Are There Any Current Graphic Design Trends That We Should Move On From?
Graphic design trends can be as fleeting as they are fascinating. What’s hot one year can be old news the next, and what’s fresh and exciting can soon become tired and overused. A recent Reddit thread sparked a debate among designers on which trends they’d like to see go away for good. We’ve gathered some of the most common complaints and explored the reasoning behind them.
Trends We’re Tired of: AI-Generated Design
Unsurprisingly, AI-generated design is a trend many designers would like to see the back of. While it may be convenient and cost-effective, some argue it lacks the human touch and uniqueness that makes design truly effective. One designer even admitted to charging 20-40% more by positioning themselves as "organic" and "non-AI-generated" to clients.
The Faded, Dirty, and Blurred Look
Another trend that’s fallen out of favor is the use of intentionally fuzzy, overexposed, or blurred images. This style, which was meant to convey a sense of authenticity and spontaneity, can easily be overdone and become tired. As one designer put it, "I don’t like ‘filter’ design. Just slapping on a filter and calling it a day."
Minimalism and Helvetica-itis
Some designers are also tired of ultra-clean simplicity, where every logo and font looks like it belongs to a tech company. The ubiquity of Helvetica, Futura, and Gill Sans in wordmarks and display fonts has led to a sense of uniformity that’s lost its charm. One designer lamented, "Every logo and font doesn’t need to look like it’s for a tech company."
Corporate Memphis and Alegria Art: The Bane of Designers’ Existence?
Corporate Memphis, a style characterized by bright colors, geometric shapes, and abstract patterns, has had its moment in the sun. Alegria art, with its flat colors and odd proportions, is another trend that’s been criticized for being bland, soulless, and generic. The alegria style was first popularized by the agency Buck for Facebook in 2017, but its ubiquity has led to a backlash.
The Verdict: What’s Your Take?
So, which graphic design trend would you like to see disappear? Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you’re inspired to try something new, check out our picks of the best graphic design software and the best laptops for graphic design.
FAQs
Q: What’s the alegria illustration style?
A: Alegria is a design style characterized by flat colors, odd proportions, and a sense of childlike wonder. It was first popularized by the agency Buck for Facebook in 2017.
Q: Why is AI-generated design a problem?
A: AI-generated design can lack the human touch and uniqueness that makes design truly effective. It can also be seen as impersonal and lacking in creativity.
Q: What’s the problem with minimalism?
A: While minimalism can be effective in small doses, an overreliance on it can lead to a sense of uniformity and a lack of creativity.
