Read on for KAT Marketing’s graphic designer, Lorraine’s, favourite picks of design trends for 2023.
Expressive Typography
Typography is unsurprisingly one of the most important features of graphic design. While text is usually first and foremost used to convey a message, merging the use of lettering with the art of visual communication to express a particular concept, tone or ‘feel’ can go a long way into instilling some extra character into your letterforms. This year, designers are pushing the limits on how far they can go with this.
Minimal Vintage
Many of us now and again long for the ‘good old days’ of the music, fashion, aesthetic or feelings that we enjoyed in our pasts. Vintage or retro designs can convey a familiar sense of home, or of particular happy times in our lives – and this nostalgia can spark a powerful connection with an audience. Designers look to take full advantage of this effect and catch the imaginations of, not just groups that lived through that era the first time round, but to a new audience experiencing it anew.
Prominent Photography
The value of a great photography within designwork cannot be underrated. Whether online or ‘in the real world’, a well-placed photo can capture a person’s attention and imagination in an instant and reach people in ways that other elements often cannot. It’s therefore key to implement photo content into at least some elements of your brand – and original, meaningful imagery (rather than generic professional stock) is the preference for more and more designers for modern, authentic campaigns. And the sky’s the limit for the creative ways to implement your imagery…
Utilitarian Design Inspiration
Utilitarian design, a trend which continues to grow in popularity as we move ever-further into the digital world, is all about functionality – simplifying the user experience by stripping out unnecessary or distracting elements. Not only is it important for the software, websites and apps we use to be simple to navigate, but a minimalistic, uncluttered yet impactful look can work wonders for instilling that same sense of ease into a positive visual experience for your audience.
‘Y2K’ Aesthetic
Flat Design
Flat design is a style that utilises simple, 2-D elements alongside bright colours to create that ‘flat’ look, in contrast to multidimensional or realistic approaches. Stripping out some of those more unnecessary ‘bells and whistles’, such as shadows, gradients and 3-D effects, can serve to better focus and deliver your message clearly. What’s more, keeping it simple like this can afford more freedom to stray from ‘how things SHOULD look’ – think cubism, think pop art. Throw realism out the window and break some rules.
Funky and Geometric Elements
Exciting, impactful shapes and colours will continue to be huge in design this year as a continuation of the retro revival. Expect anything from sharp geometric shapes in bold primary colours, to stranger abstract shapes like bubbles and blobs – and all you can imagine in between. The simplistic beauty of creatively combining shapes, lines and curves that incorporate bright pops of colour can give a truly powerful and modern take across any medium.
Think Pink
Unsurprisingly, here’s a trend the KAT team can really get behind… the future of graphic design is pink! In colour theory, pink can evoke anything from a sense of warmth, youth, fun, energy, confidence, seduction, energy, playfulness and more – but despite Barbie being back on the big screen this year, the stereotype of pink being a typical girly colour continues to be loudly and proudly overruled. Instead, pink is for everyone. Pink is punk – and pink packs a punch. In any shade.
Whether you’re creating a new brand from the bottom up, or are looking for vibrant creations for print or online promotional material, KAT Marketing is the place to start. Get in touch with the team on 01206 765544.