Graphic design trends are an opportunity to restart. They offer a clean slate to create. Given everything that has happened in 2020, we are more than excited for any kind of fresh start. The graphic design trends of 2021 may just be the breath of fresh air that we all need.

While some of these design elements are continuing trends, the majority of the design trends to expect in 2021 have risen from the challenges that the entire world’s population faced this year. Design trends are setting aside the futuristic, sci-fi touch, and replacing it with something more subdued and natural.

Here are the top twelve graphic design trends that we expect will take over the next year:

1. Saturated Colors

The first graphic design trend that will dominate 2021 are saturated colors. These bright and vivid colors, such as oranges, magentas, and corals are a pop of positivity — which is exactly what all of us need after such a difficult year. Placed against a pale background, for instance, magenta on top of pastel pink, these tones create a striking contrast that will make ideas stand out.

2. Analogous Palettes

This year has shown how people can come together during challenging times. Next year’s graphic design trends will carry over the sense of togetherness through an analogous color palette. These color palettes will be made of shades that blend seamlessly with each other, almost creating a gradient-like effect.

3. 3D Design Rendering

Increases in software capabilities and advancements in modern technology have given digital artists the ability to bring the most surreal three-dimensional creations to life. Designs will most likely be geared toward hyper-realistic visuals that blur the line between digitally rendered graphics and real-world objects. These artistic designs can hold a viewer’s attention much longer and can convey emotions and ideas more efficiently.

4. Custom, Clean Fonts

Using easy-to-read fonts has always been a golden rule in graphic design. Legible fonts communicate your message clearly and are generally much easier on the eyes. Household names such as Apple and Google have been using this graphic design trend for ages. Other brands are quickly following suit. In 2021, we expect to see many businesses using custom fonts to stand out from the competition.

5. Surreal Color

Graphic design trends in 2021 will be about feel-good visuals. Designers will be using plenty of vibrant colors to create surreal illustrations, which means that everyday objects will be colored in unnatural hues, for instance, orange skies and neon green trees. The goal of surrealism has always been to provide an escape from the ordinary. Surreal colors are a great way to accomplish this.

6. Nature Elements

People want to get out of their homes after months of isolation. When the National Geographic channel can’t curb everyone’s appetite for the outside world anymore, it’s time for designers to step up to the plate. Graphic design that incorporates elements of nature satisfies people’s desire to reconnect with the environment. From leafy patterns to illustrations of mountains, graphic design in the next year will be about visuals that promote serenity.

7. Minimalism

Minimalism isn’t something new. It’s the kind of graphic design trend that is timeless — we aren’t even sure if it should still be considered a ‘trend.’ Web pages, packaging, and even electronics have become more and more minimalistic each year, and we’re certain that it is going to be carried over into 2021. Also, as more people use their mobile phones to view websites, designs must be able to retain their visual appeal across all devices.

8. Data Visualization

People will remember information longer if it is presented through compelling visuals. This is why graphic designers utilize data visualization — it makes data easier to digest. When people are overloaded with massive amounts of text and numbers, they will likely scroll past without reading. Data visualization makes boring information look visually appealing through pie charts, graphs, and graphics with highlighted statistics.

9. Optical Illusions

When you see something but you can’t quite put your finger on it, what do you do? You keep looking at it until you figure it out. Graphic designers are cleverly utilizing optical illusions to hold the attention of the viewer for a much longer time. In 2021, designers can work on creating a wow factor with these funky design elements. The challenge, however, is to know when and where to use optical illusions. When used incorrectly, they can appear overwhelming and cluttered.

10. Soothing Colors

If there is one thing that the past year has taught us, it’s that you should never use bright colors as a background during a video chat. Although next year’s graphic design trends will see saturated colors, we can also expect colors that are soothing and easy-on-the-eyes, such as subtle blues, grays, and greens. In 2021, graphic design will aim to make looking at screens and scrolling for hours much more comfortable.

11. Voxel Art Design

If you’re familiar with Minecraft, then you know what voxel art looks like. A voxel is a cube and is essentially the 2D version of a pixel. In 2020, voxel art quickly skyrocketed to popularity because of its recognizable style that appeals to almost every generation. Looking like a pile of Lego blocks, voxel art offers a childish charm, yet exudes a retro appeal that resonates with an older audience.

12. Basic Geometric Shapes

For years, abstract shapes dominated design. But in 2020, we started to witness the slow revival of basic geometric shapes such as squares, triangles, and circles. While abstract shapes look dynamic, basic shapes feel more structured, consistent, and confident. Geometric shapes are simple design elements that can create consistency, tying in all of the other design elements. They’re also a lot easier to create, which graphic designers are sure to appreciate.

Design Trends for a Better Year

This year may have proven to be a major disappointment, but seeing how grounded, simple, and fuss-free the graphic design trends to expect in the next year are, we have hope that things will return to normal. Given the events that shook the world this year, it’s no surprise that the design trends for 2021 feel connected with nature and humanity.

Whether you’re planning on redesigning your website or you’re thinking of creating something from scratch, keeping in mind these design trends for 2021 can help your brand better resonate with your audience in this new normal.

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