Author: Milo Themes
Translation/Editing: Director of the melon field Jun
To read the original English version, please scroll to the bottom of the article. If you need to reprint please click here to view reprint instructions.
Translator’s words
This article was published on Behance by The Milo Themes team by Loredana Papp-Dinea and co-author Mihai Baldean.
Milo is a design development team, and their two recent design trends guides have been read by a combined 1 million people in various communities abroad, and have been translated into Russian and Chinese. So they combined the articles, and they got this very long collection.
Here we reveal the best trends in graphic design for 2018.
1. Bold, vibrant colors
In 2017, we saw an explosion in the use of bold, vibrant colors in design, making it one of the most important design trends of this year and even 2019.
As ultra violet takes over millennial pink, and intense colors create psychedelic visual impact, we’ll see some eye-catching designs.
Project:Show Go Poster Collection 2018
The author:Studio-JQ
1. 2. Smart trashcan
Pantone, founded in 1962, is the world’s leading color company and one of the world’s leading suppliers of color systems.
This year, Pantone chose some bright colors with ultra violet as its main colors.
Shades of lavender, violet and other purples will also be popular. Ultra violet is a “blue-based purple that takes our cognition and potential to a higher level,” and we love it anyway!
Big brands are already using it in their brand image.
In addition to ultra Violet, our secret favorites this year include Cherry Tomato, Meadowlark, Lime Punch, Arcadia, and more.
* Click the color card below to see the larger image and find the corresponding color.
Project:Party Casino Rebrand
The author:PartyCasino creative team
3. Gradient color transition
The gradual color transition was a trend in 2017, but this year it’s going to be more bold. Overlapping graphics, or just a simple background, can be used perfectly in your work. The past few months have seen the use of gradients in all areas of design, from branding to packaging.
Gradient backgrounds, two-color gradients, multi-color gradients, gradient pattern overlays, fine line frames or strokes, in typography and Logos, or combine planar elements — pick one you like best and go for it!
Project:Gerald Sans geometric font
The author:NEWFLIX Bro
Project:CodeApps VI
The author:Mariusz Mitkow
4. Flat design
If you’re an enthusiast for clean, minimalist design, then flat designs are for you. Using subtle shadows to add some dimension to your work, perhaps using gradients or bright colors, is sure to make your design more eye-catching and memorable.
Project:Doom Massive
The author:Milo Themes
Project:Dribbble iOS App Redesign
The author:Tran Mau Tri Tam
5. Geometric elements
Use geometric elements in your design, such as polygons (triangles, squares and pentagons), or other curvy shapes such as circles and ovals, and your work will be impressive.
Project:French Columbia culture season brand design
The author:Graphéine
Project:Nike Le Quartier
The author:AtelierIrradie
6. Double tone
Two-tone is expected to be one of the hottest trends of 2018. It’s not a new technology in the design, it’s actually been around for decades, but Spotify has brought it back into the mainstream. You can mix bold colors to create an unforgettable design.
Project:Stranger Things concept UI design website
The author:Manuel Rovira
Source:Spotify
Brutalist art
Brutalist art is a very crude and definitely compelling concept. It appeared in designs in the 1950s, mostly for posters (it first appeared in architecture in the 1940s).
But now this primitive, raw concept is back, and you’ll encounter it in all areas of design. It aims to shock people visually through its uncomfortable way, with clumsy typography and unrefined design techniques.
Project:U.S. Department of Defense Network Guide
The author:MarçalPrats
Project:Power A Political Party
The author:Bruce Vansteenwinkel
8. Generative design
Generative design has been used in brand visual design in recent years, and we will continue to see it in 2018. Combining colors and shapes can create some unique design logos and make the brand more recognizable.
