What is Old is New Again
2020 introduces a new year for exciting and ground breaking graphic design. The ability to create and display stunning visual experiences for brands, products and more is available at our fingertips. Below are 8 selections with examples that I personally love from the Graphic Design Trends for 2020. Which are your personal favorites?
3D and Depth
I recall working with early 3D software applications in the 90’s such as AC3D and Bryce. I then moved on to 3D Studio Max (3ds Max) and Maya. Today there’s a lot of easily accessible 3D apps such as Blender and Cinema 4D that have their use cases and pack a lot of punch. Even smaller apps such as Adobe Dimension allow you to quickly create 3D imagery in record time. Here’s some sweet 3D style examples for 2020.
Line Art
Line art is a classic and beautiful illustration style that has stood the test of time and still continues to be a clean and clear visual communication language. Today’s drawing apps such as Procreate, Adobe illustrator and Sketch allow you to create everything from line based artwork to interactive interfaces and animations. Incorporating line art into page layout, UI design and iconography is a favorite of mine.
Image and Text Masking
Large letters, appealing background imagery and minimalistic layout design create a style that is still modern on today’s touch points. I love seeing this design style on websites, apps and social posts for Instagram, Facebook, etc. Object masks and letter masks can be created within a few clicks using today’s modern design applications such as Sketch, Figma, Illustrator and Photoshop. I look forward to continuing to utilize and see more of this trend in 2020.
Monochrome
What I enjoy most about monochrome design is that it quickly establishes a tone and mood that keeps the eye focused on the content. I love designing in black and white as well as a specific color’s tone mixed with an accent color to bring balance and contrast to a design. Want to try it for yourself? Check out this quick monochrome generator: Click here.
Artistic Typography
By using artistic typography alone, we can create beautiful compositions that make statements and grab audience’s attention. Artistic letters and words create messages and emotions that are visually captivating. Typography is more abundant then ever with endless font styles that can be utilized for every type of visual communication goal. If not based on a font, hand drawn custom type can also create works of art. From graffiti to fonts, letter art has always been one of my personal favorite forms of art and design.
Shiny Metals
There’s something about shiny metallic materials that always grabs your eyes attention. The combination of shiny materials and complimentary colors make you want to reach out and touch an object. For digital display, today’s 3D apps streamline the creation of metallic textures and objects. For example, Adobe Dimension comes loaded with beautiful shiny metal textures that you can quickly tweak and edit to get the effect you’re looking for. See some of them here.
Geometric Designs
I love geometric design. The ability to create icons, logos, layout pages, websites and apps with the use of geometry is like building a puzzle, piece by piece. Geometric and minimalistic design mixed together is muy-bueno. I appreciate the thought, creation and art process that exists behind geometric design that the normal eye doesn’t see. It’s definitely a gratifying style to achieve as a designer.
Isometric Illustrations
Isometric illustrations are another one of my favorite styles. I have to admit it is way overused today but that’s just because it’s so darn cool and continuing to go strong in 2020. I love 3d environments, elements of animation and spacial design abilities that this style is capable of expressing. Wether it’s 2D or 3D there is a lot of great design software that allows designers to create this style efficiently.
Which are your favorites?
If you enjoyed these design trends and believe any of them would help you communicate your brand, company or product’s mission, send me a message and let’s get started on achieving your 2020 goals!