The graphic design trends for 2023 are expected to include futuristic elements such as flared fonts, the metaverse, and photographic branding. The overall mood for the year is likely to be forward-thinking, with dark mode websites, liquid gradients, and sci-fi logos reflecting this theme.
As we move further away from the challenges of the pandemic, designers are looking ahead and experimenting with new approaches to branding, print, and digital design. In 2023, we can expect to see creative and innovative designs that have a distinctly digital and futurist feel, as well as font trends that bring unique personality to projects through the use of distorted type and condensed fonts.
According to indesignskills.com here are the 10 most inspiring graphic design trends and branding trends for 2023:
- Minimal Vintage
- Photographic Branding
- The Return of the Sans Serif
- Rich Jewel Colours
- Distorted Type
- Liquid Gradients
- Flared Fonts
- Metaverse
- Sci-Fi Logos
- Condensed Typography
Trend 1: Minimal Vintage
The minimal vintage graphic design trend is characterized by a subtle incorporation of vintage design elements from the 20th century into a minimalist overall style.
The goal is not to create designs that are immediately recognizable as being vintage or retro, but rather to use carefully chosen color palettes or type styles to reference a particular decade.
This approach can be seen in the KEW 3101 Coffee packaging, which has a subtle wartime aesthetic, and in the rebranding of CNET by design studio Collins, which combines vintage-inspired illustration with a contemporary sleekness and uses the nostalgicically-named Sentinel typeface in a press-friendly red color.
This trend reflects a general movement towards minimalist styling in print design.
Packaging design for KEW 3101 Coffee by LHCK 乐享澄果.
Trend 2: Photographic Branding
Illustration has gained popularity in recent years, but in the branding industry it faces competition from photography, which is expected to be used to give brand identities a more immersive and human quality in 2023.
PayPal, for example, recently refreshed their branding with a photo-centric campaign developed by New York-based studio Gretel. In the coming year, we can expect to see more brands using photography rather than illustration, particularly in motion video for ad campaigns and social media.
However, illustration is not completely out of the picture; some brands are expected to blend illustrations and 3D graphics into photographic settings, creating a surreal or playful effect.
The ‘The Wonderful Everyday’ campaign by IKEA, created by Mother London, is a good example of this approach, which can be applied to static ads or video content for social media.
The PayPal brand refresh by Gretel places an emphasis on human-centric photography in interaction with the brand’s logo.
Mother London’s surrealist-tinted ‘The Wonderful Everyday’ campaigns for IKEA use photography and photographic digital collages as a central theme across print, TV and digital.
Trend 3: The Return of the Sans Serif
After a period of popularity for serif typefaces, designers are starting to turn back towards sans serif fonts, which are beloved by graphic designers, minimalists, and those concerned with web accessibility.
Serif logos are becoming increasingly common, leading designers to seek out freshness in geometric sans serif or Swiss-style grotesque typefaces (or more evolved versions of the serif, such as flared fonts).
Sans serif fonts not only create a clean, minimalist style for branding, packaging, and other print designs, but they also improve legibility and accessibility on apps and websites. As more brands prioritize accessibility in their digital output, we can expect to see an increased use of sans serif fonts online.
Some classic options in the Swiss school tradition include Neue Haas Grotesk and Univers, while more unconventional choices might include Ginto or Everett.
ABC Ginto geometric humanist sans serif typeface by ABC Dinamo.
Trend 4: Rich Jewel Colours
We are moving away from the bright neon colors of the late 2010s and the muted shades of the early 2020s, and entering a more chic and creative era for color in graphic design. This trend for 2023 encourages designers to experiment more with color and be more open to new ideas.
While neons were used to grab attention on early apps and neutrals provided a calming effect during the pandemic, the new rich jewel tones for 2023 are more elegant, nuanced, and sensual. Inspired by 1930s palettes, colors such as deep red, orange, green, and lavender can be used to make a statement in advertising, websites, and packaging.
These are colors that have a luxurious and indulgent quality, making them suitable for high-end branding and luxury packaging design.
Brand identity for fashion retailer Fourès by Fairlyles.
Trend 5: Distorted Type
2023’s latest font trend is all about twisted and stretched letters, resulting in a quirky and unique style of typography. This trend features ligatures that are knotted, melted or fade into oblivion, creating a visual interest that prompts viewers to take a second look.
It fits into the larger theme of the Metaverse and adds a sense of fractured reality to your designs.
There are various existing distorted fonts available for this style, such as Cobya, or designers can experiment by distorting traditional fonts by stretching letterforms or blending sentences into fading opacities.
Cobya modern variable weight typeface by Lane Knop.
‘100 years of Sacré Cœur Orden in Bonn’ publication design by multiple owners.
Trend 6: Liquid Gradients
2023’s hottest trend in color is the use of liquid gradients, which adds a fluid and dynamic feel to designs. These gradients can be glossy and oily or have a textured, painted look. They are more free-form than traditional gradients and can easily be transitioned from static to motion graphics.
These liquid gradients can be used to add interest to packaging, backgrounds, logos and websites, giving them a futuristic, sci-fi aesthetic. Experiment with different levels of transparency and layering to create unique effects.
Orion Pictures have revamped their logo with a liquid gradient version that lends a futuristic edge to their brand identity.
Brand identity and packaging design for granola brand Rock n’ Nola by Fairlyles.
Trend 7: Flared Fonts
Flared serif fonts are a new and exciting trend in graphic design for 2023. They offer a unique twist on traditional serif fonts by incorporating a kicked-out ligature that adds character and shape to logos and headlines. These fonts are versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications, such as packaging, websites, and magazines.
They can also help to create a friendly and optimistic tone, making them ideal for family-oriented and children’s brands while still maintaining a polished and professional appearance.
The Border biscuit brand is a great example of how flared serifs can be used to create a cohesive and visually appealing brand identity.
Border Biscuits rebrand and packaging design by B&B studio.
Buona Display expressive typeface by Outfit.
Trend 8: Metaverse
The metaverse is expected to gain more traction and become a popular topic in the tech industry.
As a result, graphic design trends will take inspiration from this futuristic concept and incorporate elements such as sci-fi inspired typography, 3D avatar illustrations, and color palettes reminiscent of the Matrix.
Utilizing techniques such as glitch-style effects on photography, and dark mode designs for print and websites can enhance the immersive and otherworldly feel of the metaverse in graphic design.
NFT360 digital art project website design by NFTXYZ.
Trend 9: Sci-Fi Logos
This year, we can expect to see more brands incorporating futuristic elements into their branding and design, such as sleek, minimalist design, use of technology-inspired imagery, and a focus on sustainability and innovation.
This approach can help a brand stand out in a crowded market and appeal to consumers who are looking for products and services that align with these values.
By embracing the futuristic design trend, businesses can position themselves as forward-thinking and on the cutting edge of their respective industries.
Škoda‘s new brand identity features a sci-fi-inspired flat logo that feels futuristic and digital.
Trend 10: Condensed Typography
Designers will turn to condensed typography as a way to make a bold statement and grab attention, even when space is limited. The trend towards futuristic design and the metaverse will inspire the use of condensed fonts and compact typography in editorial designs and advertisements.
Condensed typefaces have a strong, commanding presence, which can be balanced with simple, neutral color schemes or heightened with striking black and neon combinations for a sci-fi inspired aesthetic.
The revised corporate identity for Bugatti, by Interbrand, uses a retro-infused condensed typeface combined with gently futuristic colours.
Brand identity for contemporary dance company Rambert by Hingston Studio.