Opinion

7 graphic design trends for 2020

2020 is less than one month away and we are wondering… what will the world of design look like next year? In our inspiration-boosting process, we’re looking into some of the coolest design trends out there. Which of the following trends should be on our „try” list for next year, in your opinion?

1. Bold, contrasting colors

While great designs often feature neutral color palettes, 2020 will be all about bright and bold colors. The minimalism of the past years has led to plenty of monochromatic color palettes. But next year, we will see a lot more colors and gradients. Overall? A much more playful approach.

„2020 will feature brighter & bolder colors than ever before! As the value of design rises, brands are going crazier and wackier than ever with colors to attempt to stand out from the crowd.”
– Ryan Hayward, designer & founder of Pitchproof

Spotify is a great example.



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And speaking of colors. Pantone just announced the color of 2020 and it’s Classic Blue. The deep shade of blue is comforting and relatable – which is quite nice in a new and challenging era. This color is great because it’s both genderless and seasonless, making it accessible and desirable for people all over the world.

“We’re returning to classics because everything has been chaotic in the world,” said Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Institute. “It’s not about doing it like you did in the past, but reinterpreting it.”



2. Introducing more art forms into the graphic design

While graphic design is a stand-alone art form, this year other art forms like illustration and animation will permeate the world of graphic design. In 2020, we will make a small step away from the strict design rules and bridge the gap between art and design.

Illustration in graphic design isn’t something new. But the new year comes with a more simplified approach. Simple illustration will be a top choice when trying to better communicate concepts and ideas.


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One of the best things about using illustration with design projectsis that no other company is going to be able to copy them exactly. Casper was one of the first big companies to embrace this trend, and they have stuck with it ever since:


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Mailchimp is another great example of using unique illustrations to convey a message effectively.

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Check out some of the unique illustrations Doist has been using lately:



3. 3D, volumetric design and isometry

Three dimensional compositions will be huge in 2020. Everything becomes more volumetric, as 3D projects are increasingly filling our world. The trend reached a peak in 2019 and it won’t go away any time soon. Thanks to modern technolgy and increasing software capabilities, 3D will grow even further.

Isometry, or the drawing 3D objects in 2D, is another trend that we will see more of in 2020. Furthermore, motion will be key. Isometric design will enable brands to evolve visually and create more engaging content.


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4. Floating objects

This visual effect of the “floating object” trend focuses on the subject itself. Minimalism gives images lightness and some voices say it’s a perfect technique for outdoor advertising. But we think online will be a great environment to explore this as well.

The era of flying elements in graphic design has definitely come. The idea of designs which move and behave like they are in a non-gravity environment conveys the overall feeling of freedom. Designed with an open composition in mind, these elements boost the major concept of a window to a new world, as they appear floating in and out of the screen.


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5. Logo animation

Logo animation will continue in 2020. Sophisticated animations will allow companies to emphasize the features and the uniqueness of their brand. Why we love them? Animated logos are influencing the brain in terms of relaxation. They can be very satisfying to watch and they can convey the feeling that the consumer is already using the product.


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Do you want to animate your logo? Here you can find some online platforms that offer this service. Some platforms offer you a trial period and you can try animating your logo for free.


6. Hand lettering & typography craze

In 2020, designers will get innovative with modern compositions and typography will play a big role. Hand letters, geometric shapes, decorated fonts – you name it. The artsy typography will get everyone’s attention. Maxi and really thick fonts will rule as well – the thicker the better.

Heavy fonts will be used with a bold or extra bold font–which gives them a “heavy” appearance. These types of fonts can give your designs a modern and contemporary feel. Dynamic photography and 3D effects added to typography will reflect this trend.

Dad Agency is a great example of using dynamic typography online. Check it out here.




7. Lush Lava, Aqua Menthe, and Phantom Blue

These three shades are expected by Shutterstock to dominate 2020. Lush-lava, or the bold orange-red demands a lot of attention. The mix of orange and rich red definitey stands out in the crowd. In Asian countries this shade repesents happiness, love and health.

See the Lush Lava images curated image collection by Shutterstock.


Aqua-menthe is a mix of cyan and mint – two colors that are pleasing to the eye and together they are even more stunning. This color makes you think about the sparkling water of a Caribbean island. It’s perfect to use as an accent or as a main color for bold, contemporary brands.

See the Aqua Menthe photos curated image collection by Shutterstock.


Phantom blue – was famously used by van Gogh in Starry Night. It is a mix of indigo and navy and it offers a very sophisticated vibe. Darker tones are all about trustworthiness, so it works great for a wide range of brands and industries.

See the Phantom Blue images curated image collection by Shutterstock.



Which trends do you think are the most likely to be seen in the Romanian graphic design landscape?