- Rachel Bistricer
- 4 days ago
- 15 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Today’s graphic designers are immersed in a world brimming with creative possibilities, where styles abound and inspiration is limitless. In this constantly evolving graphic design landscape, trends come and go, shaped by advancing technology and shifting cultural currents. Yet, amidst this dynamic flow, certain graphic design styles endure—timeless movements that continue to influence and captivate audiences across generations.
This article delves into 14 iconic graphic design styles that have stood the test of time. Through vivid exploration, it uncovers what makes these styles so influential, examines their core principles and provides practical ways to integrate them into contemporary projects. It offers a journey through the rich tapestry of visual language, demonstrating why these celebrated movements continue to shape the art of design today.
14 graphic design styles
01. Abstract
Some of the most impactful visuals today and always, are thanks to abstract graphic design. Built on a visual language that embraces non-representational forms, the movement away from literal depictions pushes creatives to explore new ways of expression. Abstract graphic design gives new life to basic elements, like solid colors organic shapes and geometric patterns—often resulting in imaginative compositions that engage viewers and stand out.
There will always be room for the potential of abstract design, which taps into emotional power intuitively. And this has become amplified by the plethora of tools in our design arsenal today. Within today’s digital experience, the combination of tech with venerable abstract principles has resulted in a wave of very cool graphic design languages.
In Figma’s latest rebrand, the revamp harnesses the unlikely power of primitive shapes and animation by creating a collection of illustrative building blocks with ambiguous and representative forms. The design tool’s abstract visual language is new, suggesting movement and interactivity in a way that speaks to their community of UX, graphic and web designers. The new branding for Artemis, Nasa’s next mission to the moon, hones in on abstract elements, too. An emphasis on patterns and colors can be seen in the bold and mysterious gradients of the branding language, which is used to set a cosmic and futuristic tone.
To implement innovative graphic design concepts, start by exploring abstract shapes and patterns that align with the project's theme. Experiment with gradients and layered colors to create depth, emotion and a modern feel. Add movement with interactive elements like animations or responsive visuals to engage viewers. Use flexible, ambiguous forms to reflect the creativity and adaptability of contemporary design. By balancing these elements, designers can create striking visuals that align with the futuristic and abstract qualities sought in modern brand design.
02. Maximalism
In some form or another, maximalism will always resurface as a trend. The more-is-more attitude—bright colors, mismatched fonts, satiated with content and imagery—gives graphic designers tools to approach their project using heightened forms of expression.
We’ve seen maximalist branding disasters, so don’t be shy to learn from faux-pas made by past designers. Yet many brands have made a strong impression by taking their design to the max. Some hone in on minimalist principles for captivating web designs, for example what you see used in the travel website for Treep Tours and the portfolio website of Ryan Haskins. Other examples include those that embrace beloved Y2K graphics, like that embodied in Public Domain’s website; or brands like Ancient Drinks, who’ve jumped on the maximalist inspired weird web design trend—and this one’s here to stay for a while.
To implement graphic design trends effectively, start by identifying the aesthetic that fits your brand or project goals. For a minimalist look, focus on clean lines, white space and a curated color palette that conveys simplicity and sophistication. Use high-quality typography and purposeful imagery to achieve a refined, uncluttered design. If you’re drawn to Y2K revival or maximalist styles, experiment with bold colors, nostalgic patterns and unconventional layouts. Vintage-inspired fonts and flashy gradients can capture the playful vibe of the early internet era. For “weird web” maximalism, embrace eclectic combinations like distorted typography, asymmetrical compositions and layered visuals that feel immersive and unpredictable.
03. Minimalism
As a counter to maximalism, minimalism is another style that we see oscillate in and out of cultural trends. But minimalism will always be relevant, especially in the world of digital design. The emphasis on simplicity gives designers a clean visual language whose goal is to become calm, professional and focused—yet it's anything but boring.
