Experimental typography, minimalist style, dark mode, and 3D design set the aesthetic for the New Year
2023 is just around the corner, and the most forward-thinking among us are already starting to prepare lists of resolutions and upcoming creative challenges. This is why it is important to gather information and make a forecast of what the year will bring in terms of trends. According to Natalia Escaño (@nataliaescano), the designer and illustrator behind the Nia brand, "being aware of what's up and coming to be able to implement it in our projects and not be left behind is a must". She spoke to us about the design trends for the year 2023.
"That the pandemic hit us all is pretty obvious, and graphic design was not going to be any different," says the expert, who is a leader on Pinterest. "Fed up with being confined and bored with dullness, we are now more eager to express ourselves than ever, in a big way, in full color." But how will this creative intention be accomplished? As Natalia explains, some trends are clearly made for a specific field. However, there are other, more versatile styles that can be applied to editorial design, web or mobile app design, social networks or branding campaigns, and even fashion.
Some of the trends that appear in this article have already been spotted in 2022 and will be consolidated in 2023. In terms of design, Natalia assures us that they will adapt to "the technology we have exploited so much and which is in constant development" and to "new ways of designing". Take note!
5 design trends for 2023
For the designer, the following five design trends (and these examples) will stand out and serve you as inspiration in the new year.
1. Typography rules
"Conventional fonts have taken a back seat to give way to other, more fun typographies," she says, while listing the wide range of new possibilities for creating and playing: "organic, futuristic, art nouveau, textured shapes, etc.".
Of course, there is always the exception to the rule: "sans serif will continue to be popular, but in bold and huge format!"
Who should be your inspiration? In this respect, Natalia is clear: "Ed Benguiat is the boss of typography." Before becoming one of the most important typography designers of the 20th century, Ed Benguiat was a sought-after jazz percussionist. He then decided to turn his career around and studied at Columbia and New York Universities, as well as at the Workshop School of Advertising Art in New York.
Soon after, he became associate director at Esquire and is currently known worldwide for creating more than 600 fonts. He is responsible for the famous typography of the Stranger Things series, many Stephen King titles, magazines such as Playboy, and prestigious brands such as Tiffany & Co., among others.
2. Less is still more
"Minimalism continues and will continue to be a trend," explains Natalia, "and I like it that way," she says.
Although this trend has been consistent for a long time, every year, a new twist tries to surpass the previous one. Although some people may think it is a boring style, for Natalia, "minimalism can bring quality and class to a design, if it is done well, of course." This time around, the designer predicts that color palettes, experimental typographies, and elegant serifs will be in charge of elevating minimalism next season.
Where should you draw inspiration from? When it comes to this trend, Natalia highlights Barcelona-based Hey Studio, which specializes in brand identity, and editorial and illustration work. "They combine colors and typographies like no one else," she says, as demonstrated by their branding of Solo Aceite, the branding and web design of Cloudworks and the packaging of Caravelle's craft beers.
Along the same lines, Natalia also mentions Practice, a "fresh, fun, and daring" multidisciplinary branding and design studio. The identity and packaging of Allkinds (a brand for the personal care of the youngest members of the family, using vegan products and 100% natural fragrances) is an example of their values, conveyed with minimalist compositions full of cheerful and vibrant colors.
3. Dark mode is here
It is a fact that we spend more and more time in front of screens. That's why "dark mode design is expected to be a big trend in the coming year". Little by little, users are integrating this option into their daily workflow and, in the same way, brands, apps, and websites are adapting their interfaces to this format.
"If you design a product where potential customers need to be at the screen for a long time, you need to incorporate this mode into your business," proclaims Natalia.
4. Go for a retro flat style
It is often said that things were better in the past. Although this is not always true, nostalgia plays an important role in idealizing moments, memories, and even designs. As Natalia explains, the retro flat style is based on the aesthetics of the 60s and 70s, where "flat designs mixed with bright colors and more daring elements are at play". They are usually accompanied by a lot of rounded and bold typography, adding to their personality.
Who should be your inspiration? This trend includes the work of Adam Bosley, better known as Adam The Illustrator, an illustrator and graphic designer based in Toronto. His work brings a fun and colorful aesthetic, as well as messages about mental health, friendship, and, ultimately, optimism to overcome the ups and downs of everyday life. Smiling characters, geometric shapes, and clear typography are his hallmarks and can be seen in his projects for brands such as McDonald's, Nike, or Red Bull.
Another favorite is Yeye Weller, a German artist and illustrator whose style is characterized by a touch of humor, flat color combinations, and a very clean design. According to Natalia, the key to his success are his "super fresh color combinations." Another of his identifying features is the drawing of animals or objects with human characteristics.
5. 3D design to the forefront
"3D design will take a step forward in 2023," says Natalia. The designer believes that the Metaverse is partly to blame for this concept, although she assures that "we will not only see it applied to virtual reality, but also as an influence on branding, UX design, and even fashion".
Who should inspire you? When asked about a 3D design point of reference, Natalia says: "Roger Roque has a unique talent for creating very cute 3D characters." Known in the industry as Roqueid, the Honduran specialist in 3D, animation, and graphic design has been recognized as one of the most creative Central American artists by Forbes magazine.
3 trends that are being left behind
For Natalia, the way she conceives design has not changed: "it is still a creative process with stages of inspiration, concept, techniques, development, and final result". What has changed for her, and for artists in general, however, are the methods and resources to approach all these steps. "The evolution of technology, social media, the rise of podcasts, as well as my growing interest in art or interior design, undoubtedly contribute to the development of a new way of working," says Natalia.
This transformation can also be seen in trends, as "some are clearly temporary or cyclical". According to Natalia, the following three trends are in need of an update:
1. Gradient
Gradient colors or halos, fine typography, and grainy texture... "It's nice, but we've seen it all before," explains Natalia. It's a trend she likes and, in fact, continues to use. However, the next big thing now is flat, forceful, and vibrant color.
2. Vaporwave
"I confess that this is a trend I have never liked," says Natalia. The origin of this style comes from the eponymous musical genre and refers to 80s and 90s pop culture and the birth of the Internet era. It became fashionable in 2011 and has mainly influenced audiovisual pieces, but time has passed.
3. Organic shapes
"This style of abstract, minimalist, and Boho shapes is the least likely to be a trend in the future," believes Natalia. Natural and pastel tones will probably continue to have their niche in interior design, "but in graphic design, it is outdated.
Natalia's to-do list for 2023 includes learning how to use Figma and Procreate, refreshing her knowledge on strategy, marketing, and UX design, and continuing to research and share trends on her Pinterest account, one of Spain's most influential profiles. Find out more on how to use this valuable tool in her online course Introduction to Pinterest: Profile, Boards and Pins.
What are your thoughts on these trends? Leave your comment at the end of the article.
English version by @acesarato
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