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Graphic Design Trends for 2018

The new year is almost upon us and it’s already amassing a collection of trends sure to test any designer’s mettle. Whether you’re looking for ways to improve your own site or wanting to impress your clients, the search term ‘graphic design trends 2018’ should be getting a workout as the year rolls on.

 

Here are a few of those trends to get your search off on the right foot.

Responsive Logos

Mobile browsing continues to revolutionize the design game. Responsive design has been king for a couple of years now and it’s reign has only just begun.

 

As better devices with different screen sizes hit the market, companies are rising to the challenges such platforms present.

 

Altering logos has long been a no-no in an effort to maintain brand identity but companies are looking to loosen up in 2018. Simplified and responsive logos are in.

Semi-Flat Design

Gradients made a swift exit from digital design not too long ago. All the major brands switched to what became known as “flat design.”

 

Well, the reign of flat design is coming to an end. But that doesn’t mean we’re rebounding back to full gradients.

 

No, semi-flat design is where it’s at. Flat designs with sections of added gradient for depth.

Animation

If you’d told a 90s designer that GIFs would become one of the most popular ways to animate by 2018, they would have laughed in your face. But here we are.

 

GIFs and SVGs are a great way to add a little flair to an otherwise static site. They also play a major part in the design and implementation of microinteractions.

Serifs Are Back

The rise of mobile browsing and the need for synchronization saw Serif fonts shuffled to the back of most designers’ toolkits. But as designers gain their footing and Google releases more quality Serif web fonts that trend is passing.

 

The trend is now leaning more toward a mix of Serif and Sans-Serif fonts (click here for an example). Serif fonts will be on every “major graphic design trends 2018” list, and we’re happy to see them back.

Authentic Photography

Staged stock photography has been a blight on every designer’s soul for the last decade and a half. But there’s good news for 2018! Forced smiles, staged handshakes, and glaring white backgrounds are out.

 

2018 will see our focus shift toward more authentic photography. This means more action shots and stock photos that convey a sense of story and real feeling.

Custom Illustration

Get ready to stretch those traditional art muscles. Along with authentic photography, 2018’s focus is going to be on more custom illustrative elements.

 

Up until recently, the accessibility of stock images has pushed drawing, painting, artistic typography, and illustration out of the limelight. But as brands gain more personality, they’re leaning toward better expressing their individuality.

 

Custom illustration is a great way to lend a campaign a signature visual language. It’ll be one of the more exciting graphic design trends of 2018.

Your Graphic Design Trends 2018

2018 will be a great year for graphic design as trends lean more towards individuality, authenticity, and refurbishing old favorites.

 

Looking to up your design game in the new year? Check out these 11 graphic design cheat sheets that every designer needs.

Written by CrazyLeaf Editorial

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