Stay up to date with the latest graphic design trends for 2022!

For those who want to know what’s currently hot in the world of graphic design, this article provides you with the top five graphic design trends for 2022. The past two years have not been easy for most of us. Social distancing, travel restrictions, remote work, and digital learning due to the ongoing pandemic left their mark. These still very uncertain times create uncertainty and reinforce the nostalgia of earlier times. Design and online media became even more important than ever before. Hence, in 2022 we will see a mix of past styles mixed with new influences. These are the top five graphic design trends for 2022.

5. Maximalism

“Less is more” is actually an essential principle of modern design but especially in times like these, when people have to restrict themselves, they long for something bigger. Modesty is over, in 2022 it can be a little more, at least in terms of design. Maximalism is about filling space with graphic design objects, colors, and patterns that reflect the idiosyncrasies of creativity.

This modern geometric pattern poster template by @Blackcatstudio uses the maximum space.
This modern geometric pattern poster template by @Blackcatstudio uses maximum space. You can download it here.

4. Experimental, Playful Typography

There is currently a trend in typographic design that pushes the boundaries of legibility by creating expressive typefaces. This is certainly no option for long text areas but used as eye-catching titles, these fonts are able to reflect emotions or underline a certain statement. These experimental typographic styles challenge the boundaries between abstract shapes and legible letters.

Acid Leak Glitch Text Effect Mockup by @Pixelbuddha.
Acid Leak Glitch Text Effect Mockup by @Pixelbuddha. You can get it here.
Realistic Broken Text Effect Photoshop Mockup by @Pixelbuddha.
Realistic Broken Text Effect Photoshop Mockup by @Pixelbuddha. You can get it here.

3. Eco-Aesthetics

The increasing environmental awareness of the people is also reflected more and more in today’s designs. As a response to this positive trend, many brands want to be part of the movement by developing sustainable products in order to make the world a better place. This challenges designers to choose materials and finishing techniques that are sustainable and recyclable with the lowest carbon impact possible.

Gardenium branding by Krzysztof Malinowski
Gardenium branding by @Krzysztof Malinowski
MaRa World eco chocolate brand and packaging design by Khrystyna Davydenko
MaRa World eco chocolate brand and packaging design by @Khrystyna Davydenko

2. Candy Colors

In order to stand out from all the content on the internet or social media, marketing experts and designers tend to use flashy colors for websites, apps, social media posts as well as all kinds of print media. Vibrant candy color schemes help to make a bold, positive statement in these uncertain times.

Social media layouts with colorful liquid gradients by @Polar Vectors.
Social media layouts with colorful liquid gradients by @Polar Vectors. You can download them here.

1. 90s Design

We finally arrived at the top spot of the most important graphic design trends for 2022. Oh yes, the nineties are back! Many of you may remember the music, fashion, or TV shows of this decade. After the end of the Cold War, it felt like the world seemed to be getting a little friendlier, at least a little. In terms of design and trends, this time was very versatile and so is this revival. I still remember all the many TV shows, far too loose clothing, annoying pop music but also the epic sound of grunge music. Like it or not, all of these trends had their own styles and today many people want that familiarity back.

An illustration of the Dualities series by Josep Prat Sorolla
A 90s-inspired animated illustration of the Dualities series by Josep Prat Sorolla.

That’s our selection of the top five graphic design trends for 2022. Of course, there are other trends and the world of graphic design is always changing. Sometimes we can see completely new styles, while old-fashioned designs are also found through the nostalgia of bygone times. We are curious to see what the future will bring.

For those who want to see more inspiring and trending designs, feel free to browse through our popular Graphic Design category. Cover image by Clark Van Der Beken. Update: Discover the top 20 best graphic design trends in 2023 on WE AND THE COLOR.

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