Do you want to make your business stand out in 2017? Looking for ways to gain an edge on your competition?

In the ever-evolving world of graphic design, staying ahead of the curve is essential if you want your work to stand out. Design trends come and go, and 2017 is no exception. This year, we’ve seen a shift towards more innovative and visually striking design styles.

If you’re a graphic designer or just someone interested in keeping their design game strong, here are six graphic design trends to take advantage of in 2017.

Designhill share 6 graphic design trends that can set you aside from the rest in this infographic.

 

1. Bold and Vibrant Colors

In 2017, bold and vibrant colors have taken center stage in graphic design. Designers are no longer shying away from using bright, eye-catching colors to create visually striking designs. Brands are embracing bold color schemes to grab the audience’s attention and make a memorable impression.

One of the key aspects of this trend is the use of gradients and vibrant duotones. Gradients create depth and dimension, adding a sense of movement and energy to designs. Duotones, on the other hand, involve using two contrasting colors to create a visually stunning effect. Both techniques are excellent ways to incorporate bold colors into your designs.

For example, you might have noticed that major brands like Instagram and Spotify have adopted this trend by using gradients and vibrant duotones in their marketing materials. These bold color choices help their content pop and instantly catch the viewer’s eye.

To take advantage of this trend, experiment with bold color combinations in your designs. Don’t be afraid to go beyond the traditional color palettes and explore new and exciting possibilities.

2. Custom Illustrations and Hand-Drawn Elements

In an age of digital design, the charm of hand-drawn elements and custom illustrations has made a comeback in 2017. Many designers are incorporating hand-drawn typography, icons, and illustrations into their work to add a personal and authentic touch.

Custom illustrations allow brands to convey their unique personality and connect with their audience on a deeper level. They can be whimsical, detailed, or minimalist, depending on the brand’s identity and message.

This trend is also about breaking away from cookie-cutter design templates and embracing imperfections. Hand-drawn elements bring a sense of warmth and humanity to design, making it more relatable and engaging.

To leverage this trend, consider integrating custom illustrations or hand-drawn elements into your projects. Whether it’s creating a unique logo, designing a custom icon set, or adding hand-lettering to your typography, these personal touches can set your work apart in 2017.

3. Minimalistic Design

Simplicity is timeless, and in 2017, minimalistic design continues to be a strong trend. Minimalism focuses on the “less is more” philosophy, emphasizing clean lines, ample white space, and straightforward layouts.

This design approach is particularly effective in conveying a sense of elegance, sophistication, and clarity. Minimalistic design can make information more digestible and help users focus on the essential elements of a design or a message.

Some of the world’s biggest brands, like Apple and Google, have long embraced minimalistic design principles in their branding and product design. Their interfaces and marketing materials are known for their simplicity and ease of use.

To incorporate minimalism into your designs, start by decluttering and simplifying your layouts. Use a limited color palette, and ensure that every element serves a clear purpose. This trend is all about achieving maximum impact with minimal visual noise.

4. Bold Typography

Typography is a powerful design element, and in 2017, designers have been pushing the boundaries of traditional typefaces. Bold and unconventional typography has become a trend in its own right, allowing designers to make a statement and create memorable designs.

This trend includes the use of oversized and exaggerated type, custom fonts, and creative text layouts. Designers are experimenting with typography to convey emotions, highlight key messages, and add an extra layer of visual interest to their work.

For example, you might have seen posters and advertisements using bold, distorted lettering to grab attention and create a sense of urgency. This technique can be especially effective for event promotions and branding campaigns.

To make the most of bold typography, explore unique fonts, experiment with text spacing and alignment, and consider how typography can be an integral part of your overall design concept. Remember that typography can convey not only the message but also the mood and personality of a design.

5. Retro and Vintage Design

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion, and in 2017, graphic designers are tapping into it by embracing retro and vintage design elements. Whether it’s the look of old film posters, vintage packaging, or 80s and 90s aesthetics, retro design has made a big comeback.

This trend involves using vintage color palettes, textures, and imagery to evoke a sense of nostalgia and nostalgia-driven design. Retro typography, old-school patterns, and vintage-inspired illustrations are also key elements of this trend.

Many brands are leveraging this trend to create a sense of authenticity and connect with their audience on an emotional level. It’s a way to tap into fond memories and associations from the past.

To incorporate retro and vintage design into your projects, study design styles from different eras, and identify the elements that resonate with your target audience. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of the 70s or the grunge aesthetics of the 90s, there’s a wealth of inspiration to draw from.

6. Cinemagraphs and Motion Graphics

In the digital age, static images are no longer the only way to capture attention. In 2017, cinemagraphs and motion graphics have emerged as a popular trend in graphic design. These dynamic visuals combine the visual appeal of photography with the engagement of video.

Cinemagraphs are still images with subtle, looping animations. They create a mesmerizing effect that draws viewers in and holds their attention. Motion graphics, on the other hand, involve the use of animated elements to convey information or tell a story.

Brands are increasingly using cinemagraphs and motion graphics in their marketing campaigns and website design to create immersive and captivating user experiences.

To embrace this trend, you can experiment with cinemagraphs to add a touch of movement and intrigue to your visuals. Motion graphics can be used to explain complex concepts, guide users through a website, or simply entertain and engage your audience.

In Conclusion

Graphic design is a constantly evolving field, and staying up to date with the latest trends is essential for designers who want to create impactful and memorable work. In 2017, these six trends—bold and vibrant colors, custom illustrations, minimalistic design, bold typography, retro and vintage design, and cinemagraphs and motion graphics—have been shaping the design landscape.

While it’s important to stay informed about current trends, remember that good design should also be timeless and aligned with the goals and identity of the brands and projects you work on. Don’t be afraid to experiment, push the boundaries, and find your unique design voice in the ever-changing world of graphic design. By combining these trends with your creativity and expertise, you’ll be well-equipped to stand out in 2017 and beyond.