5 Big Graphic Design Trends for 2021

2020 was a year. It certainly shook things up, and that brought about lots of exciting new trends in the world of design as well. Now, 2021 is shaping up to continue some of those trends while charting a new course for others. Here are my predictions of 5 big graphic design trends for 2021!

Retro Design

Taylor Swift said it best: “I come back stronger than a 90s trend.” Whether it be 90s grunge, 80s cyberpunk, or 70s psychedelia, after all the uncertainty and turmoil of last year, we’re turning back to what’s familiar and comforting. Nostalgia for the past and what we perceive as better times is dominating design, and even major brands like Burger King are returning to their roots in a retro but fresh way. Throwback type, vintage color schemes, film grain and lofi texture bring familiarity and friendliness to design.

Celestial and Mythological Motifs

The use of symbols is on the rise, depicting icons of witchcraft, astrology, and spirituality. Transcending language, they promote messages of healing, love, and power in a time when many need to hear it. Though these are ancient practices, things like tarot and astrology are more popular than ever as people turn to some kind of system for making sense of the world. From a design standpoint, they provide beautiful and evocative imagery and can be simplified into easily recognized but powerful symbols.

Nature-Infused Design

There’s something healing and therapeutic about being surrounded by trees or getting your hands dirty in the garden. As a result, it seems like everyone has taken up hiking, bought a houseplant, or started a garden in the last year. This renewed love for Mother Nature is permeating design through organic shapes and earthy colors, born of the cottagecore craze and the outdoors becoming a refuge during the pandemic. While originally more of a lifestyle aesthetic, expect to see more cottagecore influence on graphic design and other visual media this year.

Serif Fonts

Sans serifs have reigned supreme over the last few years, but last year saw that trend beginning to shift. Serif fonts are making a big resurgence, possibly due to the stability and trustworthiness they convey. This trend correlates with the general rise in retro design: 70s-style serifs are especially popular. Cooper Black and Lust will continue to grace visual media in the coming months.

Minimalist Illustrations

Digital illustration is booming and more and more brands are embracing illustration over photos, as we’ve seen with the now-ubiquitous Alegria art style. This trend is characterized by flat colors, organic shapes, and imperfect lines to embrace a modern but hand-drawn feel. People and figures represented are becoming more diverse in color and body type as current social trends push for more representative work.

Conclusion

While some of these trends were already well underway in 2020, these are the ones that I see having the most influence and impact during the coming year. I personally am excited about these and look forward to implementing them in my own work!

What design trends do you predict will be big this year? Which are your favorites and which are you ready to see die?