Minimalism had its time during the 2018-2021 era—reaching a particular peak in web design during the pandemic. eCommerce was a lock-down friendly option rapidly replacing physical shopping. As they transferred the brick-and-mortar experience to an online store, most small businesses opted for clean, functional and easy-to-build, no-fuss websites. Native is a classic example of an eCommerce site that uses a no-fuss aesthetic to bring more attention to their product.
There’s no doubt that Pantone’s latest color of the year, Mocha Mousse, is a sign that low-key color palettes are going to be more attractive than ever. But minimalism can be bright, too—brands like Glossier prove that minimalistic, monochromatic packaging can be loud, trendy and sophisticated at the same time. Last, but definitely not least—there’s more attention on web accessibility. The user-friendly qualities inherent in minimalism means the style has found its place as a staple of inclusivity in website design.
Learn more: How to build a website from scratch.
Minimalism in graphic design focuses on simplicity, clarity and purpose. Reduce clutter by emphasizing key elements like bold typography, color contrasts and white space for balance. Stick to a limited color palette for consistency and sophistication and use clean sans-serif fonts for readability. Prioritize user experience—every element should have a clear purpose. By removing unnecessary complexity, minimalism creates designs that are visually striking, effective and widely appealing.
04. Modernism
Modernism was born in the 20th century, when a rush of industrial and technological advancements drove different types of designers to simplicity. Modern graphic design strips away ornamentation to prioritize functionality, where you’ll see compositions that emphasize clean visual elements, logical orders and strict layouts and alignments. This style has become the jumping point for movements in graphic design, inspiring styles like minimalism and flat design.
Today, modernism in graphic design is marked by clean forms, contrasting colors and sans serif typography. Brands that need to cater to wide audiences may lean into this design style. Guggenheim’s new visual identity, designed by Pentagram, draws on a modern abstract logo design, with smooth animated iterations that play on today’s animation craze.
In web design, you can see modernism played out in the simple layouts, solid colors, an emphasis on negative space and clean, sans serif photography. This approach, seen in sites like Klikarch Studios and brands Drinkable Coffee or Surreal, helps achieve a professional design style and concise visual language while emphasising their portfolio or products.
To apply modernist principles in graphic design, focus on simplicity and clarity. Use a limited color palette with bold, solid colors for a clean look. Add generous negative space to highlight key elements and keep the design uncluttered. Opt for sleek, sans serif fonts to ensure readability and visual appeal. Incorporate minimalistic icons and abstract shapes to convey ideas clearly and creatively, reflecting modern branding and web design.
Discover endless creative possibilities with the Wixel color palette generator to craft striking, modern designs.
05. Gothic
Thanks to the hype surrounding the re-opening of the Notre Dame Cathedral to the public, we may see a wave of inspiration in the form of gothic graphic design. While the cathedral is one of the most classic examples of French Gothic architecture—its dramatic qualities give us a sense of what Gothic style design aims to achieve. In the story of graphic design, we’ve seen many characteristics of Gothic style translate powerfully to print and digital assets.
A stark contrast from modernism, gothic graphic design places an emphasis on the ornate qualities of graphic design. Gothic style is moody and brands who choose to use this style will already have a very distinct character. Liquid Death is a beverage company who made a big impression on audiences with their Gothic Branding—it's striking and surprising, but has given them the foundations for a killer visual language and brand personality that can’t be competed with.
To implement Gothic design in graphic design, incorporate ornate typography, elaborate borders and detailed patterns. Use a dark, dramatic color palette—deep blacks, rich reds and aged golds—for a striking visual identity. Adding textures like distressed paper or metallic effects can further enhance the Gothic aesthetic. Keep the tone consistent across all assets to reflect the bold, unconventional Gothic style. Whether for packaging, social media or marketing tactics, this approach creates a cohesive and memorable brand presence.
06. Flat
With origins in minimalism, flat design gives us the momentum to get creative with simple foundational design elements. Flat design strips away decorative elements and is championed by visuals with simplicity, clarity and objectivity. The aesthetic has evolved into a timeless approach, allowing designers and brands to make clever compositions with subtle elements for a memorable message.
