One of our favorite designers is back on the blog today, giving her perspective on a recent socialmediatoday.com article “11 Graphic Design Trends for 2021.” Madi says, “It looks like 2021 will be a colorful and fun year! Each of the 11 rising design trends predicted for 2021 is unique and pack a visual punch.” Here are some of Madi’s comments on the 11 predicted trends to start 2021:
Design Trend #1: Abstract Psychedelia
Abstract Psychedelia is particularly fun. While I wouldn’t consider our Sassafras brand psychedelic it’s certainly full of bright colors and expressive shapes. It’s exciting to see that this trend is predicted to continue. We love choosing meaningful colors, whether for a client project or our own internal work.
Design Trend #4: Seamless Surrealism
This trend we can already see in action this year. There’s a great McDonald’s campaign that showcases drive-thru meals in a beautiful, heightened, hyper-real way.
Design Trend #5: Authentic Representation
Authentic representation is one of the most important and I think enduring trends on the list. We’ve seen lots of brands forgo heavy retouching and unrealistic standards already, but it’s exciting to see that this is becoming more than a passing trend.
Design trend #9: Elements of Nature
This is one of my personal favorites on the list. Some of the most well-known wellness brands utilize fresh colors and natural elements in their branding. It’s earthy, light and drives home an eco-friendly message.
While trends 1, 4, 5 and 9 particularly stand out to me, these are all really interesting predictions about design in 2021. After a year like 2020, bold, colorful, irreverent design feels just right and exciting! It will be fun to keep our eye on some of these and see what we see emerging in campaigns and creative in the next year.