13 Visual Design Trends You Need To Know To Stay On Top in 2024

It’s no secret that the world of design is constantly changing. What was popular last year may be passé this year, which is why it’s so important to stay on top of the latest visual design trends.

From candy-colored pastels to nature-inspired themes, there are plenty of new trends to explore in 2024. To help you stay ahead of the curve, we’ve rounded up 13 of the most popular graphic design trends that you need to know about. So without further ado, let’s dive in!

Here are 13 of the Best Graphic Design Trends in 2024

1. Graphic Design Trends, Inspired By Mother Nature Herself

The strongest urge that has materialized within us, creatively or not, is the urge to connect ourselves to the outdoors and nature.

Whether it’s using nature-inspired shapes, colors, or patterns, more and more designers are looking to the great outdoors for inspiration.

So why the sudden love for all things nature-inspired? It could be because we’re all yearning for a little bit of peace and tranquility in our lives. Whatever the reason, we’re seeing a trend toward designs that celebrate nature.

Nature mimicry is all around us in the form of muted color schemes and minimalist aesthetics. Design trends, no matter their roots, are taking gradients and flowing lines into their scope.

The takeaway: Make the outside world a part of your design to stay on top of design trends this year.

2. Design Trends That Invoke Nostalgia: Cartoons

Cartoons combine the nostalgia of design trends from our childhood coupled with the playfulness of today’s technological advances.

This graphic design trend reminds us of simpler times and can help us to relax and de-stress. In a world that is increasingly hectic and anxiety-inducing, these cartoons provide a much-needed sense of calm.

Bring back the superheroes, vintage comics, and pop art vibe.

Sharp lines, inky designs, and grainy textures are all more than easily revamped and reproduced into graphic design trends for 2024.

3. 3D Geometric Graphic Design Trends

3D graphic design trends are not exactly new to the table. However, technological advancement has created a creativity boom.

These creative designs are for lack of a better phrase, really out of the box!

They blend art with everyday life to create fresh graphic design elements that pop.

Designers can combine photographic images with illustrations by adding animation, movement, and pop-3D images.

4. Muted Colors

Another present gifted to us from the pandemic is a brand new muted color palette, one that has taken off on social media with the rise of increased political campaigning and grassroots protesting.

These muted color palettes provide the perfect base for everything from information to serious conversation. They also add a sense of calm and neutrality that people readily crave these days.

5. Powerful Socially Conscious Design Trends

Socially conscious trends are possibly ones that we only hope continue to flourish and stay as graphic design trends beyond 2024. Authentic representation in design is the way forward, ditching stereotypes of the old world. Diverse representation, has been on an upwards trend, especially since the worldwide Black Lives Matter movement and consciousness.

6. Characters That Tell a Story

Firstly, quirky characters as a part of design trends are usually well-remembered. In this case, don’t be afraid to blow the conceptual horn and go all out with hand-drawn designs.

Secondly, think of, for example, a Perry-the-platypus style Platypus in a hat, or a peacock in a suit.

Finally, let your imagination run wild. In fact, your consumers will appreciate whimsicality.

Related: 9 Font Trends in 2024 to Jazz Up Your Creatives (+ Free Design Tool!)

7. Abstract Psychedelic Colors and Design Trends

Like all good graphic design trends, the 60s/70s Woodstock-style psychedelia was bound to make a comeback. Therefore, in the current nonsensical world, psychedelic design trends merge the possible with the impossible, leaving just enough room in the middle for your imagination.

Step aside, basic abstract. Think bold, colorful, and intricate. That is to say, Stuff of dreams.

8. Authentic, Honest Design

In a world of misinformation, people are looking for simplicity and honesty. Therefore, presenting data in infographics makes it fun!

Authentic and honest designs include data visualization, especially in the form of infographics. Because quite frankly, numbers are exhausting and art just makes it 100% better.

9. Keep it Classic With Serif Fonts

Serif fonts have been around for centuries, and they’re still widely used today.

In fact, many of the most popular brands in the world use serif fonts for their logos and branding.

These fonts are often seen as more traditional, classic, and formal. They can convey a sense of stability, authority, and sophistication.

Additionally, serif fonts can be very easy to read in print, which is important for companies that rely on print marketing materials.

10. Symbol Revival

Firstly, symbols remind us that in design, the little things can leave a deep, sentimental impression behind. Secondly, universal symbols like eyes, suns/stars/planets, or ancient goddesses and nature motifs incorporated add a bit of a celestial touch. Use Symbols to create powerful and minimalistic designs that speak louder than images.

11. Illustrations Drawn By Hand

The goal of this graphic design trend is to create a more personal and original look that resonates with the intended audience. It provides a human touch that is often lacking in other forms of graphic design.

Hand-drawn illustrations make your work stand out because no other brand or individual will be able to perfectly replicate the idea and emotion behind your visuals.

12. Candy Colored Pastels

Nothing says “make a statement” like using candy-colored pastels in your projects. This style is perfect for creating a sense of whimsy and fun, while still maintaining a level of sophistication.

With this style, you can go wild and use bright, bold colors to create eye-catching designs.

As the world continues to be increasingly stressful, people are seeking out designs that provide them with a sense of playfulness. And what’s more cheerful than a pastel color palette?

13. Metaverse

In 2024, we’ll be sure to see a huge increase in the use of metaverse design elements in everything from websites to advertising to product packaging.

This graphic design trend involves creating breathtaking and immersive virtual realities that are realistic, interactive, and truly mind-blowing.

Think sci-fi typography, 3D avatar illustrations, and Matrix-style black-and-neon color schemes. These visual styles inspired by the metaverse are sure to give your designs a futuristic feel.

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Metaverse art from Simplified’s AI Image Generator

Metaverse art from Simplified’s AI Image Generator

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