Prepare yourself, because these hot-off-the-press digital trends are JAW-DROPPING.
If you're thinking about revamping your small business brand this year, you can take the perspiration out of finding inspiration, with the first in my series of graphic design trends for 2022 - complete with handy visual examples to get those creative juices flowing.
Ready to find out what digital design is all about this year? Let’s get going.
Trend 1: Mind-Bending Colour Trend 2: Shimmer and Shine Trend 3: Vintage Geo Trend 4: Multi-Dimension Magic
Trend 5: Between the Lines Trend 6: Go Flat Out Trend 7: Back to the 90s Trend 9: A Cut Above
Mind-Bending Colour
Brace yourselves for a psychedelic revival, because things are about to get trippy.
The last two years of political upheaval have been the catalyst for counter-culture revival, which means the sixties are back, baby!
Attention-grabbing graphics that twist, turn, melt and entrance are set to take over the internet - with vivid colour palettes that really pack a punch.
Shimmer and Shine
We've seen it burst onto the scene in fashion, stationery and product design. Now it's time for holographics to go digital.
Multi-dimensional, reflective and satisfyingly futuristic, this high tech trend is a sure-fire eye pleaser. Think multidimensional pastels and glossy liquid colour, for posts that propel your followers into a shiny new future.
Vintage Geo
Finding 2022 design a little too chaotic so far? Art Deco is is the elegant antidote.
With its clean lines, calming symmetry and sleek geometry, it's the perfect way to convey strength, stability, and, dare I say, a touch of class. This innovative style first appeared in the early 20th Century and it's making a second grand debut in 2022. And Great Gatsby, I think it's going to be a big one.
Multi-Dimension Magic
A love affair between 2D and 3D, this trend mixes dimensions with magical results.
Think hyper-realistic graphics combined with flat design, and you have the modern mashup that's taking 2022 by storm.
This cutting edge design evolution is making its mark everywhere, from apps to typography and animation. Blurring the boundaries between digital and physical, this eye-catching style is a guaranteed scroll-stopper.
Between the Lines
Patterns have always a mainstay of graphic design. But how about geometrical patterns based on parametric equations?
Parametric patterns are the place where art and mathemetics meet. But if you're thinking blocky, rigid, repetitive shapes, prepare to be contradicted. Three-dimensional, intricate and fluid, parametric patterns are a great way to add movement and break up solid colour in your designs.
Go Flat Out
3D scenes are so last year. In 2022, the word on every designer's lips is 'Ukiyo-e'
This modern take on flat design was inspired by artists from the Japanese Edo period and was originally created using hand-carved woodblocks. We're seeing Ukiyo-e pop up everywhere from branding, to ads and merchandise. Think solid colour, bold outlines and detailed landscapes - all in their trademark 2D style.
Back to the 90s
Old-skool cool is back and it's BIG. After an explosion of futuristic design, it's great to see familiarity still reigns supreme.
With it's bright block colours, basic frames and simple emojis, digital design is turning back the clock and turning up the fun. This trend mixes nostalgia with minimalism - two things people are craving after years of online overload. So don't be afraid to travel back in time - right now, retro comfort is key.
A Cut Above
Get ready to snip, snip snip, because collage and paper cut-out design has gone digital!
Paper cut-outs have graced the art world since the Han Dynasty in the 4th century. And it feels only right that this traditional art form is now getting a 21st Century makeover. We're seeing this trend everywhere - from business cards, leaflets and packaging design, to websites and animation.
Love these looks? Why not bookmark for later or share with a friend.
Which one catches your eye? Let me know in the comments.