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6 Graphic Design Trends for 2020

6 Graphic Design Trends for 2020

For the last few years, the trend in graphic design has been bold colors, futuristic compositions, and smooth gradients. The graphic design trends for 2020 will feel more reserved, natural, and harmonious. This new focus is a direct response to the last few years. Designers trying to stand out must go in the opposite direction. Shouting in a room full of shouting people doesn’t get you noticed; being quiet does. Tactics and trends that were the bleeding edge a few years ago are now the status quo. Check out the graphic design trends for 2020.

Color Gradients

Color gradients are usually pushed to the background, but not anymore. Instead of being in a familiar supporting role, gradient will be used in unique ways. Expect to see them in complex illustrations, used as color filters, and included in simple graphics as a way to add depth and/or texture.

Muted Color Palettes

Bright colors shouting at your eyes are competing for attention. This year designers are opting for muted, softer colors that stand out because they are different. Colors are muted with a wash of either white or black to bring them down a pinch. Subtlety in an age of bold colors gets noticed.

Abstract Illustrations

Simple illustrations don’t get the attention they did when they were fresh and new. Abstract illustrations with a dreamy context are what’s new. Think Picasso and take it a step further. Mind-bending illustrations with plenty of movement and simple palettes are in.

Simple Fonts

Heavy fonts tend to be bold or extra bold. Overly complex fonts can ruin a design when they are difficult to read. If the viewer can’t discern what the letters mean, they tend to look away. Designers are pairing simple fonts with simple backgrounds to create a hierarchy in the design. It’s an effective strategy in point of purchase signage.

Minimalist Landing Pages

Web designers are taking a step back and rethinking landing page strategies. They are taking a minimalist approach to homepages and cleaning things up. The goal is to achieve faster load times and improve compatibility with mobile devices. Google rewards sites that check those boxes with better rankings. This will be one of the more important graphic design trends for 2020.

Genuine Stock Photos

Hokey, staged stock photos are going away as consumers realize what they are. People respond more favorably to genuine photos of real people and real situations. A staged stock photo is like Astroturf: it looks real from afar, but up close, it’s just fake.



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