9 graphic design trends to finish off 2019
Graphic design trends come and go. Some designers like to follow them and others not so much. When designing for clients who appreciate the trends, then you should know what they are so you can give them what they want. From three dimensional typography to futuristic gradients, 2019 has had some of the most interesting trends in recent years. Our personal favorite is the use of asymmetry.
We’ve put together nine of the best graphic design trends in 2019. Will you use them in your projects during the rest of the year?
3D typography and composition
Fonts and typography are a huge part of graphic design. When letters have a special look and feel, they become the most important part of a composition. This is the case with 3D typography. Designers have been creating three-dimensional words that resemble all types of textures and materials, from balloons to foam. Even more interesting is animated 3D typography which looks like it’s alive or floating in the air.
Using three-dimensional shapes are not only wonderful to look at, but they are also quite memorable! You can source 3D shapes and letters from Freepik or even some three-dimensional icons in different styles from Flaticon.
Bold Minimalism
Minimalism has long been a favorite of the design world, but what has been trending this year is bold minimalism. This visual technique takes on the simplicity of minimalism and adds a bold color palette over the whites and greys. Pastel colors make a great change from the whites while still maintaining a minimalistic style.
This trend doesn’t seem like it will go anywhere any time soon. It’s a hit on Instagram and on beauty product packaging. The trick with bold minimalism is to not go too far. Follow the rule of minimalism and keep only what is necessary, nothing more.
Open Compositions
Following grids and using frames is a general rule of design. Then again, breaking the rules is also a commonly used technique. This year’s rule-breaking trend is the use of open composition. This technique makes designs look like there is more outside of what can be seen. It peaks the imagination and gives the viewer a larger scope of things. This can be achieved a couple of different ways; By placing things in the center and leaving lots of empty space around it, or by placing elements towards the edges so they seem cut off.
Many big brands have used this technique to show off their products in a new light, concentrating on the details and leaving the rest to the imagination. Illustrators have adopted this trend better than anyone.
Pantone’s Living Coral
Every year, Pantone announces the color of the year. And every year, designers use it in their projects. It’s an ever-repeating trend which then applies to all other trends. In 2019, the Pantone color of the year is “Living Coral”, a vibrant natural shade of pinkish orange. The color can be used in many different ways; from backgrounds to typography to shapes and decorative elements.
When it comes to trends, the Pantone color of the year is the most futile. Many trends last longer than a year and usually evolve into new things, but the color of the year lasts only a year. When the next color is announced, the trend is over.
Futuristic Gradients
Last year we saw the gradient trend in many design projects. This year, the gradients have evolved in both color and style. Gradients are similar to the color of the year, due to how it can be applied to lots of different designs. From backgrounds to typography, gradients are beautiful to look at and can give any project a unique look.
Futuristic gradients go further than using just two blended colors. This gradient style mixes unexpected colors creating unique color palettes. Soft and washed out colors can make your gradients look holographic. Use interesting surfaces to make your gradient design even more attractive.
Fluid and Liquid Effect
Another colorful graphic design trend for 2019 is the fluid liquid effect. This visual technique can be used in conjunction with a futuristic gradient, the color of the year or even bold minimalism. Making something look fluid or liquid is a unique technique which depends on the use of dark and light areas on an object. You can apply the fluid and liquid effect to shapes, letters, or elements to finalize a composition.
Asymmetry
The use of asymmetry is not exactly a new graphic design trend but it’s definitely making a comeback this year. The rule of asymmetry is that a composition is different from one side to the other. Creating an attractive balance with asymmetry take a bit of practice to get right. The best asymmetry is when the use of empty space has a purpose or a point of focus.
The best way to reach a good asymmetric composition is by using a grid as a base. Websites are quite big on asymmetry this year, as are posters and social media graphics.
3D Human Illustrations
The last couple of years we’ve seen a lot of flat human illustrations in lots of different styles. This year, these illustrated humans have gone 3D. They look amazing when given some animation and interactivity. This trend is so particular, that it’s better when a company uses its own branded design of a 3D human.
This trend is pretty new for 2019, we’re only just reaching the top of the wave. Keep a lookout for new brands using this trend. If you haven’t used the flat human illustration designs yet, there are plenty on Freepik.
Floating elements / products
A unifying visual style in all the trends this year is a sense of the ephemeral. One more graphic design trend you can try this year is the visual effect of floating elements and/or products. We have seen this technique used mainly on branding and packaging design shots, but also in conjunction with 3D typography and futuristic gradients.
Conclusion
Have you used any of these graphic design trends this year? Which is your favorite? Some of these trends will last well into 2020 while others might fizzle out. As a designer, following the trends is a personal choice. A lot of the time it depends on the client and how much they follow the trends regarding their own business. As you grow in your career you will know when its a good time stay on trend and when it’s not. Let us know your thoughts!
Bogdan Sandu, a seasoned designer with 15 years of diverse experience, has been designing websites since 2008.
Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients.
His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8.
Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients.
His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8.
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