10 Graphic Design Trends for 2021

Each year brings new challenges, and 2021 is no different. One could say that the challenges ahead will be even harder to surmount, but we’re looking ahead optimistically. This can be applied to any sphere of life, graphic design included. 2021 will bring new design trends so we as designers need to adapt and meet the requirements and expectations imposed by our audience. This post will go over some of the best design trends that will surely mark 2021.

1. Nature inspired design

While organic design isn’t an entirely new trend, in 2021 it will be more prominent than ever. Natural lights, softer, earthy colors and tones, natural gradients in color schemes, flowing lines, all these are some of the characteristics of the nature design. Should you need to design a natural ambience, and mimic the texture of wood or stone, then natural design can seamlessly fit into the whole picture. In 2020, people have been denied the ability to spend a lot of time outside due to the pandemic, which is why even this “artificial” nature suffices. Designers can check in on this and offer amazing natural designs that people will surely love.

2. Abstract psychedelia

Abstract psychodelia can also be viewed through the lens of the present pandemic. People are longing for the freedom we used to have, and psychedelic imagery can be a way to achieve it. In 2021, designers will choose bright, vivid colors, alongside creating abstractions to revive this 60’s movement. Colors, together with distorted shapes and confused imagery will create the psychedelic disorder, while the designer might choose to add a little bit of normality through symmetry. In any case, the abstraction will definitely have a strong presence in 2021, which will reflect the people’s inner feelings and longing for the lost normality.

3. 3D design

Most trends come and go, but it seems that 3D design is here to stay. 3D design has gained traction due to the advancements in AR and VR technologies, and designers have, rightfully so, seen the importance of 3D. Of course, because it’s been around for quite some time new, 3D design has taken a life on its own. Inspired designers have combined elements of 3D with photography and flat illustrations, creating some phenomenal new designs. This trend will live in 2021 as well, allowing the designers to create something truly magnificent.

4. Symbols

Symbols are all around us, ubiquitous, and impactful in ways that we’re probably not even aware of. Designers, however, are, which is why they are returning to the basic symbols in 2021. Designers may choose to modify well-known and easily recognizable symbols to create entirely new designs with a familiar message. Such designs can be used in logo design. We’re excited to see what new symbols will emerge in 2021.

5. Fine art infusion

The year ahead of is already shaping to be unconventional in many ways. Some rules will need to be broken, and one of them is the distinct separation of fine art and design. Even though the two creative spheres have traditionally always been kept separate, designers in 2021 will care little about the borders of the past. Elements of paintings provide the designs with a degree of depth that only paintings can provide, and the texture can well translate into the physical realms, which is why this trend can beautifully be used for printed designs.

6. Optical illusion design

Optical illusions have a specific impact on people, as they tend to not look away immediately, unlike after seeing other designs. Optical illusions are different, unique, human brains cannot comprehend them as easily, which is why tend to linger on them for a bit longer then normal. Designs that make the viewers think and engage them in such ways are considered good designs, and in 2021, designers will pay attention to exploit this fact as much as possible. For such designs, you can opt for either multicolor creations or monochrome options. Black and white works just as well as multicolor designs, perhaps even better. Optical illusions will be a valuable material in web design as they naturally invite users to spend time working them out, increasing the time spent on the website.

7. Blur and grain

In 2021, a lot of importance will be placed on the typography as well, and for the text to pop up, the background needs to be well designed. This is where the blurry design comes into play. By reducing the background to almost irrelevant blurs and colors, designers make the text stand out better. Also, a blurred image can evoke shadows and the unseen, which in terms sets the mood. Given the rise of the dark mode in mobile apps designs, the dark tones are definitely a welcome feature.

8. Authentic representation

With the recent rise of awareness kickstarted by the Black Lives Matter movement, we could see that some designers have stopped using models for their designs, and chose to diversify and authentically represent different groups in, for example, stock photography. This trend will be even more pronounced in 2021 as the BLM movement still hasn’t lived up to its full capacity.

9. Maximalism

Minimalism was the “go to” design trend up to now, and even though it is here to stay for quire some time, its polar opposite, maximalism is also gaining traction. A rebellion against the prominence and prevalence of minimalism of sorts, maximalism draws inspiration for anywhere, amplifies it and provides an explosion of colors. It ties nicely with abstract psychedelic designs and looks at the same time both futuristic and retro. Maximalism will surely become one of the leading trends in 2021.

10. In-text photography

Websites that mostly revolve around the text presented often don’t have and effective way to engage the audience. Random photograph here and there, dispersed throughout the text, can offer precisely this engagement. These photos don’t have to be full fledged photos; a random emoji will suffice. The point is to give the audience something new and fun, but be careful - this is easy to overdo, and can become too much too soon.

Wrapping up

There you have it, our top 10 picks of the graphic design trends coming up in 2021. Some of them are completely new, some of them are just building on the foundations already set in the past, but all of them are modern and will provide your audience with engaging content.