We all love a good trend, don’t we? Well, we either love it or.. we hate it.. 

If something is considered “trendy” it just means that it’s gaining popularity! We can all imagine fashion items that are trending, chunky tennis shoes, biker shorts, hair scarves, and gold accessories. Just because these items are “trending”, doesn’t mean that everyone likes them. And it definitely doesn’t mean they’ll be around to stay as timeless staple pieces. 

The same can be said for graphic design trends. We see a lot of interesting ideas in the design world and we wanna chat about them for a minute. Grab a coffee and lean on in!

Yes! Graphic design trends are important!

Keeping up with the times.

If graphic design trends are important to anyone, it’s us. We are designers afterall! 

We understand that trends are a result of societal approval. As designers, it’s crucial to our business to stay on top of our industry. We are here to offer the best service possible to our clients and part of that is maintaining ongoing training in a way. 

Finding inspiration.

In watching our industry and society as a whole, we can find inspiration and formulate new ideas. 

A filmmaker, Kirby Ferguson, argued that there are no new ideas and that all creative endeavors are simply a remix of past ideas and concepts. While we’re not here to get philosophical, there is something to be said for finding inspiration from others that can take your own work to new heights. 

But, brand identity and originality is just as important.

Just because an idea or concept is popular or trendy, doesn’t mean that it will work for everyone. 

Brand identity is so unique for each individual company. Especially in a competitive market, brand identity and originality is THE one thing that can set you apart from the rest. 

By placing too much weight into what society says is “in”, you lose a sense of yourself and what sets you apart. 

If chunky sneakers aren’t your style, why would you wear them in the first place? 

Read More: Website Design To-Do List

Strategic Brand Identity

When it comes to graphic design and branding, trends are not typically very helpful if you’re truly doing a deep dive into your brand itself. 

Who are your customers? What do they expect from your business? What sets you apart from the competition? 

These are all questions that need to be answered before you can truly understand your brand identity. 

If you decide to just follow the trends, you may find yourself confused. Design is so much more than colors, fonts and trends. 

Design should be used to articulate unspoken truths about your business. Great design should tell potential clients who you are and what they can expect by working with you. 

Colors share a message, fonts share a message, and trends share a message. 

Before you go crazy using a trendy design for your business, stop and ask yourself: Is this contradictory to my brand identity? Am I staying true to my business values and promises? 

If you need help solidifying your brand identity, let us know! We’d love to help out.