With 2022 quickly approaching, now is a great time to observe the current graphic design scene and take a closer look at what trends will evolve over the coming year. The five trends listed below are not just predictions, they’re movements that have already been gaining traction and showcasing themselves within the industry, and that we expect to see more of in 2022. Hopefully they inspire you in your efforts to produce timely and relevant marketing!
Reformative social movements are influencing the world to fight systemic injustice, end discrimination, and strive for positive social impact. Heightened consumer awareness of these issues has led to new marketing trends with diversity at the forefront. Businesses and designers alike are seeking opportunities to demonstrate their support and be part of the change. To depict a wide range of diverse individuals, designers are using both illustrations and stock photography to elevate their designs. Expect to see multiple races, cultures, genders, and beliefs being featured throughout 2022 marketing visuals.
Serifs are the decorative strokes that finish off the end of a letter. During the early years of businesses’ online presence, serif typefaces were shied away from and replaced with modern sans-styles due to poor screen resolutions and loss of detail. Technological advancement has rendered screen resolution a non-issue, and designers are starting to add style, personality, and readability back into their designs. Serif font usage has been making a steady comeback in the design world for the last few years, and you can expect it to stick around in 2022. Considering serifs’ association with trust and professionalism, businesses will continue to add serifs back into their brand.
One of the most important communication requirements for any business is presenting concrete data. However, whether informing internal staff, shareholders, industry peers, or the public, data is only convincing if it’s being understood. Showcasing data using basic text can leave your audience confused or bored, at the very least. Attention spans of audiences continue to shorten, so instead, try presenting data in logical, easy-to-understand visuals like charts, maps, tables or graphs. They’re less overwhelming, and readers will have a clear takeaway of your message. We’re seeing these attractive and informative visuals on the rise in print media, on websites, and in social slide decks. So, the next time you’re faced with the task of presenting data, opt for a reader-friendly infographic! Need some more ideas? Find the right type of data visualization to fit your style here.
The ’70s and ’80s have without a doubt been influencing design for years now, but the ’90s are making a comeback, and we think it’s totally rad! Think back to the iconic TV shows of ’90s culture for your design inspirations. Shows like Saved by the Bell, F.R.I.E.N.D.S, Clueless, and of course, anything that was on MTV all seem to be back in fashion. Inspiration from this era is becoming so popular that some of the world’s largest brands have started circling back to these moods when setting the tone for their current marketing. We’re seeing use of vibrant colors, abstract textures and patterns, blocky and handwritten fonts, and geometric shapes. It seems that no matter what era comes back, nostalgia is a timeless feeling that consumers can relate to. Perhaps that is why the ’90s are here to stay-for a while!
A growing awareness of environmental issues has led consumers to make more considerate and responsible purchasing decisions. Now, more than ever, people are thinking twice about product packaging and making environmentally friendly choices. As a direct reflection of the “green” mentality, we are seeing an increased usage of natural and muted color palettes. In addition, these muted color palettes are carrying over to companies’ online presences as well. The amount of daily screen time we face is on the rise – therefore, using colors that decrease eye strain is a smart choice for communication in a digital world. As businesses are toning down decades of ‘in-your-face’ eye-popping color choices, look for rich earthy hues as well as calm and tranquil pairings. If you’re looking for inspiration for muted palettes, Adobe has palettes to fit every style.
Keeping up with what’s hot in the world of graphic design can be a challenge. These five movements are just skimming the surface of graphic design creativity, with new and exciting trends constantly emerging. Our goal is to help inspire you as you consider the look and feel of your 2022 print and digital media, so we leave you with one final design constant – stay creative! It’s never one style fits all, and who knows, maybe you’ll be setting trends for 2023!
