The novelty of AI has dominated graphic design trends for years, but with 2025 right around the corner, we’re due for a pivot. That’s not to say it isn’t trending. Whether you love it or hate it, AI is here to stay. (Just in case you missed it, see our prediction of the “AI takeover” in Graphic Design Trends 2024.)
Having experienced the many “quirks” of AI, we’ve learned a lot about its strengths and weaknesses, and now we’re feeling inspired to try out some new trends. In the coming year, we’ll be throwing tradition out the window with out-of-this-world surrealism and bold, mismatched designs, embracing the emotion of a custom word mark, and going organic with styles that exemplify the simplicity of nature.
(See what our team has to say about their favorite trends below)
Oops by Artem Shcherbakov Lustre Art Group Magdiel Lopez
Deagreez Ju Sting Andrew McGranahan
Surrealism Collage in graphic design is like stepping into a dream where the impossible meets the everyday. This unique style creates mind-bending visuals that spark a sense of wonder, mystery, and sometimes absurdity — pushing the boundaries of what we expect from design.
Born from the fine art movement after World War I, surrealism was all about diving into the subconscious mind, making sense of the irrational, and pairing the weird with the familiar. Fast forward to today, and this avant-garde style has found a new home in graphic design, fueled by digital tools that let designers slice, dice, stretch, and mash up images with precision. Now, creating juxtapositions that defy reality is more achievable than ever!
For businesses looking to make a bold statement, Surrealism Collage is a powerful tool. Its eye-catching nature makes it perfect for brands that want to stand out, disrupt expectations, and connect emotionally with their audience. Whether it’s a social media ad, poster design, album cover, presentation slides, or motion graphics, this style has the WOW factor that grabs attention and leaves a lasting impression.
Take a swing at this playground for the imagination – where the results are anything but ordinary, and your brand is sure to stand out.
Volley Spiked Seltzer UW Health Masterpiece Campaign Van Reglan Font
Local Revival J&J Classic Nougat Marquette Baking Company
While AI use in design is growing, other more natural styles, like Rewilding, are gaining momentum. An homage to simpler times, this design style embraces nature, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
Rewilding incorporates:
• Organic, imperfect shapes inspired by the movement of water or shape of leaves. • Patterns and textures mimicking woodgrain or stone. • The use of earth-toned greens, blues, and browns. • Handdrawn typography that borrows curves from vines or rough edges from tree bark. • The use of sustainable materials, eco-friendly inks, and minimal waste.
Being around nature, or even seeing natural elements in design, can help lower stress, boost creativity, and improve mood. Brands that use Rewilding show they are environmentally responsible and care about holistic wellness.
So, as the world becomes more digital, Rewilding offers a welcome return to handmade, natural designs. It provides meaningful experiences that support both the environment and well-being.
The Functional and Serene design style appeals to brands seeking a practical and soothing aesthetic. This approach utilizes natural materials and muted earth tones to capture a sense of timeless elegance emphasizing simplicity and functionality.
Key elements of this style include: Natural imagery: Nature-inspired elements, such as textures that resemble wood, stone, and other organic elements, can add a serene feel. Muted colors: Soft, neutral color palettes create a calming effect. Subtle textures: Using textures to add depth without overwhelming the design. Minimalist layout: Limited use of elements, featuring clean lines, basic shapes, and plenty of negative space to prevent visual clutter.
Natural Textures can significantly elevate designs, infusing them with an authentic, handmade feel. Incorporating materials such as crinkled paper, rustic twine, and intricate wood patterns adds depth while also inviting touch. Botanical prints, with their vibrant colors and detailed designs, can further enhance the visual appeal, creating a stunningly immersive experience. These elements work together to evoke a sense of warmth and connection to nature, making designs feel more inviting and unique.
Organic Nature Design Brand Identity and Wellness Package Design
This design style incorporates earthy tones, natural landscapes, and organic forms to establish a connection between design and the environment.
Neutral Color Palettes Branding
When it comes to creating a custom Wordmark Logo, it’s not just about picking a font – it’s about evoking the right emotion. Want to make your client’s audience feel modern and fresh? Go for a sleek sans serif. Need to communicate trust and professionalism? A classic serif might do the trick. The key is to understand the vibe the client is going for and choosing a font that mirrors that energy. Fonts aren’t just decorative; they’re a conversation starter for the brand, even before the audience reads a single word.
AI has come a long way in its use within the design community, but I believe there is a bit of a blind spot in AI when it comes to creating a custom wordmark logo. Client interaction is where the magic happens. AI can have all the existing samples in the world to pull from, but without a solid understanding of the client’s needs, goals, and brand story, the logo design will fall flat. This is where the designer-client relationship becomes key. The best wordmarks come from sitting down with your client, asking the right questions, and really listening to what they’re about. By tapping into the brand’s core values, you can pick a font (or better yet, custom design one) that speaks directly to their target audience, and triggering an emotional connection, something that AI just can’t replicate.
In the end, a great wordmark is all about customizing type. It’s about making sure every curve, letter spacing, and flourish is unique to the brand. The best logos aren’t ones you find in a font library – they’re the ones you create from scratch, giving the client something that feels as personal as their mission.
Kris Andrew Small Tributary Design Enjoei
I have to admit, my favorite thing about the Mismatched and Bold graphic design style is its eye-catching appeal. The first time I stumbled upon it, I knew I had to share it. It’s all about versatility – you can inject so much personality into your creations. Picture it: a playful mix of shapes, patterns, and strokes, paired with fonts that are as unique as they are fun. And let’s not forget about the bold, unexpected colors that make your design pop. Trust me, it’s the kind of style that’ll stop your audience in their tracks.
At its core, this style is all about visual variety. It’s a fusion of colors, shapes, and fonts bursting with character. A combination that’s impossible to ignore.
So why not try it out on your next project? It might just be the spark your brand needs. After all, a quirky aesthetic is a surefire way to grab your client’s attention and keep them coming back for more!
Feeling Inspired?
Whether you’re a designer searching for inspiration, a marketer looking to shake things up, or a business owner trying to find the best fit for your brand, trends like these may be the spark you need to get moving in the right direction.
In the months ahead, keep an eye out for more of our creative Design Challenges from our graphic design team. We’ll be incorporating each of these trends in special projects throughout the year.
