Top 10 Graphic Design Trends In 2016 Freelancers Should Know
The ever-evolving field of graphic designing comes up with new set of trends almost every year. While some of them are an upgrade of the recent ones, some convey a unique take on the design while some will take you to the nostalgia of throwback moods. The new year has started in with some real interesting trends in graphic designing which every freelance graphic designer should know to ensure the most cutting-edge presentations. The post below highlights the top 10 graphic design trends in 2016.
Material Design
Characterized by a smart, pronounced approach, Material Design is one the most welcome trends in the contemporary graphic design sector this year. The state of the art visual language allows edge-to-edge imagery, deliberate choice of colors, big-scale typography as well as intentional white spacing. According to some, it should be referred to as "Flat2.0" since it resembles an advanced upgrade of flat design- adding in more nuances in the form of shadow/light, depth & movement.
Modern retro
While vintage retro emulates the old styles ranging from the early quarter of 1900s to the 1960s - the modern retro is all about deriving stylish influences right from the recent decades. The styles or trends from late 1970s to 1990s are really trending now. So, think about all the early video games, PCs, space themes and pixel art. Nerdy is in for 2016 designs, whether it's for T-shirt designs or can art or websites and so on.
Bold, bright hues
2016 is the year for all those who love colors and looking to splash up the canvas with vibrant hues. Yes, when it comes to latest color trends for designs now, it's the bold bright hues that have claimed the throne. In fact, the contemporary trend of vibrant shades is in perfect alignment of the modern retro theme of 80s & 90s styles that are doing the rounds today. So, look past the muted neutral shades as this is the time to experiment with more saturated richer colors and bright pastels. How about some neon for a spunky feel? Well, it's totally cool for 2016 posters, flyers and business logos.
Geometric patterns
The design trends of 2016 have come up with some real cool stuff and one of them is surely the extended use of geometric patterns & motifs in presentations. You can apply these patterns in versatile ways- as backgrounds, individual graphical elements or as some illustrative technique. So, start playing with hexagons, colored triangles, layered shapes, edgy circles and so on. The design pundits are voting high for low poly style that kicked off as 3D modeling nuance for the video games and has now stretched its use to several print & web projects. It's its faceted angular look that has created all the difference.
Artistic use of negative space
White or negative space is no doubt essential in any design, rendering a breather amidst artwork. But the 2016 graphic design trend is to use the white or negative space not just as a margin or breather- but to use it strategically in such an artsy way so that the negative space itself forms a design or a meaningful part needed to complete the message.
Dramatic typography
This year, the graphic designers are allowed to convey the theme not just with the text content or background image but also with various elements of the design. An example could be the use of negative space discussed above and this point focuses on experimentation with typography or fonts. It's the year of dramatic typography and urges to come up with innovative presentation or implementation of fonts, backed by creative use of colors, arrangements or textures. Whether you wish to create the drama with color & shape or with a freeform arrangement, it's cool all-ways- the only thing is that you have bring in the dramatic edge somehow or the other.
Modular design
This is another important trend to check out in graphic designing in 2016. Modular design is really making eaves today, especially in the web designing projects. It can be defined as an edgy technique where the entire thing is presented in block grid arrangement- and you will have different sections of your brochure or site in separate blocks of different sizes on one page. The best part is that the blocks would be equipped with modular scrolling which means each of them would scroll independently as you go through them.
Infographics are even more important now
People are really busy today and their packed hours hardly spare them the time to go through long text passages. But then again, you have to present your story to them with all its points. Thus, developed the creation of infographics and this graphical style is even more important this year. Infographics will enable you to present your message in a more engaging way with better visual impact. However, if you are looking to score more with infographic, try to think creatively about your own visual data, looking beyond the old templates.
Videos & GIFs
Visual storytelling has been doing the rounds for contemporary designs and 2016 allows you to go further than just images. The year, rather focuses on short videos to do the storytelling for you. Thanks to Snapchat and Vine, the online users today are much accustomed to staring at video loops and the New Year is capitalizing this trend for its design projects. The video aspect has the advantage of attracting the user with a livelier and more realistic effect. Then, of course, the animated fun GIFs too are a much welcome inclusion this year.
No stock photos again
Please try to think beyond the age-old dated stock photos- the online audience is just so tired of them. They want something more personal and specific- such as use of images specially taken for a particular project. Moreover, hand-drawn illustrations too would work great here.
We hope these tips will help you in successfully charting your design graph for 2016.
