At Clear ph, we deliver fresh design ideas that resonate with our clients’ brands, but are also timeless in style. This often takes ample research, inspiration, and a strong dose of caffeine. We aim to source the best of what’s out there in the design world — while reflecting on what works and what doesn’t for our clients.
Staying up to date with trends is an important way for entrepreneurs and business owners to keep their brands relevant, as well as appealing to customers, competitors, and the marketplace as a whole.
With that being said, the turn of the New Year brought a new set of design trend predictions that we could not wait to share with you. Below is an excerpt from Mindsparkle Mag shared on Behance, of the top “2018 Design Trends.”
1) 3D Still Lifes
Over the past two years, we [Behance] have seen an increasing number of 3D design projects. While looking at some of the top, leading 3D artists such as MVSM or Peter Tarka, we predict that 3D still lifes will become even more popular in 2018. This will be especially true for corporate collaborations in combination with logos and product placements.
2) 3D Typography
In 2018, 3D typography will become more and more popular. The key will be to look impressive and push creative boundaries. 3D has become important for corporations (i.e. Nike) as they are an effective means of both connecting with and impressing their audience.
3) Vivid & Bright Colors / Gradients
Gradients made a comeback in recent years and we expect this trend to continue, yet diversify. We will discover more gradient innovations, particularly with the use of bright and vivid colors in combination with a variety of textures.
4) Flexible 3D
There has been a huge leap in the past two years in which 3D design has been perfected in every sense. The intersection between reality and fiction will become increasingly blurred and undistinguishable. We can bet that there will be a rise in more organic natural forms and movements that make 3D design artworks and animations even more eye-catching. This may include liquid forms and movements that we recognize from nature.
5) Artful Photography
Modern photoshoots and brand campaigns will become bolder and more edgy, using illustrative and artful set designs. Whether these will be handmade from paper or enhanced with 3D mappings and visualizations, they are sure to stand out and remain firmly in your memory.
6) Modern Retro Illustrations
Modern illustrations combined with a retro look will be a major trend in 2018. Moreover, we will see a rise in thoughtfully crafted animations, which are intended to both delight and allow for more impactful storytelling.
7) Responsive Logos
Responsive logos have become increasingly important in [a] world ruled by mobile devices. It will no longer be sufficient to create one logo and scale it down with changing screen sizes. Logos are becoming adaptive, containing several versions for mobile, tablet, desktop devices, and beyond. Much like responsive web design several years ago, responsive logos are now a ‘must.’
8) Adding Depth to Flat Design
Adding depth to flat, minimal design by using realistic shadows creates the appearance of a three-dimensional space that almost looks true to real life. This effect will be enhanced when objects are separated in different layers and interact autonomously with the combination both sharpness and blurriness.