Graphic design trends, like fashion fads, come and go, but creating standout, original work is a timeless art that seems to quickly be dwindling. Balancing the ebb and flow of trends with your own unique touch is a design tightrope I've come to conquer over the years. So, how can you keep your designs fresh, current, and distinctly yours? Here's how I do it.
Stay In Sync With The Trendy Landscape:
We're all familiar with the buzz surrounding design trends. It's like the rhythm of the design world, and staying in sync is crucial. Platforms like Behance, Dribbble, and Awwwards are treasure troves of design inspiration, showcasing the latest and greatest in visual creativity. It's good to know what is working TODAY in the industry and distill down the mechanics or behavioural economics of WHY beneath the pretty graphic design.
Audience-Centric Design:
Understanding your audience is a tale told time and time again, but there is a reason for this. It works. So, dig into user feedback, social media insights, and customer surveys. This helps in crafting designs that not only wow but also resonate with your or your clients target audience. I've been shocked too many times when looking up insights for who is actually engaging with my content, vs. who is actually converting into sales. It can change the strategy.
Rules are Meant to be Broken (Sometimes):
Consistency is key, but that doesn’t mean you can't bend a few rules. Use established brand guidelines as a canvas, then splash on a touch of trendiness to create something entirely unique.
The Fusion Phenomenon:
Ever thought about blending the hottest graphic design trends with something completely unexpected? Think bold typography mixed with retro color palettes, or sleek modernism infused with rustic textures. I have fallen back on this strategy a time or two with great success!
Beyond Design: The Art of Inspiration:
Inspiration isn't confined to the realms of design alone. Explore art galleries, immerse yourself in nature, or dive into cultural experiences. These unconventional sources can spark a fire of creativity that leads to design breakthroughs. Heck, I've been inspired once in a yoga class, and another time from a little 6-year old's butterfly t-shirt.
Feedback: The Holy Grail of Progress:
Your audience holds the key to unlocking design greatness. Engage in user testing, feedback loops, and A/B testing to understand what truly resonates. Thick skin can be important as a designer. I never take things too personally as the ultimate goal is to make improvements and even when you don't want to hear it, sometimes the outside perspective gives new light.
Mastering the art of design trends while maintaining a unique touch is like being a culinary maestro. Blend, mix, and serve up designs that leave an indelible mark on your audience. Remember, it's about pushing boundaries, staying inspired, and, most importantly, having fun with your creativity!
So, here I am to ride the waves of trends and create design marvels that are unique! And if you need a design that is on trend, contact me to get started.
xo xo
Your favourite brand + marketing strategist, Raelee