13 Graphic Design Trends to Use in 2021 — and Two to Avoid

 2020 was — in a word — unprecedented. 

The only thing nearly as unprecedented as the events of the year itself? The number of times 2020 was described as "unprecedented."

With the conclusion of a year unlike any other, it's natural to seek out new looks and approaches. 

Desires for new and different –– but also reassuring and less overwhelming ––  experiences will exert significant influence over customer appetites in 2021, including in visual communications and graphic design.

Here, let's dive into the graphic design trends you'll see in 2021. Plus, what design techniques you'll want to avoid. 

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2021 Graphic Design Trends

Current graphic design trends for 2021 offer opportunities to update your brand's aesthetic, earn customers' attention, and unlock greater results. 

These trends fall into three dominant themes or moods: socially-conscious design, dissonance, and optimism. 

Within each theme, there are a number of design techniques and styles you're going to see artists and brands employ.

You're going to want to see this –– and not just because it means 2020 is over.

1. Socially-Conscious Design

Design and culture are integrally connected. Designer and author Robert L. Peters makes it clear where he thinks real change begins: "Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future."

To strive for a better future, it helps to visualize it. 

Social unrest and movements for anti-racism have captured national attention, and every brand and business has to take notice and evaluate where they stand. 

Socially conscious design gained traction throughout the past year, and it's poised for even greater impact in 2021. Within the theme of socially conscious design, key trends include authentic representation, sustainability, and celebrating diversity and imperfection.

2. Authentic Representation

Nike's instantly-iconic ad featuring Colin Kaepernick exemplifies the push for authenticity and design that includes diverse voices and perspectives. 

After widespread protests following the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in 2020, Nike spoke up again, unveiling "For Once, Don't Do It" – subverting the brand's instantly-recognizable tagline. 

You'll continue to see brands pushing boundaries in 2021 when it comes to creating authentic, meaningful, and deeply powerful content over more superficial designs. 

3. Diversity and Imperfection 

The trend to more socially-conscious design aligns with broader cultural pushes to make all forms of media more diverse, inclusive, and affirming of all our various identities and imperfections. 

DesignStudio applies these values and approaches in their authentic, intentionally 'imperfect' rebrand for insurance company Getsafe.

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