6 Notable Graphic Design Trends of 2021

The year 2021 has been full of changes, especially after the 2020 roller coaster we all rode together. Most of the world has still been in a pandemic, dealing with the reality of a quickly-spreading virus. People have relied on social media and digital marketing more than ever, and specific trends have emerged from this reliance. As this year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to look at the notable graphic design trends of the year.

Here are 6 Notable Graphic Design Trends of 2021

Minimalism. First, a trend that has been around the last couple of years is minimalism, and it didn’t slow in 2021. Minimalism isn’t just for people who want to get rid of their belongings and live in a tiny house. People have discovered a joy of having less, and it has filtered into design. Additionally, simple, black-and-white designs have continually dominated apps and logos. Designers use intentional white space to allow their designs to breathe.

Maximalism: Yes, a design trend the exact opposite of minimalism exists. Think of an imaginary paint can with a mix of illustrations and visualize a blank canvas. Then, splatter that illustrative paint over your entire canvas. Maximalism is a personal favorite of mine, and this is why. Maximalism is fun, bold, intricate, and over the top. This design trend uses a combination of vibrant colors, textures, characters, shapes, and elements. Maximalism is true to its name and uses every design aspect to create a flavorsome party mix of your favorite designs.

Flat design. Flat design is a design style that uses simple, two-dimensional elements and a broader range of colors. While it can seem to contradict minimalism at first, the simplicity of flat design gives depth and enhances the qualities people love about minimalism.

Creative typography. We have also seen an increase in creative typography, especially 3D lettering. The 3D design trend can have a realistic effect that gives more significant movement to words. In addition to the 3D typography that is trending, hand-drawn typography has been widely used. Handwritten typography gives distinction among brands; they are a great addition to building a trustworthy and exciting brand identity for any business. The wrong serif font can make your design look outdated, but the right font can make your logo or design look elegant; Serif fonts have made their comeback. Serif fonts are timeless and nostalgic, and they can be incredibly eye-catching because they are rarely used.

Inclusivity. It’s no secret that the past two years have been monumental with change. One of the best graphic design trends to emerge this past year is inclusivity, finally! This year has shown a real focus on inclusivity from various skin tones, ethnic backgrounds, and body shapes. Brands and designers are listening to the world and joining the inclusivity movement. Industries alike are actively trying to diversify their workplaces, branding, and language more than ever, so that everyone can be represented.

Glassmorphism. Finally, If you’re talking about 2021 trends, you can’t leave off glassmorphism. Glassmorhpism is a design trend that not everyone has heard of; an example of this design type being creatively used is in the retail industry to display cards and phones. Glassmorphism is a design aesthetic where background frames or buttons are made to look like glass by blurring elements behind them. It’s most popular in UI designs, but it can be overused and make everything look confusing.

Trends come and go, and it’s hard to say what will be trending from one year to the next, but these six trends have been some of the most notable for 2021.