Graphic design in today’s market | What are the new trends?

A few years ago, the hot topics in graphic design were layout design, web design, and UX. They still are (in a way). Although these are a reference for today’s marketing, new trends have emerged. Current graphic design brings us new areas with high demand and a growing boom.

There is also considerable speculation and fear in the graphic design industry. With the advent of AI, manual jobs, although quite valuable, are beginning to compete with billion-dollar software companies. In some cases, the outlook is not very encouraging. But I am a blind believer in people and their creative potential. Not only that, but I have also observed that the following six areas of graphic design are gaining significant attention.

1. 3D & motion graphics dominate

Everything related to publishing graphic content on social networks (on a highly professional level) that involves video games, animations, architecture, and visual art often features a significant amount of 3D art and motion graphics. 

These are expensive services with limited competition. It has become a trend due to its high level of technical expertise (and high level of demand for software and hardware).

With improved software like Blender, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve (Fusion), Cinema 4D, brands are integrating hyper-realistic 3D visuals, animated typography, and micro-interactions in UI/UX.

2. Inclusive & authentic representation

Whether it is related to progressive or class-conscious political initiatives, it has numerous protests, demands for inclusion, and social movements that stand out. We usually see it on social media. It tends to be a lively art, full of manual representations and considerable discursiveness.

More than a graphic design style, it is a trend that some designers are adapting as a form of protest or ideological opinion. Although polemic, it’s there. Also, some brands are prioritizing diverse, real-world representation in their visual identity, moving away from stock imagery and toward unique, personalized graphics.

3. Eco-friendly & sustainable design

Another initiative that did not necessarily originate from this decade’s trends. It consists of productive design, mainly used for branding and packaging. It showcases a type of visual art dedicated to social projects focused on forest preservation and environmental protection.

Traditional graphic design tools, such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, are used; we can also find Affinity Designer and Publisher. 

It is also true that certain countries and companies are dismissing their interests in this area. However, many governments, some entrepreneurs, and small businesses invest a significant amount of capital and labor in sustainable design.

4. Immersive & interactive design

It is a new stage of UX. It aims to create new experiences by utilizing augmented reality. It has become especially popular in video games, lifestyle, some remote working environments, and even medicine.

As AR/VR and the metaverse continue to evolve, graphic design, alongside programming, is becoming increasingly interactive, enabling users to engage with dynamic and spatial elements.

However, it is a developing trend. Although it generates interest, it is not as widely available to the public. Why? Because the cost of consumption (and production) is high. A few people can afford it.

5. Handmade & imperfect styles

Here, we focus on manual design. Graphic design becomes just a complementary tool. A new malaise is emerging in society, related to excessive digital consumption. Some people, especially in the design field, are returning to their roots. What roots? Manual designs, painting with watercolors, or creating visual stories by hand.

Graphic design serves as a vehicle to present this to an audience. It is no longer the primary tool for design execution. Many video content creation programs, such as Capcut, Adobe Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve, are used for editing.

6. AI-generated & assisted design

We intentionally left it last for several reasons that we will now explain. It is a design approach that utilizes generative methods. Software powered by artificial intelligence is used to produce content and images. 

It is last on the list because it remains a significant trend with a strong presence in several sectors. However, an increasing number of creators are rejecting the use of artificial intelligence for various reasons. It continues to have a presence in various sectors, but appears to be in decline. It is a trend that emerged in 2023 and 2024.

This decline is not limited to consumption. Some AI models are also facing complications due to factors such as high costs, intense competition, and the growing international advancement of generative content models.