2022 has arrived, and it is already breaking all graphic design rules. If we had to sum up Graphic Design Trends 2022 in a single sentence, it’s time to step up because the floodgates have opened, bringing an unmixable mix of nostalgia, movement, & open-mindedness.

What we love most about observing the work of great professional and amateur designers from all over the world for an entire year is that we can turn our enjoyment into personal research. Without further ado, let us dive right into the chaos of what the popular trends of 2022 will be and appreciate a few incredible examples from agencies & freelance graphic designers who never cease to amaze us with their creativity.

Top Graphic Design Trends 2022 Overview:

  • Bringing 2D and 3D together
  • Nostalgia
  • Typography with a Twist
  • Characters in 3D (think NFTs!)
  • Design in the Ukiyo-e style
  • Vibes in Candy Colors
  • The emergence of the anti-designer
  • Geometric patterns
  • Holographic style
  • Design of an extreme “high school” bubble

To help you relax, this article will explain and, more importantly, show you the top ten graphic design trends 2022 and creative styles you’ll notice more of in 2022, some of which will last for several years.

Bringing 2D and 3D together

For many years, 3D design has been on the rise, and it continues to evolve & establish itself. It allows designers to be as creative as possible because it provides almost infinite options. It is one of the most attention-taking graphic design trends 2022.

The most famous work in this category includes highly realistic 3D visual effects that blur the line between physical and virtual elements and mashups that integrate 2D graphics & paper cutouts. The year 2022 will see a significant transition from 2D to 3D.

Nostalgia

Popular media such as Netflix’s Cobra Kai and Stranger Things have recently revived 80s nostalgia, ushering in an era of vaporware scenery, neon colors, and Gothic serifs. And retro comebacks will finally reach the 1990s in 2022!

Several of the trends on this list show a return to the 1990s. However, the nostalgia pattern suggests a romanticized view of the past.

To that end, we’re reliving the 1990s with simple emojis, crude internet frames, geometric shapes, & scribbled illustrations. Childhood’s drenched slime and bright color blocks are still kings.

Typography with a Twist

Best graphic design agencies are working on this trend to improve their market.

In a smaller text, a portion of one’s lettering could be arranged to reveal a mixed message than the rest. This design trend is a great way to make a statement and draw attention to a particular design area.

Also, if the Squid Game opening sequence comes to mind, you’re not alone.

Characters in 3D

Fans of 1964, rejoice! Our favorite 3D-style characters have made a big comeback in graphic design for many apps, websites, & animations.

Characters can be formed as 2D designs, holographic designs, candy color designs, or any other type of design discussed in this article.

Design in the Ukiyo-e style

Japanese ukiyo-e was a popular art form from the 17th to the 19th centuries. They portrayed female beauties, costumed actors, sumo wrestlers, historical and folkloric scenes, travel scenes, scenery, and flora and fauna. The Japanese term ukiyo-e means “pictures of floating worlds.” Top graphic design companies in the USA, like Integrated IT Solutions, are working with this idea for future trends.

Vector artists are well-versed in using bold outlines, flat colors, and limited perspective techniques. Similar designs are used in today’s creative world to give ordinary flat vector scenes an edge.

Vibes in Candy Colors

Nowadays, standing out from the crowd of online content creators is a full-time job. As a result, graphic designers have begun experimenting with color to capture our attention while trying to scroll. A trend of lively candy-colored scenes is sweeping the internet.

Hint: it’s easier to make these fairy-floss themes if you understand and can apply color theory to your tasty digital creations. Graphic design trends are the main focus of our agency, Integrated IT Solutions, to improve our clients’ marketing.

The emergence of the anti-designer

An anti-designer is exactly what it sounds like: someone who rejects traditional design principles & aesthetics.

Asymmetry, color clashes, bare interfaces, & busy patterns challenge our senses in this trend. The style has been chastised for appearing ugly to be ugly. To its supporters, however, it results in initiatives free of the beauty standards imposed by traditional designers. The anti-designers intend to disregard the rules in 2022 altogether.

Geometric Patterns

A parametric pattern comprises geometric structures with morphing lines based on their relative roles. Graphs of parametric equations inspire the style.

Parametric patterns in 2022 designs represent the complexities of the subject areas, ranging from interaction to identity.

Patterns are heavily used in the graphic design industry. These decorative elements break up solid colors and add visual appeal to backgrounds. Designers will put declaration patterns front and center with parametric geometry to make outstanding graphic designs for clients.

Holographic style

Holographic design is unmistakably high-tech and futuristic, combined with high multidimensional pastel highlights. Even in static images, such highlights create the illusion of motion. This trend has captivated 3D motion designers due to its stunning effects.

The holographic tendency has recently appeared in other areas of life, such as fashion, stationery, and so on. As a result, it’s no shock that this tendency has spread to the animation and web industries. Apps & logos are no different.

Design of an extreme “high school” bubble

A graphic designer’s job isn’t complete unless they have some fun. Because circles do not have corners, they exude a friendly & lighthearted vibe that is undeniably positive. Designing rounded graphics & lettering styles is a popular trend in 2022, as we could all use more positivity in our lives.

Instead of the pretty standard bubble fonts & shapes found on children’s products, the 2022 trend is overstated through extended forms & psychedelic colors. As a result, the inflatable design feels mature while retaining a vital spark of childlike fun.

In 2022, include these graphic design trends in your portfolio

Overall, the graphic design trends for 2022 may appear random. They all have a massive 90s flashback, from pro and parameterized patterns to candy colors and extreme bubble doodles. Undoubtedly, these distinct design trends will define the coming year in layout. Graphic design trends 2022 reflect our desire to find significance and pleasure under challenging times and break free from what holds us back. Creators worldwide gain strength by keeping an open mind to create mesmerizing designs with vivid colors, movement, perfect imperfection, and futurism. The coming year is something to be excited about.

FAQs

How are 2D and 3D designs being merged in graphic design trends 2022?

The integration of 2D and 3D designs is one of the standout trends of 2022, providing almost limitless creative options for designers. This trend includes realistic 3D visual effects that blur the line between digital and physical, as well as mashups combining 2D graphics and paper cutouts.

What role does nostalgia play in graphic design trends 2022?

Nostalgia is a significant trend in 2022, particularly with a revival of 80s and 90s styles. This can be seen through the use of vaporwave aesthetics, neon colors, Gothic serifs, simple emojis, and geometric shapes, all drawing inspiration from past decades.

How is 3D design influencing in graphic trends 2022?

3D design is providing an almost infinite array of creative possibilities, enabling designers to blend the physical and virtual worlds seamlessly. This trend is marked by highly realistic 3D visual effects and creative mashups of 2D and 3D elements.