Ready for a bold new look? 2023 is bursting with exciting colours, patterns and themes - as well as a surprising artistic revival with a hint of rebellion. To say this is going to be an exciting year in graphic design is an understatement! So let's dive right in to my Top Four Trends to watch this year - which one's your favourite?
So, What Design Surprises are in Store for Us in 2023?
Trend 1: Divination Station
Get ready for a gorgeous dose of astrologically-inspired design - Mysticism.
Mystical design is typically shown through iconography related to astrology and clairvoyance. Think moons, stars, zodiac signs and lotus flowers coupled with gentle flowing lines and celestial colours. And, no, you don't need to believe in astrology to appreciate mysticism's serene and uplifting effects!
Trend 2: Punk's Not Dead
Ready for a powerful Punk Revival? Because 2023 is all about rebellion.
Punk counterculture can be traced back as far as the 1920s, and it's known to jump up and throw a protest punch when societal systems become too oppressive. Chaotic, jumbled, honest and energetic, punk design is characterised by DIY techniques such as cut-outs, mismatched fonts, messy collage and unruly scribbles.
Trend 3: Botanical Bliss
What's all the fuss about, you might be thinking. Haven't we always used botanical patterns in design? Well, yes, we have. But not like this.
Folk design inspired by nature is getting a whimsical and organic makeover. Gone are the precise cardboard cut-out vectors we've all gotten so used to. - This year is about the beauty of imperfection. Shaky hand-drawn doodles, rough textures and vibrant, unharmonious colourways typify this trend.
Trend 4: Gradient Glory
Gradients have been a mainstay of graphic design for a while now. But somehow 2023 manages to put a new twist on a trend.
If you're imagining rigid, repetitive shapes, prepare to be contradicted. Blurry, organic and fluid, abstract gradients are a great way to add a sense of weightlessness, calm and effervescence to your designs. Embrace them, because they're not going anywhere soon!
So, what do you think? Which of the four trends do you love to hate, and which would you try in 2023?