Graphic design trends for 2024
Summary/Overview
As a graphic designer, having an awareness of trends will allow you to better appeal to those who encounter your designs, whether it be on screen or in the real world. It’ll also help you to understand how you can upgrade your current style to feel more modern, fresh, and new.
Of course, you don’t need to follow the trends — we’re all for developing your own style, likes, and dislikes. Nonetheless, it’s always a good idea to at least understand the landscape before you decide whether to beat them or join them.
This should go without saying but, believe it or not, we cannot see into the future. Regardless, based on our research, here are our best guesses as to what’s about to be trending for graphic design in the coming year. Read on so you can stay ahead of the curve (pun-intended) and design with intention in 2024.
10 graphic design trends to look out for in 2024
1. 3D type and bubble text
3D type, particularly in the form of “bubble text” is sure to be a trend we’ll be seeing a lot more of in 2024. As a way to make designs feel playful and joyful, bubble text has been slowly creeping into more and more designs for the past few years and even more so when combined with 3D animation.
Create designs that pop using our range of templates in Adobe Express:
Further reading: 10 font pairing for maximum impact
2. Color clashing
Color clashing is nothing new when it comes to graphic design. And yet, as more brands adapt to meet AA WCAG Web Content Accessibility Guidelines for color contrast, we're expecting to see more clashing and contrasting colors on our screens in 2024 with some bold, vibrant, and unique color palettes.
Expect the unexpected with our range of templates in Adobe Express:
3. Curve smoothing
Will 2024 be the year of the squircle (a shape that isn’t totally a circle, not totally a square)? Our reports point to “yes.” Curve smoothing has been on the rise for a while, but particularly over the last year as a way to literally smooth out those harsh edges and create some friendlier looking displays. However, if you intend to make use of curve smoothing in 2024, do proceed with caution — curve smoothing cannot be implemented in a way that is supported by most web browsers just yet.
Go with the flow, try out our range of templates in Adobe Express:
4. ‘70s nostalgia
2024 is expected to see a resurgence of popular ‘60s and ‘70s styles in graphic design, including faded color palettes, and retro stripes, checkers, florals, and other funky patterns that scream "the golden years.” With 2023 having been a big year for technological advancements in AI, it’s time to take things back to a simpler time with some inspiration from the past.
Have a blast with the past, with our range of templates in Adobe Express:
5. Vintage minimalism
In a similar nod to years long gone, vintage minimalism is another style we’re expecting to see a lot more of in 2024 — perhaps again as a way to strip things back and pay homage to a different time. This trend is all about retaining the bare bones of your designs and using vintage color palettes to create simple yet striking designs.
Do it old school with our range of templates in Adobe Express:
6. Anti-design
2023 was a year that saw the revival of the goth aesthetic. And while 2024 will be hanging onto some of that darkness and mystery, a rebellious spirit will be visible in the designs themselves by mixing fonts of various weights and sizes, overlapping text, altered spacing, and sideways composition. This style works best for designs intended for events such as festivals and concerts, or creative industry events such as an art gallery opening.
Ruffle some feathers with our range of templates in Adobe Express:
7. Abstract gradients and color transitions
Gradients are nothing new to graphic design, but in 2024 we’re expecting to see a punchier take on the usual color transitions on the scene. While gradients allow you to add bright and bold colors to your design without overwhelming the viewer, color transitions between two colors may give a more modern feel to your work.
Be bold with our range of templates in Adobe Express:
Further reading: What every brand needs to know to use color effectively
8. Texture
Texture in graphic design can be used to create an incredibly enticing image that connects with the viewer on a deeper level, appealing to their innate desires to touch, taste, and feel. In 2024, we’ll be seeing a whole lot more texture in graphic design, including within typography, for a surrealist vibe.
Get a feel for 2024, with our range of templates in Adobe Express:
9. Geometry
In another back-step towards the mid-century, geometry in design is on the rise with geometric shapes, patterns, and fonts sure to be a big focus in 2024. The principles of geometry can easily be used to create a bold and modern look that is satisfying to the eye.
Don’t be a square, try our range of templates in Adobe Express:
10. Illustration and logo mascots
2024 is going to see a big rise in the illustrated logo mascot, especially for those in the food/beverage industry, but also across other industries such as arts and crafts and even tech. Logo mascots are a smart way to make your brand seem less intimidating and more human. We predict that many businesses will be leaning into the advantages of the logo mascot in the coming year as a result.
Add some whimsy to your designs with our range of templates in Adobe Express:
Further reading: Logo redesign: How to update your most important symbol
Bonus trend: You didn’t think we could go through an entire blog about graphic design trends without discussing AI, did you? As you’ve likely suspected, AI is, of course, a trend that will be continuing from 2023 into 2024 as a way to allow designers to sit in the director’s chair and dictate the outcome of the design, without needing to get their hands dirty. AI can be used to speed up workflows and explore creative ideas with minimal effort, and it can result in some pretty impressive graphics. Just try out Firefly in Adobe Express and see for yourself!