Debrecen 2023 European Capital of Culture
Kiss Jozsef Gergely, Attila Acs, Fruzsina Folfoldi, Lili Koves, Classmate Studio
Project:Sydney Institute of Entrepreneurship
The author:Olivia King.Jason Little.For The People.Johanna Roca.James Gilmore.Ben Walker
Project:Archdiploma Dynamic Identity
The author:Process
9. Personalize illustrations
Hand-drawn illustrations, or even simple elements, can give a brand a unique personal touch. Hand-drawn elements don’t have to be elaborate, they can be rough shapes that add realism to a project.
Left project:Selected illustrations of 2017
The author:Justina Lei
Project on the right:Serverless Conf
The author:Romain Trystram
Project:Bitcoin Illustration
The author:Milo Themes.Loredana Papp-Dinea.Mihai Baldean
Project:Concept illustration GHZ product design
Leo Natsume (Ha ha Natsume, does this Brazilian designer like Natsume? Me, too.
Project:Selected works of 2017
The author:Adrián San Vicente
10. Illustration combined with photography
One eclectic trend in 2018 is to combine personalized illustration with photography. This technique can give any piece a unique and very modern look. Adding hand-drawn elements to simple photography can make any image stand out, even if you’re using it for a fashion shoot, concept or poster work.
Project:The magazine cover
The author:Andreea Robescu
Design of 11.
Geometric patterns inspired by the 80’s and 90’s are back! Inspired by 80s music posters, art, film and fashion, patterns are set to hit the design world this year. We need to be bold with color in this trend.
Left project:Yes To All
The author:Nick Liefhebber
Project on the right:LOGOFOLIO 2017
The author:268 notable designers like arik levy Design
Left project:Outline Montreal Masks
The author:Patrick Seymour.BÜRO UFHO
12. Smooth animations and GIFs
Motion graphics are everywhere, from websites, logos, products, or demo videos of services. One of the big trends in motion graphics is seamless transitions that allow people to better understand your product.
Project:RED Design Summit
Author: Kevin Hou (A UC designer of Alibaba in China)
13. Honest, authentic photography
Current photo libraries (Unsplash, Pexels, etc.) are also influenced by the trend, and this year real, honest photography will take the cake. As many big brands start to adopt sports and special elements, our photos will be more realistic, as easy as snapshots.
Source:Unsplash Gallery website
14. Architectural inspiration
The minimalism of modern architecture is also inspiring the design world. Geometric abstractions with contours and right angles can also be found in designs such as websites, posters or signs.
Project:Berlin Jewish Cultural Festival 2017
The author:Any Studio
15. The combination of 2D and 3D
It is very popular to incorporate 3D models into 2D projects. Combining this mixture of depth and plane creates some unique visual aesthetics. This technique can be used in various design areas such as Logos, web sites, or video presentations. It comes out in a visually complex way that must be impressive.
16. Use only one color scheme
Over the past few months, we’ve seen a lot of designs that use only one color scheme. The product uses the same color scheme as the background and uses shadows or 3D effects to create depth of field.
Source:H&M
17. Doodle hand-drawn illustration
Hand-drawn illustrations, or simple elements, can give a brand a personal touch. Hand-drawn elements don’t need much polishing, and rough shapes can add more realism to the project.
Left project:Toasted Pets
The author:Brosmind ®
Project on the right:Art Center Bahrain Packaging
The author:Elias Madan
Project:Wake up the Holiday proposal
The author:Milo Themes.Loredana Papp-Dinea.Mihai Baldean
18. The intersection of styles
Illustration combined with photography, text combined with photographs, gradients with bold type, bright two-tone colors — if you combine two or three or more 2018 trends, you get an eclectic and memorable design.
Project:Styled Social Media kit
The author:Maksat Amirzhanuly
Logo design
19. Responsive logos
In a responsive world, making your Logo adaptable to any device is crucial. A truly responsive logo does not simply zoom in and out on a page or device, it needs to have a subtle adaptation and be flexible in its context.
The author:Design Studio
20. Animated Logo
Animated logos have actually been around for a while, but they’ve been in almost every demo lately. An animated logo can tell the brand’s story and is much more transmissible because it is truly memorable.