In the digital realm, flat design began to resurface in the early 2000s, as designers distanced themselves from the life-like visual goals of skeuomorphism. Characterized by clean typography, minimalistic icons and illustrations and two dimensional elements, this style is embraced for its user-friendly and timeless qualities, especially since it allows for easy scalability.
Real life examples of flat design include the visual language developed by Super Thing Coffee. As you can see, flat design goes beyond the boundaries of minimalism, drawing on its no-fuss concepts to further develop visual representation and storytelling.
Implement flat design by focusing on simplicity and clarity. Use a limited color palette with bold, high-contrast tones for a cohesive appearance. Incorporate geometric shapes and flat icons while avoiding gradients, shadows or 3D effects. Choose clean, readable sans-serif fonts to achieve a modern look. Maintain consistency across all design elements to improve functionality and user experience.
07. Skeuomorphism
Skeuomorphism, often associated with UX and app design (especially when it comes to icons and user interfaces) is a style that brings a distinct 3D element to graphic design. In contrast to flat design, skeuomorphism attempts to replicate the physical world, but there’s a real tech quality to this style that sets it apart from realistic representation. Key features of Skeuomorphic graphic design include exaggerated shadows, gradients, beveled edges and detailed textures that simulate materiality.
In the years leading up to the 2020s, skeuomorphism had a real hay day. It became synonymous with app design, like those in Apple's early iOS when the goal was to make digital interfaces intuitive by leveraging familiar visual cues. But over the years, while it may have been a passing trend, it seems like Skeuomorphism is a style that will remain a testament to how design can bridge the gap between the physical and digital world.
Especially with the recent obsession over gamified elements in web design and branding, we’re seeing a resurfacing of this style—which is even better than in previous years, thanks to the advancement of design tools. The new brand identity for Twitch or the lively mascot for DuoLingo, are great examples of brands shamelessly drawing inspiration from Skeuomorphism.
Implementing skeuomorphism in graphic design requires a careful, balanced approach to enhance user experience without distracting. Start by identifying physical-world elements—textures, materials and shapes—that suit your design. Use modern tools to mimic these with subtle gradients, shadows and highlights, adding depth and realism to flat interfaces. Focus on scale and detail to avoid unnecessary complexity, keeping the design clean and user-friendly.
08. Retro
In design trends, nostalgia always plays a big factor in what will resurface and when. That being said, while retro may mean different things to different generations—it will always be a style graphic designers come back to. Retro graphic design draws inspiration from bygone eras, celebrating the aesthetic spirit of decades like the 60s, 70s, 80s and the 00s too.
Today, there’s an obvious resurfacing of Y2K design. Many graphic designers are using modern technologies to imitate low-fi vibes of the past, seen in web designs like Shamoon Studio or the 2000s-inspired visual language of brands like Startface. We also see designers honing in on hippie-like retro qualities from the 70s and 80s, seen in the website for My Trauma Drama, the new brand identity for Nordstrom Rack and even imitating old-school advertising styles, such as the visual language for sunscreen brand Vacation.
As you can see, retro graphic design has the power to add character to a brand’s visual storytelling, while resonating emotionally in unique ways. Tapping into nostalgia, this style can connect audiences with the past—but by reimagining old trends, retro design has a timeless charm that’s become fascinating with the advanced tools we have today.
Start by researching visual styles and trends from the era you want to evoke, such as bold 70s typography or pastel 80s palettes, to create retro graphic designs. Incorporate textures, grainy effects and vintage-inspired fonts for an authentic look. Blend retro elements with modern tools to craft fresh, versatile designs that merge classic aesthetics with contemporary layouts.
09. 3D
As the digital and physical words merge more closely together, 3D graphic design plays a dominating role in how this gets manifested. By bringing a sense of realism to visuals with depth and life-like qualities, 3D design is a style that’s used to engage viewers. The style depends on both new and traditional 3D techniques, honing in on textures, lighting, movement and shadows to bring a tangible element aesthetically.
