Colors and shapes become a cut-edging sword when used by a professional illustrator. With a compelling illustration, it is possible to build a brand identity and influence the way consumers perceive the brand.
Illustrations are weapons that can evoke emotions in users and will be able to create a connection between your audience and brand. Whether the users consider your products chic, youthful, or irrelevant will be largely based on the impression made by design. Although following all illustration trends is not the best option for success, it is vital to keep an eye on them and learn where they are heading. In addition, incorporating specific trends in your business can help lure and engage the target audience.
Illustration trends have constantly been changing during the past few years, paving the way for new trends. In the latest 2023 illustration trends, we will likely see some old-school tendencies and the emergence of some bold ones.
Keeping up with all the changing trends in illustration will help you stay on top of the competition.
So, delve into this article to learn the most significant illustration trends that are going to dominate the design industry in the coming year.
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Nostalgia: Most inspiring illustration trends 2023
One of the most prominent illustration trends to look out for in the coming year is Nostalgia. You will be able to raise the feeling of Nostalgia by effectively using the retro palette, some elements significant to the 90s, and fonts from the old school. These illustrations evoke the emotions and feelings of the users and use them to drive positive responses.
This trend plays on the principle of evoking emotions with concepts we have remembered since childhood. It plays with our memories and concepts to create a strong impression.
Some trends the designers embrace to evoke Nostalgia are:
1. Using moody and warm colors
For the past few years, designers have been occupied with bright and saturated color palettes. But recently, the usage of pastel and moody colors have become trending. This trend will create a sense of Nostalgia and a warm feeling that can make the design more welcoming and appealing.
2. Using Vintage and retro fonts
Although reviving retro has been in full swing for the past couple of years, retro fonts are likely to gain the attention of the entire design world in the coming year. One of the main reasons for reviving retro typography is because it can evoke the feeling of Nostalgia.
Designers are going back in time and taking inspiration from the elegant classical advertisement in the 1920s to the sci-fi movies in the 70s. They mix various images and round-up vintage fonts to evoke Nostalgia.
Color trends in illustration
Color is a vital part of designing. It is an incredible weapon that can evoke emotion, convey a message, define the style, and influence the users’ purchasing behaviors. But if you want to get the desired result, choosing the right colors is vital.
However, compared to the last couple of years’ loud and edgy color trends, 2023 is likely to pave the way for basics. From gentle colors and simpler color palettes to retro hues, we are likely to see the emergence of familiar palettes with a modernist touch.
Some of the color trends that are going to blast the creative industries in 2023 are:
1. Natural Earthy hues
With the rising popularity of organic design, natural, earthy hues are coming back in the illustration trends 2023. In addition, the world’s interest in sustainability and getting back to the basics will boost the popularity of natural hues like creamy beiges, terracotta red to green, and some other neutral colors.
2. Bold colors
Bold colors are one of the hottest trends you will have to look out for in the coming year. Although they were popular in 2017, they faded in the last few years. But bold colors are going to make a strong comeback. They are going to play a vital role in emphasizing the main points in the illustration.
3. Limited Color Palette
You will use fewer colors than usual in a limited color palette. For example, in place of using four colors, you will use a single color. This trend will make your design look cleaner and simple and put illustrations in the center.
4. Color gradients
Color gradients are an excellent way to add more depth, texture, and dimensions to your illustration. Gradients are created with two or more colors, which is a great way to make your art look unique and stable.
Geometric and abstract illustrations
Although geometric and abstract illustrations are often tricky and confusing, they are effective for your 2023 design. This is a quirky space where the designer must know what is creative and confusing. Of course, you can play with geometric shapes, but you should be able to identify the fine line between being creative and confusing. The latter can annoy the users and push them away from your brand. With the creative and subtle use of geometric shapes, you can fuel imagination and evoke a playful and lively experience.
Atmospheric Gradients
One of the most popular illustration trends in the last few years is atmospheric gradients. If you are wondering what this term means, this refers to a smooth transition of colors. In the last couple of years, they have been exceptionally popular in logo design, but they are going to find their way to illustrations in 2023.
What makes them a popular trend is the feeling of vivacity and softness that they give to the image.
Playful and Engaging 2023 illustration trends
In 2023, we are going to see a rise in fun and engaging illustrations that gives a welcoming sense of playfulness. Instead of focusing on static images that can often turn boring, designers are likely to focus on more dynamic illustrations. Therefore, there will be a rise in the usage of GIFs and animated illustrations.
These illustrations, especially the animated ones, are fun to look at and are more engaging. However, the designer must know the subtle between engaging and annoying when it comes to animation.
Hand-drawn illustrations
Another significant trend that is going to blast the illustration field in 2023 is hand drawings. You are likely to witness a rise in hand-drawn images and illustrations on websites, mobile designs, packaging designs, advertising, and more. This illustrative style provides a cozy and playful aura to the images. Moreover, they are an excellent way to stand out in the crowded digital world that can help outshine your competition.
Users are always in quest of uniqueness and originality. Hence, hand-drawn images, especially hand-drawn animation advertisements, will capture the attention of the audience and will improve your brand value.
Textures
By looking at a surface, we can identify whether they are rough, smooth, or slimy. The same principle applies to digital art. In the coming year, incredible textures are going to become one of the most vital elements of design and one of the top illustration trends. These illustrations will imitate the surfaces of real-life objects, giving the design a more natural and authentic look. This illustrative style is largely going to be used in websites, mobile phones, and packaging designs.
3D illustration: Futurism
3D futurism, with its bold colors and shapes, will become one of the hottest illustration trends 2023. This trend enables the designers to convey more density and volume visually. Hence, many brands are likely to consider 3D futurism as the best option to make their advertisements more appealing and innovative. In short, the 3D illustration will help brands to stand out in the competition on the web.
Printmaking
Printmaking is another trend that is going to dominate the illustration practice in 2023. This trend has the ability to bring warmth and authenticity to the design. In addition, they will also give a retro look to your design. It may look very basic and traditional if used alone. But with other illustration styles, printmaking will give an innovative and cool look.
Surrealism
Although popular for a while, surrealism is going to gain momentum in 2023. With dreamlike images with a surreal style, it will make illustrations look more creative and stylish.
This is a very specific trend, but if you apply this trend after understanding the taste and mindset of the targeted audience, this style can do wonders.
Summing Up
We are surrounded by different illustration styles. Each year we see the emergence of new illustration trends that suits different purposes. Some of these illustrative styles are vibrant and have the potential to grab everyone’s attention to the design. Others are very specific and will depend on the product presentation.
With an appealing illustration, you can evoke emotions in your targeted audience, convey a message, and generate the desired consumer flow. Understanding and strategically using these illustration trends will help you stay on top of the competition and attract the targeted audience effectively.