Project:Type With Pride Gilbert font
The author:Fontself Team.Akiko Nakashima.Justin Au.Robyn Makinson.Chris Rowson.Bastien Baumann
Project:DOCTV
The author:Beetroot Design
21. Colorful and interesting Logos
Logos that combine fun elements, animation and personalized illustrations are a big trend this year. Most brands want to send a positive message to consumers in a fun way.
The author:Axel Flores.Vladimir Lifanov.Silvestri Thierry.Vadim Carazan.Onrepeat Studio.Serafim Mendes
22. White space
Negative Space remains a popular choice in Logo design. We’ve seen a lot of this trend in recent years, but it’s still hitting the design world. In past years, designers have used white space to create a minimalist feel, but what’s new this year is the bold use of colors, geometric patterns and elements in the white space.
The author:SeisTrece Studio.Vadim Carazan.Quim Marin.Bureau Rabensteiner.Andrei Traista
23. Monogrammed
Monograms are a combination of letters, equivalent to the Chinese monogram. Monograms represent the combination of L and V invented by LV, which is both a combination of letters and a pattern design.
Monogram will never disappear from Logo design. They are a steady way to deliver brand quality and heritage. It also has a more modern design approach, incorporating bright colors, two-tone or geometric patterns that are trending this year.
The author:Milo Themes.Romain Billaud
24. Geometric shapes and patterns
Incorporating personalized graphics into the Logo can make the brand’s presentation more intense. Simple geometric shapes can make logos more diverse and unique, so we’re sure to see more of them in 2018.
The author:Islam biko.Quim Marin.Silvestri Thierry.Vadim Carazan
25. Gradients
You probably already know that gradients are one of the biggest trends following 2016 and 2017, and of course, this trend will also be seen in Logo design. Which would you prefer, a gentle gradient or a bold switch?
The author:MICHAEL SPITZ.Nicholas Slater.Jeroen van Eerden.Vadim Carazan
26. The superposition method
With the growth of the two-tone trend this year, overlapping elements are really hot in Logo design. Take a look at our picks for you.
The author:CaveLantern.Fontself Team.Rosie Manning
Packaging design
27. Graphic design
When it comes to packaging design, graphic design is still its choice. Flat shapes, patterns or personalized illustrations are a trend in 2018.
Project:Cut big cheese to melt – McDonald’s package
The author:Mostafa Abdelmawla
Project:The-Gang
The author:Mustafa Akülker.Juan Tide.Onur Ucar.Duygu Erdem.Marka Network
Project:Melio
The author:Rachael Batley
28. Minimalist design
Flourishing complex designs is a thing of the past, so we only need to leave relevant information in the design. This trend uses a lot of white space, so consumers simply interact with the necessary information.
Project:Sarta-Milano
The author:Mustafa Akülker.Juan Tide.Onur Ucar.Duygu Erdem.Marka Network
Project:Gyalmo
The author:Marysia Markowska.Ł obzowska Studio
29. Patterns and shapes
The geometric
We will encounter the use of geometry in various designs. Choose a geometric pattern that fits your work and give it a try!
Project:DLIGHT Beer Cocktail
The author:Gintare Marcin.Valerija Zileniene.Irmantas Savulionis
Project:NICHE tea
The author:IWANT Design
Personalize shapes and elements
Personalized design is necessary for a unique brand visual identity.
Project:The Bijou Factory
The author:Phoenix The Creative Studio.Alexis Malin.Anthony Morell.Louis Paquet.Clément Piganeau
Project:Natural organic chocolate
The author:Mike Karolos
Project:aleFanty
The author:less.Anna Holik.Martyna W ę dzicka – Obuchowicz.Gosia Perkowska
Project:Resonance
The author:Lucas Wakamatsu
graffiti
Graffiti is a new trend in all areas of design this year, and sign design is perfect for this bold pattern. In packaging, graffiti can also transform a simple, boring design into a fun, unique work of art.
