Graphic design trends are fickle friends. As soon as you’ve mastered a technique or style, it becomes unfashionable and your website looks outdated. But, don’t fear! We’ve compiled a list of 5 design trends that are surefire hits for this year. Feast your eyes!
- Thick Brush Lettering
Handwriting is making a digital comeback. As typography becomes more sophisticated, there’s a push back from clean lines toward flawed, varied hand type. Splotches and imperfections make handwritten letters stand out and give projects a friendlier vibe. Calligraphy had a big moment in 2014, popping up all over wedding invitations and motivational posters on Etsy. But for a less feminine, more solid look, 2015 is all about thick brush stroke type.
- Subtle Gradients
When Apple iOS 7 updated their app icons in 2013, they used subtle gradients – and much of the design world followed suit. The new look is smoother and less flashy than harsh gradients of the past, even when using bright colors. Smart illustrators use subtle gradients to suggest a change in light, or to give an object depth. It’s one way to make a minimal, flat design stand out.
- Liquid and Smoke
The best way to break free of straight lines is to add a puff of smoke. This effect is often created by dripping ink in water, photographing it, and adding special effects in Photoshop. It adds depth, color, and a little abstraction to an otherwise ordinary image, taking it to the next level. The effect looks its most radiant in neon colors over a pale background. It can be added to a typeface or photograph for maximum effect.
- Objects Intersecting with Type
This is a difficult effect to achieve, but if done right, the outcome is worth it. Popular objects to layer with include flowers, landscapes, and people. It’s best to stick to simple words and phrases and use a plain font color so your message isn’t overseen.
- Airbrush
Texture can make or break a good piece of design, and a new way to add texture is by old school airbrushing - the old-fashioned, Art Deco kind that is reminiscent of a stencil. It’s a little geometric, a little texturized, and coming back big time in illustration. Whether it’s done by hand or a clever Photoshop effect, this 20th century look is a neat detail for 2015.
Now that you know which design trends of 2015 are making a splash, get creative and make something new and beautiful! Keep your style fresh and original and before you know it, you’ll have started a brand new, eye-catching trend for next year.
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