2023 is set to be a year of innovation and forward-thinking in the world of graphic design. As we leave the pandemic behind us, designers are looking ahead with fresh approaches to branding, print, and digital design. The trends for 2023 promise to showcase unbridled creativity with a digital and futuristic feel that will captivate audiences.
Embracing the Future: The Top 10 Graphic Design Trends of 2023
To compile our list of the top graphic design trends for 2023, we have analyzed search data, studied the latest agency projects, and anticipated hot rebrands of the months to come. Here are the 10 most inspiring trends that will shape the design landscape in 2023:
- Minimal Vintage
- Photographic Branding
- The Return of the Sans Serif
- Rich Jewel Colors
- Distorted Type
- Liquid Gradients
- Flared Fonts
- Metaverse
- Sci-Fi Logos
- Condensed Typography
Let's delve into each trend and discover how they can elevate your design projects.
Trend 1: Minimal Vintage - A Subtle Nod to the Past
In line with the move towards minimalism in print design, the minimal vintage trend draws inspiration from the design styles of the 20th century. Rather than overtly retro designs, this trend focuses on using specific color palettes or type styles to reference a particular decade. The KEW 3101 Coffee packaging exemplifies this trend, with its subtle wartime aesthetic, while CNET's rebrand pays homage to 1970s journalism with a blend of vintage-inspired illustration and contemporary sleekness.
Packaging design for KEW 3101 Coffee by LHCK 乐享澄果.
Brand identity refresh for CNET by COLLINS.
Trend 2: Photographic Branding - Adding a Human Touch
Illustration has had its moment in the spotlight, but in 2023, photography takes center stage in branding. Brands are using photography to create immersive and human experiences in their identities. PayPal, for example, refreshed its branding with a photo-centric campaign that puts people first. This trend brings a more tangible and immediate quality to brand identities, especially in ad campaigns and social media.
The PayPal brand refresh by Gretel emphasizes human-centric photography.
Mother London’s surrealistic 'The Wonderful Everyday' campaigns for IKEA blend photography and digital collages.
Trend 3: The Return of the Sans Serif - Clean, Minimalistic, and Accessible
After years of serif dominance, sans serifs are making a comeback. Loved by graphic designers and minimalists alike, these typefaces bring a clean and minimalist style to branding, packaging, and print designs. Moreover, they enhance legibility and accessibility on apps and websites. Classic sans serif fonts such as Neue Haas Grotesk and Univers, or quirkier options like Ginto or Everett, will take on a more dominant role in 2023.
ABC Ginto, a geometric humanist sans serif typeface by ABC Dinamo.
Everett, a sans serif typeface by Nolan Paparelli.
Trend 4: Rich Jewel Colors - Elegance and Sophistication
2023 brings a departure from the brash neons and muted colors of previous years. Instead, designers are exploring rich jewel tones inspired by the palettes of the 1930s. From crimson and burnt orange to forest green and powdery lavender, these colors exude elegance and tonal depth. They are perfect for advertising, websites, and luxury packaging design.
Map design as part of the Alexandria city branding project by Farahat Design.
Brand identity for Fourès, a fashion retailer, by Fairlyles.
Trend 5: Distorted Type - Embracing Imperfections
One of the quirkiest font trends of 2023 is distorted type. Stretched letters, knotted typography, and fading ligatures give traditional fonts a twist and create a fractured reality. This trend prompts viewers to take a second look and aligns with the Metaverse trend. Whether using ready-made distorted fonts or experimenting with stretching and melting conventional fonts, the result is captivating and eye-catching.
'100 years of Sacré Cœur Orden in Bonn' publication design by multiple owners.
Hellvetica, a distorted font by Han Gao.
Cobya, a modern variable weight typeface by Lane Knop.
Trend 6: Liquid Gradients - Molten and Languid
Liquid gradients breathe new life into the long-running gradient color trend. Whether glossy and oily or textured with a painterly effect, these gradients feel more liberated and can be used in static and animated designs. They add instant interest to packaging, backgrounds, logos, and websites. By dipping typography into a liquid gradient effect, you can give your designs a sci-fi edge.
Orion Pictures revamped their logo using a liquid gradient, giving it a futuristic touch.
Brand identity and packaging design for Rock n' Nola, a granola brand, by Fairlyles.
Trend 7: Flared Fonts - Adding Character and Charm
Flared fonts offer a fresh approach to typography by merging the cleanliness of sans serifs with the character of serif styles. Kicked-out ligatures give a distinct shape and personality to logos, packaging, websites, or magazines. This trend creates a friendly and optimistic typographic mood, making it a great fit for family branding or children's products while retaining a polished look.
Border Biscuits' rebrand and packaging design by B&B studio.
Buona Display, an expressive typeface by Outfit.
Orelo, a variable font by Pizza Typefaces.
Trend 8: Metaverse - A Glimpse into the Future
The concept of the metaverse, a virtual online universe, is gaining traction with leading tech companies. As it becomes more mainstream, graphic design trends are set to reflect this futuristic cultural phenomenon. Designs will feature sci-fi typography, 3D avatar illustrations, and black-and-neon color palettes reminiscent of the Matrix. Dark mode designs and glitch-style effects will add an eerie and immersive touch.
An AI-inspired website design for Rumfoords, a metaverse strategic consultancy.
NFT360, a digital art project website design by NFTXYZ.
Trend 9: Sci-Fi Logos - Lighting the Way to the Future
In a world shaped by climate change and evolving technology, brands are embracing a futuristic approach in their identities. By conveying a tech-savvy and forward-thinking image, these brands resonate with consumers seeking sustainable, all-electric, and tech-innovative products. Škoda's recent rebrand exemplifies this trend, with its sci-fi-inspired flat logo that communicates the brand's digital future.
Škoda's new brand identity features a sci-fi-inspired flat logo.
Trend 10: Condensed Typography - Making a Bold Statement
Condensed typography has always been a powerful tool for designers looking to make an impact in limited spaces. In 2023, as futuristic and metaverse-inspired designs dominate, condensed fonts take center stage in editorial designs and ads. Their bold and impactful nature demands attention, making them perfect for creating a science-fiction atmosphere with black and neon color schemes.
The revised corporate identity for Bugatti, by Interbrand, uses a condensed typeface with futuristic colors.
Brand identity for Rambert, a contemporary dance company, by Hingston Studio.
Looking Ahead: Inspiring Graphic Design Trends for 2023
These trends go beyond passing fads; they set the benchmark for designers to create fresh, relevant, and cutting-edge work. With a focus on futuristic design, colorful liquid gradients, and immersive photography, 2023 promises an exciting journey into the world of graphic design.
Are you ready to embrace the future of design? Discover more inspiring trends, font edits, and limitless creative inspiration on our Inspiration page.