Project:Misfitjuicery
Project:Zoe-Juices
The author:Beetroot Design
Restoring ancient ways
Even though they have been around for years, vintage patterns still exist today. Vintage design is associated with Goldman Sachs quality and has a traditional feel to it. Retro design is based on details and can create a lasting brand image.
Project:FICO Eataly World – Mutti Special Edition
The author:Auge Design.Giovanni Stillittano
Project:A lovely shortcake packaging design
Authors: Zhang Qianli, Xu Lingling (Two designer Jackets in Xiamen)
30. Bold fonts
Bold fonts can convey a strong and clear message. If you want your work to stand out, use large fonts and combine them with bold colors.
Project:Refresh
The author:Sergey Golodyaev.Nastia Jey
Project:Amilk & Adidas
The author:Duy Dao.Kristen Chon
31. The color
Strong color matching
Strong color schemes are the stars of the year, so we can also find them in packaging design. Combined with exaggerated patterns and geometric shapes, strong color schemes can add freshness to any product.
Project:Deker-rebranding
The author:less.Anna Holik.Martyna W ę dzicka – Obuchowicz.Gosia Perkowska
Project:Mochila
The author:Sweety＆Co.
Project:The Pizza Affair
The author:Futura
Soft color scheme
Pastel color matching is a response to the strong color matching trend and will increasingly be used in packaging design. If you want to convey a warm feeling to your customers, pastel colors are a good choice.
Left project:Majka
The author:Futura
Project on the right:Freshly Baked
The author:Design Happy
Project:Ela cosmetics
The author:ChocoToy cute
32. Unusual materials and shapes
Packaging designs range from transparent to metallic. With so many products on the shelves, a truly innovative package needs to stand out and be remembered. So designers need to use unusual materials to create modern, forward-looking products.
Left project:New Asia green Paulownia wooden box
The author:Should be jue Yinjue
Project on the right:Ecological bamboo toothbrush
The author:Margas Family
33. Holographic effect
Holographic effect is in this period of time to reappear, a trend in the past. The metal used is very futuristic and can create eye-catching designs.
Project:EAT ME
The author:Maria Otrutckaya.Anastasia Bogatkova.Packvision Agency
Project:Sphynx
The author:Anagrama Studio
34. Gradual discoloration in packaging
As we’ve already shown, gradients are also one of the biggest trends this year, and we can see them being used a lot in packaging design. Add soft gradients to create visual depth, or use bright colors for a strong presentation.
Project:YOU OIL Natural cosmetics
The author:Valerija Zileniene.Algirdas Orantas.Irmantas Savulionis
Web design UI/UX
35. Mobile first
It’s not news that Mobile views are outpacing PC views. With dynamic ICONS, menus, and submenus, all designers take mobile into account.
Project:Food and beverage App interactive collection
The author:Johny vino ™
Project:Mile tracker App design
The author:Stanislav Hristov
36. Break up the grid
Some designers are often constrained by the classic grid, so now they are trying to break the rules and unleash their creativity. With images and text overlapping and converging, breaking the grid layout can create some unique experimental designs.
Project:Ueno Concepts
The author:Ben Mingo
Project:Refugee Country – Website design
The author:Justin Au.Bastien Baumann
37. Integrated animation
The use of animation is a great tool for your audience to understand the brand’s story, interact and have fun, and create a unique experience for your visitors. Animations can be used to switch pages.
Project:Enterprise official website LitsLink
The author:Elena Galitsky.Max Balter.Bachoo Design Studio
Project:Unight
The author:Stan Yakusevich.Senya Ars.Vladimir Gruev.Mind Studios
38. Personalized illustrations
2018 will continue to see the rise of illustration in web design. This trend will spread very quickly as big brands use custom illustrations for rebranding. Digital and traditional artists can create personalized illustrations to suit each business and address the needs of their target customers.
