Top 10 Graphic Design Trends for Cutting Edge Design in 2025

Every year, graphic design trends show us how art can imitate life. These trends aren’t just what everyone is doing, they’re a reflection of our ever-changing needs and perspectives as a society!

In 2025, we’re seeing graphic designers dive head-first into scrapbooking, diversity, and inclusion, as well as a hand-drawn and handmade appeal. And shocker, there’s more influence of AI-powered design. But the good kind!

From the warm feels of crafts to the chilling look of futurism, 2025 design trends are a clash of machine advancements and human comforts. Expect to see a dichotomy of perspectives on the past and the fast-approaching future!

Why graphic design trends matter

Graphic design trends help you create projects that communicate and connect to your audience in a timely way. By following and understanding trends, you’re showing that you are plugged into the graphic design world and engaged with how consumer interests are evolving.

As writer and activist, Toni Cade Bambara said, “The role of the artist is to make revolution irresistible”. In other words, graphic design trends aren’t only a sign of the times, they’re sometimes a catalyst to change themselves!

Here are the graphic design trends of 2025 you can look forward to:

TOP Graphic-Design-Trends_2025_INFOGRAPHIC

1. Mixed media scrapbooking

The original “copy and paste” involved glue and scissors – the physical look of arranging images together has returned to create a nostalgic and human graphic design trend.

Combining digital assets like photos, textures, abstract shapes, and handwritten elements creates a “scrapbook aesthetic” that feels personal and tactile. This trend thrives on its raw, unpolished appeal, giving brands a human, relatable edge.  

Check out the Sondheim advertising created by creative giant Pentagram.

Sondheim advertising created by pentagram graphic design trend 2025

Source: Sondheim by Pentagram

The Atlantic Theatre branding by Pentagram is also a tasteful example of a collage-like digital design that feels creatively human and nostalgic. 

scrapbooking graphic design trend example pentagram

Atlantic Theatre Company by Pentagram

Collins Agency’s brand design for Credit Karma also used a scrapbooking aesthetic to connect to people:

credit karma scrapbooking graphic design trend example 2025

Credit Karma designs by Collins

2. Diversity and inclusion

Although diversity and representation should be an industry standard and not a fleeting choice, it continues to become more of a priority amongst brands and designers.

In graphic design, it means we’re seeing more faces and people in design. But not the standard picture-perfect models. We’re seeing more tattoos, more unique fashion and hair choices, more diversity, and more acceptance of the human body just the way it is. Woohoo!

morro diversity and inclusion design trend 2025

Moro, “Now add you” campaign by Sickdogwolfman

Designers are diving into diversity unapologetically and highlighting the many looks, perspectives, and lifestyles of the beautiful people on earth. Our strengths as a society lie in our varying outlooks on life. Why not celebrate it?

diversity in graphic design posters

Source: Rebranding Rosh on Behance

3. AI realism

midjourney AI storefront concept

One of the newest graphic design trends to hit the scene is the use of AI platforms and tools. While this might seem counter-intuitive, designers are using their creative minds to art-direct AI tools and take graphic design to the next level.

We’re seeing hyper-realistic visuals of storefronts, and digital art that resembles hand-drawn illustrations created by digital artists. Reddit’s rebrand is the first brand to embody this trend with its 3D mascot and logo symbol.

Ori, designed by Red Antler, also uses AI imagery and technology to create surreal visuals.

ori AI design graphic trend 2025

Ori by Red Antler

AI tools can help designers speed up their workflows, research, and creative ideas. Text-to-image generators bring a new level of accessibility to graphic design and visual storytelling.

Want to use an AI design tool for your brand? Try Midjourney, Dall.E.2, or Jasper. Use it to create a stand-out landing page, data visualization, branded packaging, app design concepts, and more!

AI designed user interface

It’s a world of new possibilities with AI design accessible to the masses.

  Create your own unique logo now!

4. Maximum contrast

Red and blue, black and yellow, neon pink and white – think of a high-contrast color combo and you have the color contrast trend emerging in 2025. 

You don’t need many colors, just a few that pack enough of a punch. It can be a bold neon color on a maroon background or the electric look of green and blue or pink and periwinkle – explore the extremes of saturation and contrast to find unconventional color pairings. 

Like the colors chosen for “The Superpower of Looking” campaign by Pentagram below.

the power of looking contrasting color palette by pentagram design trend 2025

The Superpower of Looking by Pentagram Agency

Designers are exploring disharmony in color and using that to garner attention and intrigue from their audience. Sometimes breaking the rules can be a good way to find something you didn’t know you liked! 

The Coqual ads by Pentagram below pair striking color combinations to create contrast and disrupt the visuals you usually see in your day-to-day.

Coqual contrasting colors design trend 2025

Coqual by Pentagram agency

5. Fonts at the forefront

Last year we saw experimental font trends take over graphic design. But this year, that’s changed. Just kidding, exciting fonts are still in, but, the words themselves are being used as the focal point. 

Colors and composition are taking a backseat as folks choose to use unique imperfect fonts for striking words to convey what they need to.

Sometimes the right words in the right font pack a bigger punch than all the design tricks in the book. Like the bold and conversational take that Slather used below. When was the last time you even heard the word “slather”?

Slather brand identity typography design trend 2025

Source: Slather sunscreen

We’ve also found display fonts are taking center stage as we experiment with how far legibility boundaries can be pushed while maintaining clarity. Display fonts can vary significantly, but we predict a rise in elongated and handwritten fonts and abstract lettering.

