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Resolve to Master these Trends in 2020
You’ve packed away that last box of decorations and said goodbye to last year. Like so many others, you’re likely settling into the new year with a list of resolutions in hand, and you’re ready to get to work. As a designer, your list of resolutions may include one about taking your work to the next level in 2020. Sounds great, in theory, but where do you start? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back.
Whether you’re looking to improve your current skill set or learn a new skill to snag your dream job, we’ve put together a few emerging graphic design trends to help you keep learning and growing with advice from the pros. We scoured the internet, read about all of the 2020 trends, and created a short punch list, so you don’t have to!
Our graphic design trends series will feature expert advice, forward-looking shifts in timeless elements of design, and a dive into four trends sure to take 2020 by storm. For the next several months, we’ll touch on an emerging trend and help you understand how to apply it to your designs.
Abstract Illustration
Von Glitschka, owner of Glitschka Studios, has been designing and illustrating for some of the most respected global brands for over 30 years. During that time, he’s watched brands move away from large ad agencies specifying illustration as part of a broader marketing strategy and move toward smaller, boutique design firms with more targeted creative capabilities. With smaller firms driving demand for illustrated design, he notes that “they understand how illustration differentiates brands and helps the product stand out amongst cookie-cutter campaigns." He’s also watched illustration styles change, noting the growth in popularity of abstract illustration in particular.
As we talk with Von to address the growing trend toward abstract illustration in 2020, Von also shares his unique perspective on social media as an illustration disrupter, the vital influence of travel on design, and the joy of working with his daughter, Savannah at Glitschka Studios. Coincidentally, Von has been experimenting with abstract illustration for his latest personal poster project that confronts an ever-present movement toward diversity in our society and design. We’ll share his thoughts along with a sneak preview here on Against the Grain.
Typography, Everywhere
As niche social media platforms—such as TikTok and Instagram—continue to rise as a primary form of communication for many, typography is becoming more expressive, more personal. The idea of "pick'n' mix" typographic choices is weaving its way from the screen to print and outdoor media. The 'quick-read, meme-worthy' influence of today's media is also having an impact on typographic expression—favoring minimalistic font choices and selections with more significant visual expressions. Designers are looking to say it with fewer words, with a bigger visual impact. Over the last few years, many global corporations have created custom-designed fonts. Self-expression isn't just for the giant mega-corporation, many small businesses and individuals are turning to unique hand-lettering or customized type solutions for their visual communications.
With the escalation of societal changes on the horizon, 2020 is the year that typography pairs with design, every which way imaginable, to attract viewer attention and influence decisions. SCAD Typography Professors Thomas Hull, John Howrey, and Sohee Kwon share their experience and educational expertise on how to break through the clutter and get your message seen. Charged with the ambitious task of continuously keeping SCAD's Type curriculum current and setting standards for their students learning about typography, they are the leading educational resources in this space. They’re poised to show you how to navigate the brave new typographical world.
Muted/Natural Color Palettes
If anyone understands color, it’s Sucha Becky, Creative Director for world-renowned Design Army. As a native Thai, her sensibility has brought a unique point of view to design. Thoughtful and edgy, raw and refined, sensitive, and unafraid, her strength in conceptual thinking and design has created a wealth of successful campaigns at Design Army over the past ten years, including creative work for Neenah.
In 2019, Sucha was a large part of the Design Army team tapped by Neenah to bring a more cohesive and consistent look to the overall brand. Part of the successful rebranding included the launch of a new campaign, Where Ideas Lead, which seeks to position Neenah as a partner in the creative process, providing the products and services — the solutions — to help transform ideas into results. The campaign does not follow the expected path of photographing already designed labels, boxes, and bags. Instead these visuals show products that are by design not designed, focusing instead on the idea that the paper and packaging substrates are beautiful enough to stand alone, and provide the canvas for creatives to envision their own designs. A large part of the campaign is built on elegant, muted color palettes and patterns to identify with each solution. Sucha will talk us through the conception of the natural color palette and accompanying patterns and show us how you can apply this trend to your design in 2020.
Shiny Metals
Metallic finishes have long been a staple in graphic design, but in 2020 expect to see some next level usage. Designers are leading the transition from rose gold and copper to cooler tones like nickel and silver. Scott Gasch of Fey Printing will share his thoughts on the growth of the metallic trend in print design and how new printing capabilities will allow creatives to push the boundaries beyond what was ever possible before now. A printing company with a long history of investing in the latest technology, Fey continues to place itself at the forefront of the intersection between design and print.
Fey has seen it all as it grew from a small hot-metal printshop in the 1930s to a modern 100,000 square foot, full-service facility today. Much has changed…while much remains the same. Family-owned by the Gasch’s since 1989, the company prides itself on working with today’s top designers and brands to execute top of the line printing. Who better to show us the way forward than a company forged by a commitment to cutting-edge technology and equipment with a long history of helping designers bring their creative vision to printed fruition.
Onward, Upward in 2020
Now, more than ever, the world is seeking out design. With favorable economic conditions boosting corporate profits, companies can invest in more marketing and advertising activities to meet consumer demand. Widespread acceptance of design in corporate culture has created monumental changes in the way we do business. Massive shifts are underway for brands in the areas of sustainability, circularity, politics, activism, cultural movements, big data, and emerging technology. It’s an exciting time for design.
Once armed with the right knowledge and know-how, there’s no stopping you this year. So, come on, the time is right to brush up or learn new skills, impress your boss, take the and reach for the next rung. You must continue learning and growing in your craft, and we’re here to help. We hope you enjoy our upcoming series and it benefits not only your personal growth, but gives you the edge you need to take your career to the next level in 2020. Stay tuned!