Graphic Design Trends to look out for in 2018

As 2017 disappears into the background, 2018 comes looming into view like a sparkling vista, punctuated with hand drawn illustrations and bright, bold typography. Personality is predicted to shine through in the 18^th year of the third millennium. Expect to see individuality and distinctive designs. Here are our predictions for graphic design trends to follow in 2018.

Bright colours on flyers and leaflets

We predict that the 2017 move towards bright, bold colours will continue in 2018. Creating graphics that stand out will be the aim. And what better way than with vibrant colours that attract attention. In order to stand out on social media, bright is good. Think Spotify or Instagram. Solid blocks of colour may be on the way out, but gradients and colour transitions look set to be favourites in the New Year.

Duotone designs that were a 2017 favourite will evolve into double exposure duotone. Combining the effects of double exposure images (two images combined and superimposed on each other) and duotone (using two shades to make the image stand out). This creates an interesting and radical effect. Perfect for book covers and website backgrounds, this effect is modern, funky and very on trend.

Hand drawing in graphic design

Personalisation will be key in 2018. Authentic graphics will replace stock photos. Alternatively, personalised graphics could be used to transform an image taken from a stock library. One of the best ways to provide personalisation will be through hand drawn imagery. They create a look that is inimitable. Designs that won’t be found in multiple brochures or on every web page related to your industry. As anything hand drawn is a unique work of art, this is one trend that will surely continue to grow in popularity.

Following this trend, we also expect to see hand drawing move also into the realm of fonts.

Typography on business cards

As well as hand drawn elements, unique and creative typography will continue to dominate 2018 designs.

We predict, typography will be brighter, bigger and bolder. Simple and easy to read is the order of the day. Having said that, cropped typography is also continuing to inspire audiences. By removing parts of individual letters while retaining readability, a modern, creative style can be achieved.

Crossing styles in magazines and brochures

Another nod towards uniqueness may be seen with the crossing of styles. Combining hand drawn elements with photos can create amazing effects. A modern look, the illustrations can add an edgy look to original photography.

For online designs, cinemagraphs are an exciting mash up of moving and still images. Incorporating these into social media campaigns could really pique your customer’s interest.

Distortion in website design

Distorting photographs can also create intrigue. A ruined effect can be created by removing or ripping pieces of the original artwork, adding seemingly random splashes of colour or bleeding over the image. Creating these modern forms of artwork will be prevalent in 2018.

Another modern effect is using a glitch to corrupt an image. While once seen as ruining an image, the glitch effect is now one of the most highly sort after trends.

Kall Kwik St James’s are your London based graphic design partners

In order to keep at the cutting edge of design, you need an innovative design team behind you. Combining modern design with traditional techniques, we can create artwork that excites and inspires. To find out more, why not contact our design team on (020) 7930 1976 or email [email protected].