Note: Be cautious with this trend, sacrificing legibility for cutting-edge design can backfire.

experimental font graphic design trend example

Source: Sarah Vermeulen on Behance

abstract typography branding example

Source: Julia Jay on Behance

Tip: Designers and entrepreneurs can captivate international audiences by focusing on abstract shapes and negative space in fonts, rather than language.
experimental fonts in a branding example to display graphic design trends in 2024

Source: Yurie Takashima on Behance

Check out these experimental logo fonts on Looka’s logo generator:

6. Doodle this

In 2025 the unwavering power of a hand-drawn logo is wiggling its way into branding and graphics everywhere.

Industries most affected will be the food and beverage industry – with some craft and artisanal businesses. But, tech companies are also diving into the emotional advantage of a mascot in 2025. Check out the simple look of the Popup Bagels logo below. The logo looks as handmade as the bagel itself.

popup bagels handwritten font design trend example

Handmade illustrations, doodles, and honestly anything that looks like it was made by human hands is a prime trend in 2025. This trend is all about reconnecting with people and adding a sense of fun and emotional connection. With the right wording, it can go hand in hand with our 5th trend! 

Check out a digital application of this hand-drawn trend for “The Print Club” brand by Pentagram.

the print club London by pentagram

Print Club London by Pentagram

All doodles are welcome this year! Add an artisanal and handmade touch to your products through drawing and illustration. It’s an ode to old-world craftsmanship and handmade arts!

The logos below have a handwritten logo font and a handmade illustration as their symbol. 

handmade illustration branding

Designed by pazmiamor.com

The logos below have a handwritten logo font and a handmade illustration as their symbol.

7. Anti-design

Over the years we’ve seen many renditions of anarchy in design. All that to say, breaking the rules tastefully is easier said than done. We’re seeing multiple fonts with varying weights and sizes, altered spacing, and sideways composition to make you tilt your head.

Nuclear energy influencer Isodope uses parallax scrolling which feels like the Star Wars credit roll, to create a space-adventure-like website experience.

Isodope anti-design website graphic design trend

After following age-old design principles, designers intentionally break the rules to create a unique design that instantly catches your eye and imagination. This trend is not for the faint of heart though! It works well for creatives or creative industries like event planning, art galleries, bars and bands, and festivals.  

alternative design graphic design trend

Ewelina Kotra on Behance

anti design graphic design trend example

Clusterduck Collective on Behance

event poster on anti-design graphic design trend

Source: Behance

There’s no wrong answer here! In fact, wrong answers are welcome. Do your worst!

8. Simple geometry

Geometric fonts, shapes, and compositions are making a sharp entrance in 2025. Designers and people alike seek refuge from ambiguity in the pristine angles and geometry of shapes.

The psychology of shapes is a profound tool in influencing folks subconsciously.

Get inspired by tapping into shape meanings and reducing the world around you into rudimentary concepts. There’s something soothing about looking at the world from a more simplified lens. 

Shapes of all sizes and colors appear in branding, packaging, and web design to usher in a bold and contemporary look. Although this design trend isn’t suitable for all industries, it’s for projects that want a modern look.

Manuvo by Pentagram geometric shapes design trend

Manuvo by Pentagram

OM skincare

Om Organics packaging

Geometric shapes graphic design trend example

Source: Polina Zagumenova on Behance

9. The dark side

We’ve noticed designers have traded the proverbial blank slate for a black one. 

This means we’re seeing more black backgrounds! So color choices amongst designers are shifting to brighter ones to offset the dark. As black becomes the main contrasting shade – designers are free to experiment with any shade in the lighter or bolder end of the spectrum.

From a blood red to an aura-like mix of pastel colors, we’re seeing colors shine brighter on a black background. Like the ad for Patreon by Wolff Olins below:

patreon dark colors graphic design trend 2025

Source: Patreon by Wolff Olins

This aura-like gradient is a color trend in 2025!

Dark shades can also blend well with physical materials. Be it enamel pins, posters, and t-shirt designs. Black looks good in virtually any setting. The little black dress isn’t black for no reason!

It’s a shade that has the power to blend into any scenario and morph into any aesthetic. Designers are taking advantage of that this year. 

guts branding and ads by Wolff Olins

10. Biophilic design

With the sustainability conversation growing, designers are embracing climate awareness and infusing their designs with natural elements, textures, and earthy color palettes. A report from McKinsey on sustainability and affordability found that:

84% of consumers consider sustainability important in their purchase decisions. Products making sustainability-related claims are growing faster than those that don’t.

This trend is about being inspired by the sturdiness of rocks, the oscillating sea, bright fresh fruit, and lush forest canopies. Designers are channeling nature’s sensations, but also mindfully selecting colors that have natural dye alternatives and work well on the surface they sit on.

environmental design trends example

Source: Taste Studio on Behance

With the rise of paper packaging, metal containers, and glass surfaces, designers are re-evaluating what earth-friendly colors and designs they can pack onto these materials without packing on more carbon emissions.

  This trend is great for branding, website design, and packaging food or nature-based products. But anything goes as long as it’s environmentally centered. 

rock textured graphic design trending

Designed by www.327.pt

A look back at graphic design trends in 2024

Wondering what was relevant last year? Some trends linger longer than others. Here’s a recap of the graphic design trends last year.

  1. Diversity and inclusion
  2. 3D surrealism
  3. 70s nostalgia
  4. Maximalism in composition
  5. Experimental typography
  6. Illustration and animation
  7. Anti-design
  8. Vintage minimalism
  9. Abstract gradients and transitions
  10. Texture and senses
  11. Earth-first design
  12. Geometric shapes
  13. AI-powered design

Although this year’s graphic design trends feel like a bit of everything, they’re only a reflection of the changing world around us. Try different perspectives and go out there to create meaningful, world-changing work. We’re rooting for you!

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