With more tools available to achieve these qualities, such as Blender or Cinema 4D, many brands and designers are embracing the chance to craft 3D graphics with precision. We see it manifesting in a growing tactile design trend, where vibrant textures like those seen in Luci 121’s typography or Wix Web Lab’s imagery reach out from computer screens to engage viewers. It’s also been a style embraced by ongoing immersive designs, with websites like Wix Studio’s Rap Syndrome or Gucci’s Cosmos offer an attractive and impressive gamified quality.
This immersive style in graphic design can be achieved by focusing on advanced rendering techniques and attention to detail. Utilizing tools like 3D modeling software, texture mapping and dynamic lighting creates visuals that feel tangible. Combining these with vibrant color palettes and contrasting elements adds depth and intrigue. Incorporating interactive features like hover effects or motion design further enhances engagement, making the experience more immersive.
10. Psychedelic
Inspired by the counterculture movement of the 60s and 70s, psychedelic graphic design styles are expressive, bold—often with the goal of pushing boundaries. We’re talking about warped texts, clashing colors and dream-like imagery that can engage the view with a balance of nostalgia and innovation. Today psychedelic design draws heavily on the rebellious spirit of its origins, often used to capture feelings of mind expansion, creativity and social change.
While retro is a style that’s frequently seen in music festival posters, album art and fashion—these days many designers and brands realize its universally strategic eye-catching qualities. For example, the visual language for Living Things has an expressive, iconic and irreverent quality to distinguish its product, while Studio Nari’s Coachtopia campaign attracted audiences with a free-spirited style. We also see websites like Change the Game employing psychedelic fonts for a cool and trendy look and the portfolio for Kiran Joan, who uses kaleidoscopic graphics to hook-in visitors.
Implementing bold and expressive design trends requires a thoughtful approach. Experiment with vibrant colors and unconventional typography to create dynamic visuals. Layering kaleidoscopic patterns or abstract shapes adds depth, while balancing these elements keeps the design cohesive. Adding motion graphics or interactive features can enhance engagement, creating a sense of playfulness and discovery.
11. Bauhaus
Bauhaus literally means “construction house” in German, where it was coined in the early 20th century by Walter Gropius. The name of this modern art movement is telling, since it's a style that hones in on the utilitarian aspects of design in an experimental way, prioritizing both creativity and usability. Bauhaus celebrates minimalism, favoring clean shapes, primary colors and grid based layouts for the basis of its visual language. There’s also a strong emphasis on bold typography, giving birth to fonts like Futura, for example—but going further than typical modern designs, bauhaus style often turns typography into the main focus, using text in clean but interesting ways to create visual interest.
Today, Bauhaus remains influential in graphic design, since many creators resonate with the balanced philosophy of pushing boundaries in a way that can remain universal. In the digital realm, many web designs will nod to the Bauhaus style, using dynamic linework, fields of primary color and often making typography central to their designs.
In the website for Arthur House, an homage to Bauhaus plays a particularly important role in defining the visual language for the architecture firm. Lessi’s website incorporates a subtle, Bauhaus-like dependency on line work and primary colors, while the website by Anzo Studio pays tribute with its utilitarian approach to large and bold typography. Last but not least, when some of the world's biggest tech companies celebrated the movement’s anniversary with a Bauhaus logo redesign, it was a warming testament to long-standing appreciation for its timeless qualities.
To apply Bauhaus principles in graphic design, focus on simplicity and functionality. Use clean lines, geometric shapes and a limited palette of primary colors. Prioritize clarity by removing unnecessary decoration and ensuring every element has a purpose. Bold, sans-serif fonts are key to reflecting the movement's utilitarian style.
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12. Hand drawn
Even in digital design, hand drawn graphic styles are embraced for their organic, personable and even imperfect qualities. For designers who want an authentic aesthetic, hand drawn elements help manifest an artisanal vibe that mimics traditional handcrafting techniques like custom writing, doodles and illustrations. Often, brands rely on this style, embracing imperfections for more character.
