Dreamy gradients and 3D design are just two of the next trends in graphic design for 2022.

The forms of visual information made and consumed are changing as the globe deals with the worldwide epidemic and adjusts to the “new normal.” Others, on the other hand, are reverting to their roots and embracing the simplicity of retro design and minimalism in favor of more futuristic approaches like 3D design, surrealism, and NFTs.

Whether you’re looking to the future or pulling inspiration from the past, we believe there will be a creative trend that connects with you this year. Here are nine of the most important graphic design trends to keep an eye on in the next year, from dreamy gradients and simple logos to abstract surrealism and maximalism.

1. 3D Design

More and more designers are exploring 3D illustration as a result of ever-expanding technology and software capabilities. Instead of using flat vector drawings, artists are creating more intricate works that emphasize depth and dimension instead. Incorporating animation, pictures, and flat artwork into their 3D work has resulted in some striking designs. These designs may be used for anything from site design, branding, and social media material, ranging from very realistic to compellingly abstract.

Khyati Trehan’s 3D artwork shows how 3D illustration is blurring the boundaries between the actual and digital worlds. Using a combination of moving pieces and a dramatic shadow effect, Khyati’s work merges the worlds of man and machine.

Envato Senior Designer John Kappa says that although 3D has been around for a while, it’s now being blended more effortlessly into designs. Whether it’s a brightly colored piece or a hyper-realistic abstract design, 3D is here and it’s making a splash!.”

Take a peek at our 3D Design Collection for inspiration on how to include more 3D elements in your next project. A wide range of industries may benefit from using these 3D aspects, from e-commerce and gaming to business travel. Alternatively, you may find more ideas for 3D artwork on our 3D Illustration blog.

3D Typography

In addition to the 3D trend, 3D typography is an essential component. This style gives your text a more lifelike appearance and makes it seem as though the words are leaping off the page.

Ben Fearnly’s 3D typography is a wonderful example of an art form. Whether it’s helium balloons, shoelaces, or even a Chanel logo made of cake, 3D writing has no boundaries.

The Ultimate 3D Templates Pack has everything you need to make your text come to life. With only a few clicks, you can add 3D typography to your work and adjust your fonts, colors, and more.

2. Non-Fungible Tokens

This is a wonderful moment to look into the NFT trend since crypto art has gained a lot of attention in the previous few years and some individuals are spending millions on memes. Unique digital data — in this example, pieces of art — are released directly into a blockchain as non-fungible coins. NFTs enable just one individual to own them and offer verifiable evidence of provenance. NFT collectors will be happy to hear this, and designers who know how to make NFTs will be able to market their work without fear of their works being reproduced.

In spite of the fact that NFTs aren’t loved by everyone because of their environmental impact and copyright issues, more makers and consumers are expected to join the NFT game in 2022.

Amrit Pal Design, a 3D artist and author on Envato, turned his Toy Faces series into a string of NFTs, which have since been acquired by celebrities and collectors across the globe.

As a 3D artist, Amrit says, “I’ve been creating design assets and working on client projects for the most of my professional career. As a result, I can now sell my artwork as a piece of original art, which means a lot to me.” A single Toy Face is currently being offered as an NFT from my Toy Faces Library, which began as a design asset. Thanks to all of the support from the public and collectors, this is a really powerful experience.

Check out this conversation with Amrit to gain a better understanding of how NFTs have affected his profession.

3. Maximalism

It’s all about abandoning simplicity and embracing extravagance in this newest design fad. Colors, patterns, layers, and repeating motifs are all part of the anti-design aesthetic of maximalism, which is heavily influenced by anti-materialism. Maximalism is expected to ratchet up the zaniness and color throughout the following year.

Taylor Conacher, an Envato designer, adds, “More is more!” ‘Maximalism’ isn’t for the faint of heart.” Maximalist design, like its relative anti-design, doesn’t follow the rules. A feast for the eyes is what you’ll get when you combine vibrant colors, rich textures, entertaining typefaces, and intriguing images.”

These images by Hortus Fabulares are worth a look. These complex designs are overflowing with dramatic detail, from astrological charts to broken sculptures erupting from mountainous environments, with very little white space.

Try dirtylinestudio’s Vagabond – Instagram post & narrative Vol.2 for your next branding project. This template includes 20 readily changeable designs in square and vertical style, with repeated text and layer upon layer of photos and graphics.

When it comes to fashion, there’s still room for both maximalism and minimalism. Visit our blog on minimalism vs. maximalism to see how these two design trends square off.

4. Simplified Logos

As we approach the year 2022, more and more companies are redefining their identities, and one of the simplest ways to do so is to create a streamlined logo. A lot of firms (and their brand designers) are beginning from scratch, which means reducing the amount of detail and complexity in their designs in order to appeal to a new audience or just give themselves a makeover.

Brands have been known to brighten their logos in the last year, according to Taylor. On-screen and off-screen, we’re witnessing a shift toward simpler and more streamlined designs that are easily recognizable at any size. Colors are confined to one or two shades, and smaller details are removed in favor of flat vector forms and one or two tones. As a result, we have a more modern and fresh logo for well-known firms.

