Are you ready to know what the future of graphic design will be? From 3D graphics to inclusive illustrations, here are the top 5 graphic design trends to watch out for in 2023.

The graphic design industry is constantly changing and requires designers to have a deep and detailed knowledge of consumer needs, of the new technologies and of the values of the modern society in order to be able to effectively convey their messages through graphic projects.

In this article, we have summed up the main graphic design trends that will dominate this year: 2023 will bring us old ideas revisited in a more modern and original way, as well as trends that have already been the protagonists of 2022 and will continue to be so this year – drawing a line of continuity with the past.

Let’s see the 5 most important graphic design trends of 2023:

1. 3D graphics

The first graphics trend of 2023 is strongly linked to one of the most inflated concepts of recent years: the metaverse. Although marketing-wise the hype on the metaverse went partially down, it continues to be popular among graphic designers, who experience new graphics by exploiting three-dimensionality, immersiveness and virtual reality.

3D elements and graphics give projects a more modern and futuristic look. By combining depth, shadows, textures and outlines, graphic designers are able to convey a feeling of innovation and modernity. 3D graphics gained great popularity already in 2022 – as we illustrated in last year’s article dedicated to graphic design trends. 3D graphics were used especially on social media, illustrations and web design. However, designers predict that this trend will continue to increase its popularity even more during 2023.

2. Abstract colour gradient

The colour gradient – a colour ramp, which allows to move from one colour to another in a progressive way – has already gained considerable notoriety in the past and has been widely used in many graphic projects, especially for web and social media. In 2023 we will see a radical change in terms of the use of the gradient: until now, in fact, we were used to employ the gradient with bright colours and squared and linear geometric shapes. In the future, we will instead use this succession of shades on softer, abstract and concentric shapes to give the objects a feeling of lightness and delicacy.

3. The return of pastel colour shades

Unlike the three-year period 2020-2022, years in which graphic designers preferred bright and lively colours in contrast to the dark and difficult moment the world was experiencing, in 2023 we will go back to more neutral and relaxing shades including antique pink, baby blue and peach orange. These shades are able to convey tranquillity, calmness and serenity. Characterized by high luminosity and medium/low saturation, pastel colours will be used in creative and innovative combinations with different shapes and textures.

This trend will be particularly appreciated in branding and packaging design.

4. Back to Serif

As for logo design, minimalism and modernity continue to be the keywords. In an article published on our blog, we presented a few examples of logos redesigned in order to be in line with current trends and convey an orderly, clean and minimal image. All these logos had one typeface in common: Sans Serif. Characterized by linear characters, the Sans Serif has no serifs (small vertical lines at the end of each stroke) and for this reason it guarantees optimal legibility compared to the traditional Serif.

For this reason, more and more brands – especially in the high fashion and luxury sector – have chosen fonts belonging to the Sans Serif typeface for their logos and graphic projects. However, the abuse of this style convinced the designers to bring a breath of fresh air, adopting the Serif rather than the Sans Serif. The Serif is able to communicate self-confidence and familiarity and create a strong, nostalgic bond.

5. Inclusive illustrations

Another great protagonist of 2023 (which we also met last year) are inclusive graphics and illustrations that celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion – fundamental values and principles that guide today’s society. So, get ready to see and create illustrations that praise the many facets of the human personality and the uniqueness of each of us. Nowadays, it has become essential for companies all over the world to create an inclusive and open work environment and to convey these values. For this purpose, companies are focusing on building a brand identity in line with these principles, also leveraging several inclusive illustrations on various media such as graphics for social media, business presentations and infographics.

Summing up

Many of the main trends presented in this article are not really new in the graphic design sector, but have already been featured in the past. Let’s think about 3D graphics that reflect the concepts of the metaverse and virtual reality, gradient or inclusive graphics that reveal the values of today’s society. This does not mean that the graphic design industry is going through a period of stagnation, but rather that designers, through their projects, are committed to conveying concepts, interests and values intrinsic to our society.

However, 2023 will also reinterpret the past: the return of the classic pastel shades and Serif fonts will support designers in communicating tranquillity, calm, safety and familiarity through their projects – all concepts that have a fundamental importance after the difficulties that the whole world has gone through in recent years.

What do you think of these graphic design trends? Which do you think would best suit your brand communication? Tell us what you think in the comments and contact us to learn about our graphic design services.