2025 Graphic Design Trends

Generative Design - no more staring blank pages

AI tools have become a designer’s best friend, helping create stunning visuals faster than ever. In 2025, we’re seeing AI-generated illustrations, patterns, and layouts combined with human creativity. This hybrid approach allows for more dynamic, surreal and unexpected designs.

Pro Tip: Experiment with AI design tools to speed up repetitive tasks but add your personal touch to make it truly unique.  To Learn more on how AI is shaping up the creative industry watch our popular AI vs Artists Documentary!

Here are 15 of our favourite gen-AI tools (in no particular order):

1. Midjourney (focus on the new Editor, retexturing and personalisation - custom model)
2. Adobe Firefly (history, generative fill, upscale, composition and style references)
3. Magnific AI (still the best for upscaling/detailing images, relight, Mystic generator, style transfer)
4. ChatGPT (writing scripts for Adobe tools, critiquing comps and so much more)
5. Recraft (impressive vector art generator, but lots of other cool features)
6. Runway (probably best video generator still, worlds - sref equivalent, frames - latest image generator)
7. Hailuoai (another impressive video generator)
8. Wand (best for drawing with AI on iPad)
9. Vizkom (great for product design, turning sketches into renders)
10. Freepik (video generator, Reimagine - fastest variation generator, sketch to image)
11. Visual Electric (infinite canvas, collaboration)
12. Ideogram (probably best at generating text, also has infinite canvas, Magic Fill & Extend) 
13. KREA (train - quickly create custom gen AI model)
14. Flair AI (best for generated product photoshoots)
15. Blendbox (really cool layering option for generated images)

Handmade - traditional media on the rise

Despite all the tech, there’s a craving for human touch. Hand-drawn illustrations, messy collages, scrapbook-style layouts and traditional printing methods such as riso print and screen-printing are on the rise.  Traditional art adds personality and reminds people of the beauty of imperfection.

Screen printing demo by illustrator/designer Ollie St Clair Terry

3D Design - easier than ever before

Spline is a free 3D design software with real-time collaboration to create web interactive experiences in the browser.

Drag the scene above to interact with it.

3D visuals are no longer just for tech giants or big-budget campaigns. Thanks to more accessible tools, 3D design is becoming a go-to for everything from product mockups to immersive website experiences. 

Made with Spline

Maximalism - continues to thrive

Expect to see bold colors, layered patterns, and “more is more” vibes. Designers are mixing retro-inspired graphics with modern elements to create eye-catching, vibrant designs that scream personality.

Where to Use: Posters, social media campaigns, or any platform where you want to grab attention.

Minimalism - still has its place

A simple minimalistic approach to design is also popular among many brands and designers.  While Maximalism drives on dopamine colors, palettes and bold fonts and chaotic layouts,  the minimalist in contrast will opt for simplicity and sophisticated aesthetics.   We will expect to see simple type-only designs, subtle ombre gradients, earthy tones and clean grid layouts. 

Brown - natural earthy tone 

Mocha Mousse is Pantone's color of the year and I personally love it and predict it will also be popular with Minimalist designers. We expect to see Brown tones to dominate fashion, branding, and home decor in the coming years.

Nature & Sustainability - inspired designs

While tech-heavy designs are trending, so is nature. Organic shapes and natural textures like woodgrain, marble, and foliage-inspired patterns are influencing graphic design, fashion and homeware. They bring warmth and a sense of calm, perfect for brands that want to connect emotionally.

Pro Tip: Combine earthy tones with clean typography for a balanced look.

Retro-Futurism - the past meets the future

Retro-futurism blends nostalgic elements from the ’80s and ’90s with futuristic aesthetics. Think collage, grunge textures, and cut-outs, paired with modern details. It’s a playful mix of old-school charm and tech-forward thinking that’s perfect for branding and digital media.

Why It Works: It feels familiar yet fresh, making it a hit with a wide audience.

Motion Graphics - everything moves

From subtle animations on websites to looping videos on social media, movement draws people in. Expect to see kinetic typography, 3D animations, and interactive photo visuals becoming more mainstream in 2025 and beyond.

How to Start: Even a simple GIF or animated logo can bring your designs to life. Best to use it sparingly - too many gifs/animation can become too noisy.

To learn how to create Animated Logo, Watch this tutorial on Logo Animation in After Effects

Inclusive and Accessible Design - not an option anymore

Diversity and accessibility are no longer optional—they’re essential. Designers in 2025 and beyond are embracing inclusive visuals that represent different cultures, abilities, and perspectives. This also means creating graphics that are easy to read and navigate for everyone, including those with disabilities.

Bold Typography - still going strong

Fonts are getting bigger, bolder, and more experimental. Oversized letters, quirky fonts, and type-only layouts are stealing the spotlight. In 2025, typography isn’t just supporting the design—it is the design.

Pro Tip: : Bold type works best for Headlines, posters, and branding projects that need to make a strong statement.

Analog punk  - collage feel and chaotic energy

Bright neon hues like electric blue, magenta, and lime green are making a splash. Analog punk palettes feel both retro and futuristic, perfect for brands looking to stand out in an oversaturated consumer culture. 

Design Tip: Dark backgrounds or metallic accents for a high-tech feel works really well on apps and websites.