Many articles about creative design trends tend to focus on the exciting “design” side but rarely address how much they matter to a company’s bottom line. While it’s admittedly more fun to look at new fonts, graphics, and patterns, the importance of creative design as part of an overall marketing strategy is worth mentioning.
Good creative design tells a story that helps customers understand a brand’s mission. And it goes far beyond creating original visual concepts. It can also help grow business revenue, increase brand awareness, and even attract top talent to a company. Keep that in mind as you read through these latest creative design trends and consider which ones would work best to gain and retain your ideal customers.
Open Compositions
There’s nothing wrong with frames; they give a nice feeling of a finished design. But this year we’re seeing more open airy designs whose frameless appearance is perfect for another trend: running a design off the edge of the image.
3D Characters
There’s a lot of 3D imaging going on, including abstract 3D shapes, but of particular interest is how many illustrated characters are being recreated in the medium. Experts are predicting we’re going to see a lot more 3D mascots as well.
Flyers and Floaters
Futuristic influences such as geometric shapes, abstract patterns, and visionary color palettes are all becoming more mainstream elements.
Dreamy Color Combos
Vivid color palettes that use lighter but intense and bright shades are becoming more popular . More designers are also using gold and silver together for an eye-catching metallic appearance. Dreamy effects with interesting color transitions are meant to convey an otherworldly feel.
Typography Old and New
Look for bold, strong fonts that project individuality and innovation. Because these fonts are easier to read on mobile devices, designers are letting them take center stage in more of their designs. Other typography trends include attention-grabbing outline text, highlighted text, layering text with other elements, especially interesting backgrounds, and minimal san serif fonts. Some designers, though, remain committed to beefed up versions.
Art Influences
Alternative art comes in many forms, but one of the top trends being seen more frequently is mid-century modern. Look for it especially in illustration work that pays homage to iconic advertising from the 50s. On the other end of the spectrum we’re seeing more designs with a “doodle” look that often takes its cue from artist sketch work.
Color of the Year
Every year has its inspired color. Last year it was ultraviolet. This year it’s the more subdued living coral. What Pantone calls a life-affirming hue that energizes and enlivens is making its way into web design, packaging, and print.
Creative Design Trends that Drive Business
Good creative design plays many roles by helping you:
- Create a strong impression
- Build a brand identity
- Tell a brand story
- Convey relevant information
- Build audience trust
In 2019, designers will use healthy doses of nostalgic and futuristic elements while throwing in some retro influences such as abstract art for good measure. All of it will come together to once again reinvent a bold and colorful vision for creative design.
Staying on top of the latest graphic design trends keeps a brand fresh and relevant while helping it differentiate itself from the competition, all while increasing the bottom line. These newest trends offer some exciting possibilities for creating bold new looks that deliver on all three fronts.
