In the last instalment of our ‘Trilogy’ series, we explore the vibrant world of graphic design trends for 2025.
Whether it’s print or digital, the design landscape is undergoing a creative renaissance. Bold aesthetics, innovative technologies, and an emphasis on emotional connection are driving designers to break boundaries and create visuals that truly resonate.
From nostalgic call-backs to futuristic styles, these trends reflect both technological advancements and shifting consumer expectations.
Here are the top 10 trends shaping graphic design this year:
1. Gradients and Duotones
Gradients and duotone colour schemes are back in full force, offering a modern and vibrant touch to graphic design. Designers are moving beyond simple flat colours, opting for subtle or dramatic colour blends that provide depth and dimension to digital interfaces, print collateral, and marketing visuals. These colour treatments are particularly powerful for creating attention-grabbing headers and dynamic backgrounds for websites and social media.
Duotones, in particular, have seen a resurgence thanks to their bold yet timeless aesthetic. By layering contrasting hues, designers are breathing life into brand identities and adding richness to storytelling. The adaptability of this trend across digital and print media makes it a favourite for forward-thinking campaigns.
2. Bold Minimalism
Minimalism in design has evolved from stark simplicity to a more daring and impactful form. Instead of relying solely on muted tones and empty space, bold minimalism embraces vibrant colours, dramatic typography, and striking layouts that command attention. This evolution allows brands to maintain the sleekness of minimalism while creating designs that are visually memorable.
In digital design, this trend prioritises clear messaging and user-friendly experiences. The strategic use of negative space combined with bold design elements ensures that users engage with content effortlessly while still being drawn to dynamic visuals.
3. Metallic Aesthetics
Metallic elements such as silver, gold, and chrome are making a bold statement across digital and print designs. These shimmering accents add a luxurious and futuristic feel, making them a popular choice for high-end branding, product packaging, and digital interfaces.
Designers often combine metallics with darker backgrounds or gradient overlays to amplify their reflective qualities. This trend is particularly appealing in branding for luxury fashion, tech companies, and premium consumer goods. On digital platforms, metallic accents can provide a high-tech, cutting-edge aesthetic that draws users in.
4. Retro Serif Typography
Typography with a vintage flair is making a comeback, and retro serif fonts are leading the charge. This trend combines nostalgia with modernity, offering a charming and distinctive aesthetic that stands out from the abundance of sans-serif designs.
Designers are using these fonts to evoke warmth and character, balancing their retro charm with sleek modern layouts. They work beautifully in branding, editorial design, and website headers, adding a layer of storytelling and emotional connection that resonates with diverse audiences.
5. Handcrafted Elements
In an age dominated by digital perfection, handcrafted design elements are becoming increasingly popular. Organic lettering, textured patterns, and hand-drawn illustrations add authenticity and warmth to graphic design. These elements convey a sense of human touch that resonates with audiences seeking meaningful, personal connections.
Brands are leveraging handcrafted aesthetics to convey sincerity and creativity, particularly in industries like artisanal goods, wellness, and education. This trend reinforces the value of imperfection, celebrating creativity that feels real and relatable.
6. 3D Design and Immersive Visuals
The rise of powerful design software has made 3D graphics more accessible than ever before. Designers are leveraging this technology to create immersive and captivating visuals that blur the line between physical and digital experiences. From product mock-ups to dynamic social media content and websites, 3D elements offer a visually rich storytelling medium.
In branding, 3D design brings depth and texture to otherwise flat compositions. Digital campaigns often employ interactive 3D visuals to engage users in a more dynamic and memorable way. As virtual and augmented reality technologies become more prevalent, the demand for immersive 3D content is only set to grow.
7. Kinetic Typography
Motion is taking centre stage in graphic design, with kinetic typography leading the way. Animated text creates a sense of dynamism and urgency, making visuals more engaging and memorable. This trend is particularly impactful in social media content, digital advertisements, and website headers.
Designers are exploring creative ways to animate text, from smooth transitions to bold, jittery movements that grab attention. As short-form video content continues to dominate digital platforms, kinetic typography offers an exciting way to communicate messages quickly and effectively.
8. Maximalist Collages
Maximalism is back, and it’s thriving in the world of graphic design through layered collages and eclectic compositions. This trend encourages designers to break the rules, combining diverse elements such as vibrant colours, textures, and photography to create visually explosive layouts.
Maximalist collages often convey a sense of energy and creativity, making them ideal for music promotions, fashion campaigns, and social media content. By embracing chaos and unpredictability, designers can craft visuals that captivate and inspire.
9. Data-Driven Design
Infographics and data visualisation are evolving beyond traditional bar charts and pie graphs. Designers are now merging analytics with artistry to create visually compelling stories that make complex information more digestible. This trend is gaining traction in marketing, journalism, and corporate communications.
Creative use of colour, typography, and interactive elements can transform raw data into engaging narratives. As businesses and organisations increasingly rely on data to make decisions and communicate insights, data-driven design is becoming an essential skill for graphic designers.
10. AI-Powered Design
Impossible not to mention AI as a trend, since it’s literally everywhere nowadays!
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising graphic design, becoming a creative partner rather than just a tool. AI-powered software assists designers with ideation, layout generation, colour exploration, and even content curation. This technology allows designers to experiment faster and push creative boundaries in ways previously unimaginable.
While some fear that AI may replace human creativity, many designers are finding that it enhances their creative process by handling repetitive tasks and generating fresh ideas. By embracing AI, designers can focus more on strategy and storytelling, resulting in more meaningful and impactful designs.
The Role of CGI and 3D Visualisation in Graphic Design
While these trends define the creative direction of 2025, CGI and 3D visualisation provide the tools to elevate graphic design to new heights. From creating photorealistic product mock-ups to visualising immersive brand experiences, these tools empower designers to push creative boundaries.
At MadLow Studio, we specialise in turning bold ideas into captivating visual experiences, helping designers experiment, visualise, and execute their ideas with clarity and impact. Whether you're exploring AI-powered design, creating immersive 3D graphics, or embracing retro aesthetics, our expertise in CGI and 3D visualisation ensures your creative vision becomes a compelling reality.
Ready to elevate your design game? Contact us at MadLow Studio to explore how we can help you visualise your next big idea and bring your creative vision to life!
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