Project:The life cycle
The author:Iswanto Arif.puji ari setiawan.Ghani Pradita.Sole Chan.Paperpillar Studio
Project: Koypo Industries Illustration
The author:Milo Themes
39. Rounded corners and flowing shapes
In the past few years, web design has been dominated by right angles and sharp geometric shapes. In the past few months, sleek curves and fluid shapes have begun to replace this trend. Combined with bright colors and layers, this trend will continue this year.
Doom Massive
The author:Milo Themes
Project:LuxuryClean iOS App
The author:Mariusz Mitkow.Patryk Chlabicz
Project:Site landing page design
The author:Mariusz Mitkow
40. Parallax rolling
Parallax scrolling has become mainstream, and you can’t deny its popularity these days. Scrolling determines the speed of the animation, and your imagination is its limit.
Project:Dex multilayer parallax
The author:Milo Themes
Printing process
41. 3d modeling
There is a strong trend for 3D to take over all areas of design. 3D printing can bring a real life effect to your composition.
Project:Atypical
The author:Pawel Nolbert
Project:The alphabet
The author:Serafim Mendes
Project:RE NEON vI
The author:Omar. Aqil
42. Bold typography
Bold typography has been a big trend over the past few years and is definitely here to stay. 2018 will see more bold printing combined with bright colors. So remember, if you want to create a strong logo, try this style!
Project:AVis Club – 12th anniversary poster design
The author:Milo Themes
Project:TEDxGroningen
The author:Rudmer van Hulzen
43. Serif fonts
In the past few years, typography has been dominated by non-serif fonts. But in the past few months, we’ve seen serif fonts make a comeback. Here are some interesting choices using serif fonts that are great.
Left project:Custom class design
The author:Moshik Nadav Typography
Project on the right:Lux Naturalis Gala Invitation
The author:Rachel Roth
44. Geometric types
Geometric fonts have been really important in the past few years and are still an important trend in 2018. Geometric fonts can give any work its uniqueness and futuristic feel.
Left project:VitrineMedia
The author:Graphéine
Project on the right:Sydney Institute of Entrepreneurship
The author:For The People
45. Customize fonts
Customizing fonts takes time and money, but the result is unique, easy to recognize and remember. If you’re looking for individuality and uniqueness, custom fonts can help you stand out.
Left project:Mazura typeface
The author:Official Classic
Left project:Underwear XO the sexiest and most powerful font
The author:Moshik Nadav Typography
46. Font alignment and spacing
Confusing typography was one of the major trends of 2017, and it’s still there in 2018. Forget the grid and let your ideas fly free!
47. Type of experiment
Designers should try to use English fonts and Chinese fonts. Mix pre-made fonts with white space, or custom elements, and the results can be amazing.
Project:Experimental Chinese font Creation – A case study of independent music visual Design
The author:Letitia Lin
48. Typography combined with life elements
An eclectic trend is always hot, and we love it. Incorporate bold fonts in live photography or create an avant-garde effect in 3D rendering.
3 d rendering
49. Abstract shapes
This year, the combination of 3D abstract shapes with vivid color schemes was a winning combination. This is definitely one of the most influential trends of the year, so keep an eye on it.
Project:Logitech CRAFT
The author:Pawel Nolbert
Project:Sweet Spirals
The author:Kirill Maksimchuk
50. Metal 3D rendering
The 3D effects of metal are really fascinating and it’s definitely a trend worth watching in 2018.
Project:Happy New Year, INDITEX
The author:TAVO
Project:NIKE FC – 3D gold ball in the real world
The author:TAVO
51. 3D graphics of motion
As animation begins to conquer the design world, 3D animation is clearly in the spotlight this year. Combined with sound, this kind of animation will be very popular in multimedia projects. Using visual effects and other cinematic techniques, designers can bring life to 3D characters and typography to better showcase product logos.
Project:Video of NIKOPICTO’s 2018 collection
The author:Nikopicto
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