As it turns out, hand drawn graphic design has timeless qualities that are useful today. We see how digital illustrations with a hand drawn effect can give web designs a burst of personality, like those in the Vector Graphics of this template’s homepage or the custom drawings on Crush Enterprise’s website. In the world of typography, too, hand drawn graphic designs play an irreplaceable role. It's no coincidence that after a major rebrand, Lord and Taylor recently went back to its classic, beloved cursive logo.
Learn more: How to design a logo.
To use hand-drawn elements in graphic design, start by defining the tone and message you want to convey. Hand-drawn graphics work best when they match the brand's identity, adding a personal touch. Use tools like tablets or design software to create custom illustrations or scan physical drawings to include them in your projects. Combine these elements with clean layouts for a balanced, professional look. Experiment with colors, textures and layering to make the hand-drawn features stand out while enhancing the overall design.
13. Brutalism
Brutalism is a graphic design style that will forever be relevant to the rebels of the world. Aiming for an unapologetic and unpolished aesthetic, Brutalism in graphic design represents a rejection of traditional design conventions. For example, an emphasis on asymmetry, harsh color pairings, oversized typography, raw visuals and compositions that break the grid and feel intentionally clunky.
In the post Brat Girl Summer era, Brutalism is the anti-design style many brands will turn to for achieving a distinct visual language that’s full of IDGAFs. While the experimentation is a breath of fresh air, graphic designers have to be careful to balance this with a user-friendly digital experience and well-formed brand identity. Great examples of how to achieve this are seen in the HTML-style graphics of this website by Wix Studio, the dull grey background design for Teacherie, the intentionally haphazard scroll effects on Alec Tear’s portfolio or the turbulent (yet attractive) composition used in the website for Yuval Pudik.
Creative elements in graphic design begin with understanding the story or message you want to convey. Consider color meanings—like red for passion, blue for trust or green for growth—and select hues that align with the intended mood or branding. Pair these with typography and textures that reinforce your message. Experiment with layering and blending to create depth while maintaining a seamless user experience. Incorporate dynamism through interactive features or scroll-based animations, like those showcased in Alec Tear’s portfolio.
14. Futuristic
Forward-thinking and heavily influenced by technology, futuristic design gives us the means to explore the world of tomorrow in innovative ways. Graphic designers today have the advantage of using already forward-thinking tools to manifest this kind of visual language, where there’s an emphasis on pushing the boundaries of our imagination. Whether it's metallic colors, digital motifs, 3D elements or experimental dynamic effects—what this aesthetic aims for is innovative, exciting and avant garde.
Futuristic graphic design manifests in branding, product design and even in print design—but it probably lives its best life in the digital world, especially in that of web design. Combining futuristic aesthetics with today’s animation and special effects tools, websites with this approach give users that chance to connect with the possibilities of technology in a real way. For example, this web design by Wix Studio, which draws on themes of space to showcase new scrolling techniques. There’s also gamified sites like Noomo Agency and Enigma, that blend sleek, high tech aesthetics to give visitors an immersive online experience with their brand.
To apply this in graphic design, start by using bold, futuristic elements like geometric patterns, dynamic gradients or neon-inspired colors. Leverage tools like 3D rendering or motion graphics to add depth and interactivity. Choose sleek, modern fonts that enhance the high-tech look. Keep your designs user-friendly by balancing innovation with clarity, ensuring the audience can engage without feeling overwhelmed. This creates a striking and cutting-edge experience.
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Graphic design styles FAQ
How do I choose a graphic design style for my brand?
When choosing a graphic design style for your brand, it's important to apply design thinking and consider your target audience, brand identity and messaging. You want to choose a style that aligns with your brand values and resonates with your target demographic. It may also be helpful to research current graphic design trends and see what styles are being used by successful brands in your industry.