Pringles recently updated its packaging with a more pared-down logo, while Burger King unveiled a modernized version of their 90s design. ‘ Volvo, on the other hand, has chosen for an all-black emblem while yet retaining its well-known brand identity.

This collection of 15 retro-style logo designs and badges is perfect for anybody wishing to rebrand or create a new business identity. From bakeries to boxing gyms, these scalable vectors may be used as a starting point for a variety of projects, from logos to packaging.

5. Minimalist Retro

Retro minimalism incorporates vintage typefaces, organic color schemes, warm tones, subtle shadows, and a variety of natural textures into its design. Business logos, journalistic features, and product packaging all benefit from this trendy throwback to 1970s magazine and record cover layouts and designs.

The Envato Graphics Specialist says, “Think serif typefaces, warm dusty tones, gentle shadows, and natural textures.” Kate McKinney adds. “Product mockups and visual templates function especially well with this style.”

Using a minimalist vintage aesthetic, Melbourne-based Date of Birth has created a brand identity for ROCC toothpaste that is both nostalgic and contemporary. This is done by using a chunky vintage typeface in current pinks and purples against a clean, forest-green backdrop.
This Envato Elements design screams minimalist vintage and is ideal for anything from magazines to fashion portfolios. Spreadsheets may be customized in terms of size, background color, and text blocks. It’s as simple as filling up the grid with the items you wish to use in your next print production.

Check out our Throwback Trends for more retro inspiration, including pop art, 1960s-style psychedelia, and 1980s-inspired sci-fi.

5. Anti-design

In the past ten years, the competition for apps has developed rigorous design norms that prioritize usability above all else. As a result, there is a lack of variety in the digital environment, which has led to a lack of diversity in the digital landscape. Many creatives have retaliated by defying the established order. The anti-designers want to completely destroy them by 2022.

When it comes to anti-design, it does exactly what it sounds like: it doesn’t adhere to standard design principles and doesn’t adhere to conventional aesthetic preferences. Asymmetry, clashing hues, bare interfaces, packed features, and sharp typography are just some of the design issues we confront while working with it.

Despite its prominence in the digital realm, its rebellious attitude may be applied to any design setting. Critics say the look is just unpleasant for the purpose of being visually offensive. In contrast, to those who like its work, it makes designs that are free of the aesthetic criteria that have been established by others.

6. Escapism

The natural world provided a way for designers to break out of their work-at-home mandates last year. In the intervening years, they’ve delved further and deeper into the realms of fantasy. Escapism is shown in its finest form in these designs.

Escapism’s allure lies not just in the actual retreat, but also in the intrinsic awe it inspires. Colors, places, and characters are all surprising in this new trend. Both the creators and the people who see the exhibit may benefit from the experience of seeing their creativity come to life. Background patterns on labels and webpages may benefit from this trend, which is mostly an illustration style. The objective is to immerse viewers in a world of rich, engrossing images, and to keep them there while they explore.

7. Patterns that are based on parameters

The graphic design relies heavily on patterns. They may be used to break up a backdrop of solid colors and to give an aesthetic interest to it. However, in 2022, designers are using parametric geometry to bring statement patterns to the forefront.

Lines in parametric patterns may change shape based on their location in relation to other lines. The style is mostly based on the graphs of parametric equations. In contrast to the rigidity of architectural design, these patterns seem to be flowing and three-dimensional. To convey the intricacy of their subject matter in the designs of 2022, parametric patterns are being utilised.

8. The Frasurbane

Another 90s-inspired style, Frasurbane, is a mashup of the words “urbane” and the Frasier American comedy from the 1990s. GenXers, who were beginning to settle down in metropolitan locations and were finally making enough money to enjoy some fine art, are the focus of this article. Frasier’s Seattle residence, which had a grand piano, a modernistic fireplace, and a statement column all within a general beige décor, is a good example of this idea in action.

Despite the fact that the style has dominated the interior decoration industry, the Frasurbane is making its way into graphic design in 2022. Elegant serifs, subtle hues, and well-placed design components help bring it to life. As a trend, this one aims to strike a balance between stodgy refinement and young city-dwelling cool. However, it is far more of a culture-loving showoff than minimalism, since it does not forsake established aesthetics in favor of disorganized disarray (as younger movements like anti-design do). In the wrong hands, the style may seem snooty and arrogant, much like Frasier himself. Frasurbane has the potential to convey a sense of measured maturity if executed well.

9. Colorful Minimalism

While monochromatic palettes and empty space are frequently linked with minimalism, a minimalist aesthetic doesn’t have to mean sacrificing color. Bright colors and plenty of empty space are a winning combination for branding, thanks to the colorful minimalism movement.

The splashes of color on this business card by K.Friedrich Design are an example of colorful minimalism in action.
Consider this basic business card as an example of how to incorporate block color and white space into your own design. For those who prefer a more minimalistic approach to their Pinterest boards, a contemporary feed design that incorporates both text and images with brightly colored highlights is an excellent option.

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