_Shot.jpg by Marko Cvijetic

9 Graphic Design Trends to Elevate Your Work
Branding: logo design, visual identity by Halo Branding for Halo Lab 🇺🇦 on Dribbble

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