13 Visual Design Trends You Need To Know To Stay On Top in 2023

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 2023. 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 2023

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 2023.

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 2023. 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 2023 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.

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