Looking ahead to next year, several key trends are shaping up to be major players, each adding unique perspectives and textures to visual communication. This year, there is a clear shift towards authentic, no-nonsense branding that heavily emphasizes an emotional connection to customers.
Branding trends give you the upper hand in communicating your products and services to the right customers. Along with a memorable first impression, branding is critical to your marketing and brand identity.
Here are five trends that promise to be at the forefront of design this year:
Bold Minimalism
Minimalism has been a staple for years, but in 2025, we’ll see the continuing shift toward “Bold Minimalism.” Rather than the subtle, muted palettes and restrained elements of past minimalism, this trend embraces high-contrast colors, exaggerated forms, and daring negative space to command attention. The aim is to create designs that feel both clean and impactful, stripping away unnecessary details with lots of negative space, and letting the work speak for itself. We’re talking about oversize typography, unexpected color pairings, and single, powerful images that let the message shine without distractions.
Quirky Fonts & Illustrations
This coming year, designers are encouraged to let their fun side out! Quirky fonts and illustrations will be everywhere, creating a sense of whimsy and personality that feels approachable and relatable. Fonts with playful curves, irregular strokes, and handcrafted charm are making their way into mainstream design, bringing a refreshing change from the corporate sans-serifs of the past. Similarly, hand-drawn or unexpected illustrations add a unique touch that feels authentic and crafted, inviting audiences to connect with brands on a more intimate level.
“In 2025, brands will need to design specifically for social media, focusing on assets and campaigns that are optimized for engagement, shareability, and mobile viewing.”
Neo-Nostalgia
Nostalgia is a powerful tool, and this year, we’re diving even deeper into the past. From Y2K-inspired visuals to 90s grunge, and even some retro 80s neon, nostalgic elements are re-emerging with modern styles to create a feeling that’s both comforting and innovative. This trend is about bringing back the aesthetic quirks and color schemes from previous decades but reinterpreting them in a way that feels fresh and relevant. This blend of nostalgia and modern design caters to both older generations and younger audiences who appreciate vintage styles.
Social First Branding
With social media driving so much brand engagement, ‘Social-First Branding’ has become essential, especially when connecting with Gen Z. In 2025, brands will need to design specifically for social media, focusing on assets and campaigns that are optimized for engagement, shareability, and mobile viewing. Expect bright, engaging visuals, animated elements, and content that captures attention within the first few seconds. Brands are now considering social platforms as the primary channel for communication, instead of traditional media channels, so their designs are optimized for social media from the get-go.
Graffiti Style
Graphic graffiti is all about crafting a modern aesthetic by drawing inspiration from the vibrant bold colors, raw textures, and expressive fonts of street art in the 80s. Urban, edgy, and impossible to ignore—graffiti-inspired design is here to stay. Graffiti design adds an element of rebellion, often giving brands a cool, unpolished look, while the addition of 3D textured design creates intrigue, inviting viewers to look closer and engage with the details. Together, they add a sense of dynamism and depth that feels both authentic and immersive.
Textured 3D Design
Finally, 3D textured design is bringing tactile depth to digital screens, where flat designs just can’t match. As 3D tools become more accessible, designers can experiment with intricate textures that add realism and immersion. This trend combines high-res textures, shadows, and lighting effects to make elements look and feel almost tangible. Whether it’s glassy buttons, leather-textured icons, or woodgrain backgrounds, this approach allows viewers to feel connected to a digital space. 3D textured design is especially popular in web design and app interfaces, where adding that extra level of realism can make a brand stand out.
The design trends of 2025 reflect a blend of boldness and nostalgia, pushing boundaries while connecting to audiences in a personal way. As designers, it’s an exciting time to explore these elements and find new ways to tell visual stories. From minimalist statements to quirky fonts, nostalgia to graffiti, these trends offer a versatile toolkit to create impactful and memorable work.
