Trends in graphic design that will rule in 2021

For many, the year 2020 has been an odd one, and it has resulted in a significant upheaval in the way we operate. As companies and organisations continue to adapt to this “new normal,” we’re witnessing design trends like distance learning, e-commerce, and online socialising.

If you want to remain ahead of the curve in 2021, we’ve compiled a list of the trendiest design trends. Continue reading to obtain ideas for your next creative endeavour!


Nature-inspired designs

If there’s one thing many of us have wished for this year, it’s to spend more time outside. Whether it’s because of the lockdown blues, a hectic job schedule, or a growing dissatisfaction with fast-paced inner-city life. More and more designs are using natural features, and this was even highlighted as a top trend at the most recent Top Drawer on Demand event earlier this year. Bold organic forms, leaf patterns, and stunning flowers are all part of the “at one with nature” style. All of these natural components create wonderful prints for wrapping paper and art prints, among other things. This winter, how will you begin to incorporate the outdoors into your designs?

Emoji designs

Emojis are everywhere, which isn’t surprising given the fact that there are over 3,300 to choose from. It’s time to start getting creative with them now that they’ve been around since 1999…

We heard you sigh, and we get what you’re thinking: emojis may appear a little cheesy at times, especially if they’ve been overused in the past. However, in recent months, there has been a significant increase in the number of new emoji designs. The old smilies are long gone, replaced with a multitude of new icons and symbols to play with, such as a piata, a magic wand, and even an iced coffee! Why not join the trend and incorporate some of the new emojis into your designs?

Color schemes with muted tones

This design trend, which is a favourite colour palette for 2020, isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Bright colours that have had their vibrancy reduced or diluted with black or white to create a softer tone are known as muted colours. It may work for a variety of prints as a more modest approach to employ colour, especially if you’re looking for a softer or even nostalgic vibe. A subdued colour palette might be exactly the ticket if you’re developing (or updating) Wedding Stationery for next year. It’s also popular in business stationery since it exudes professionalism and quality that garish colours can’t always achieve. You don’t have to be bright to be seen!

Geometric shapes

Using geometric forms in your design, despite their apparent simplicity, is expected to be one of the most popular trends in 2021.

Making something complicated out of basic forms is a lot of fun, and that’s precisely what this trend is all about. Creating an abstract composition by layering flat forms like squares, circles, and triangles. The nicest part about this style is how adaptable it is. Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind greeting card design? Or some interesting forms to use with a die or laser cutter? Perhaps a bright theme to liven up your Business Suite? The one is geometric forms. Experiment (and don’t forget to use the hashtag #ProudlyPrinted to show us the results).

Metallic embellishments

If you’ve been reading our blog for more than 10 minutes, you’re undoubtedly aware of how passionate we are about foiling. That said, we are overjoyed that glistening and gleaming designs are expected to be a great success in 2021.

First and foremost, if you want to live in luxury, this is how you do it. Adding a gilded element to everyday prints is a simple way to transform them from mundane to magical. Gold, silver, and copper have a high-end appeal, and blending foil with block colours and simple patterns creates a contemporary, distinctive style. Everything that glitters is here to stay, from flyers and notebook covers to wedding invitations and business cards.

Optical illusion designs

In 2021, do you want to really stand out? Optical illusions are the way to go!

It’s difficult to turn away when you can’t quite put the visual pieces of a design together. Optical illusions are actually pretty simple to build, and they may create a highly captivating composition that keeps the viewer’s attention on your brand. Why not give your next print job a dizzying sensation of “how on earth did they achieve that?” by combining it with unique finishes like White Ink or Spot UV? That’s something to remember!

Are you ready to be inspired by the best design trends for 2021? Don’t forget to tag us on social media with #Truecolours so we can see what you’ve been up to.