PROJECT ENQUIRY
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2024 Design Trends: Retro Revival with a Twist

The world of graphic design is ever-evolving, and 2024 has bought some interesting trends to the design landscape. Here’s a look at just a few of the key trends we saw:

1. 3D Type and Bubble Text

According to Adobe, 3D typography, particularly in the form of bubble text, is gaining popularity. This playful style adds depth and a sense of fun to designs, making them stand out.

“As a way to make designs feel playful and joyful, bubble text has been slowly creeping into more and more designs for the past few years and even more so when combined with 3D animation.”
– Adobe Express, 06/02/2024 
[Source]

Image Source: Pinterest

2. ’70s Nostalgia

In my teen years, the ‘70s were making a comeback, with renewed love for knee-high boots, long-collared leather jackets, and flared jeans, not to mention teased hair. The revival of a little ’70s nostalgia with faded colour palettes, retro patterns, and experimental typography, has me dreaming of my youth, not least because nostalgia seems to bring comfort in uncertain times.

“Major brands are bringing back 1970s-era logos, packaging, and advertising styles to appeal to consumers who fondly remember these designs from their youth.”
- Inkbot, September 2023 
[Source]

Image Source: Pinterest

3. Anti-Design

My inner perfectionist is freaking out over this one! This Anti-Design trend is rebellious and loves to break all the traditional design rules. Impact is created using multiple fonts, unconventional spacing, and unexpected compositions to create eye-catching designs that have you turning your head to the side to look at them.

“We’re seeing sacrilege like multiple fonts with varying weights and sizes grouped into one sentence.”
– Enina Bicaku, Jan 17 2024 
[Source]

Image Source: Pinterest

4. Abstract Gradients and Color Transitions

According to Looka, bold and punchy gradients are becoming more prevalent, with designers using vibrant, neon colours to create modern, dynamic looks.

“We’re seeing vibrant neon colours that are lava lamp-esque and add a surreal look to designs.”
– Enina Bicaku, Jan 17 2024 
[Source]

Image Source: Pinterest

Hmmm… I’m seeing a trend in all these trends! Fun bubbles and rounded typography, retro patterns, rebelliousness, and lava lamps… maybe the trend is just Retro 70’s!

Have you noticed any of these design trends this year? I’d love to see some examples you’ve found.