At the start of the year, we like to sit down and predict what we think will be the hottest design trends over the upcoming months. (You can check out our predictions for 2021 and 2023 here.) It's always fun to revisit the article at the end of December to see how right (or wrong!) we got things. We've been tracking trends throughout 2024, and we've identified four that will gain traction this year.
So, what will be the graphic design trends of 2025? Let's take a look.
Trend 1: Neutrals with pops of color
At the start of every year, Pantone nominates a color of the year that, in its own words, “captures the global zeitgeist, expressing a global mood and an attitude.”
2025's choice? Mocha Mousse, a plain, warm brown.
Needless to say, the internet was not impressed. Criticisms ranged from "depressing" to "bland and boring," all the way through to "sad beige."
However, there is a method to the madness. Understated luxury has been the watchword of 2024, with Jools Lebron's "very demure, very mindful" catchphrase leading the way. Plus, in times of anxiety and uncertainty, an organic and calming color is a sensible option.
It’s important to note that an affinity towards neutral shades is not a new thing. Browns, creams, and earthy beiges have been popular choices in color palettes for the last five years. However, in 2025, we predict the neutral shades will be paired with pops of color.
2025 will be the year that neutral colors are combined with contrasting colors to create a look that stands out but oozes sophistication–think rich purples and deep dark greens.
So while “Mocha Mousse” may not be to everyone's tastes, we believe brands will take advantage of it in the months ahead.
Trend 2: Sketchbook design and a DIY ethos
If you're on TikTok you'll be aware of the sketchbook and collage video style—photo cut-outs layered over one another to create a modern, stripped-back aesthetic.
It looks a little messy, but that's the whole point. It's the modern-day equivalent of the DIY zines and punk flyers from the 80s or pop-culture and fandom collages of the early aughts.
In 2025, there will be a move towards stripped-down visuals. Companies will move away from overly refined and polished branding and embrace designs that look less pretentious. Case in point: Mozilla's recent rebrand, which wouldn't look out of place on an 8-bit computer.
For brands that want to take advantage of more of a DIY ethos but still want to retain some elegance, flatlays are a great alternative. This trend skyrocketed in popularity late last year, with travellers taking aesthetically-pleasing photos of their belongings as they passed through security.
Recently, The Millennial Decorator has been creating on-trend flatlays for massive brands, including Ralph Lauren, Samsonite, and Warby Parker.
Trend 3: Imperfect design
As an artist or designer, it’s only natural to want everything to be perfect. However, 2025 will be the year we celebrate the flaws in our work.
Take for example, fuzzy, hazy graphics. We talked about fuzzy, hazy graphics back in 2021, and we predict they'll stick around in 2025.
Why do people love blurry graphics, like Giacomo Bagnara's, so much? They're moody, otherworldly, and inspire debate—these images are often open to interpretation.
Plus, out-of-focus images are a massive part of the anti-branding movement—think Charli XCX and the blurred, out-of-focus text on the Brat album.
Imperfect design will also find its way into an art form people have often criticised for being too perfect, sterile, and “uncanny valley”—AI.
2025 will be the year AI companies will make more of an effort to sell their products as a tool for people to use rather than a tool that will replace humans.
As a result, while we’ll continue to see the fantasy worlds we’re used to seeing in AI, there will be a new focus on artists taking their own art and using AI to enhance it – like the works of Sebastian Cestaro and Ruta Diallo.
Trend 4: Analog(ish) artwork
Our final design prediction for 2025—analog artwork in brand identities will continue to grow.
In a modern world where anyone can open Midjourney and create an AI image, people are starting to crave hand-drawn images, with texture, shade, and small imperfections.
Even brands that operate in a wholly digital sphere are starting to realize people want to see something unique and human. The biggest surprise in 2024 was Apple, which commissioned Simon Landrein to create bright, beautiful, illustrative posters. This was a big departure from their typical sleek, minimal, photographic campaigns.
There was also a special place in our hearts for Anna-Laura Sullivan's adorable watercolor comics, specifically created to make people know they are loved. And as 2025 begins, we believe everyone could use a big hug.
2025 is all about combining contrasting color choices, tactile designs, and abstract imagery. Rather than following the crowd, this year is all about brands embracing their authentic selves, flaws and all.
Want more insight into what's hot in the world of branding in the months ahead? Sign up for our newsletter.