Every graphic designer, type designer, or creative artist knows that typography can make or break their work. So, it’s worth watching the latest typography and future graphic design trends. This approach provides designers with insight into the industry’s direction. Even if some designers prefer to be outliers, they must know what sheep are doing!
Trend 1: Unique and Characterful Sans-Serifs
Over the past decade, we’ve seen a big shift from serif fonts to sans-serifs, especially since we spend so much time on our phones and smaller screens. Sans-serifs have become the go-to choice and new graphic design trends for logos and wordmarks because they’re clean and easy to read. But, without a unique logo, there’s a risk of everything looking too similar. That’s why more and more quirky sans-serif fonts are popping up.
As we move into 2024, this trend is expected to continue. Even clients who were hesitant before, are likely to embrace these distinctive sans-serifs, especially when they realize the importance of standing out in a sea of similar designs. For those who aren’t fans of funky descenders or uneven letter widths, choosing a sans-serif with a bit of character might be just the right balance.
Trend 2: Semi-Serifs
When there’s an overload of sans-serifs, switching to serifs might seem like the obvious choice, but there’s also a new option on the rise: semi-serifs. These fonts blend the classic elegance of serifs with the clean, modern look of sans-serifs – creating modern trends in graphic design.
Semi-serifs offer a nice balance, giving a touch of personality without being too formal or too plain. They’re perfect for brands that want the best of both worlds—traditional style with a modern twist.
Trend 3: Funky and Chunky
This trend is all about rounded shapes and making text part of the overall design. It blends fun and practicality, using a mix of thin and thick lines to create a lively and dynamic look.
Trend 4: Large Type Families
This trend focuses on using expansive type families that go beyond just individual fonts. As brands merge and grow, these larger type families offer a way to maintain consistency and recognition. With a variety of weights and styles, they help bring together complex brand systems under a unified typeface. In such cases, typography becomes a key tool in creating a cohesive identity across various communications and can effectively unify intricate brand ecosystems.
Trend 5: 3D and Interactive
In 2024, 3D fonts are expected to take off, especially those that are immersive and interactive. New technologies like mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR) are helping create fonts for augmented reality that are both unique and user-friendly.
As 3D typography becomes more common, it will continue to evolve. With the addition of 3D tools in software like Adobe Illustrator and the rising popularity of Blender, these techniques are becoming easier for designers to use. This will enable them to create more engaging, multi-dimensional designs for everything from campaigns to packaging.
Trend 6: Massive X-Height
Accessibility is becoming increasingly important in type design. As awareness grows, it’s clear that some popular design choices can actually hinder readability for many people. In the coming years, we may shift toward using fonts with a large x-height. This approach allows designers to keep text clear and easy to read while still making an impact. By focusing on larger lowercase letters, designers can achieve both legibility and visual appeal without compromising either.
Trend 7: More Open Source Fonts
In 2024, we’ll likely see a lot more open-source fonts available. This is partly due to tighter budgets and new creative technologies like VR and AR.
Even though designers should be paid for their work, the growing use of free or open-source fonts will support more creative experimentation and unique designs.
Trend 8: Nostalgia Against ‘Blanding’
As digital branding becomes more popular, some companies might choose to go back to older, classic designs to stand out. So, it is possible to see more brands using nostalgic styles. When times are tough, people often look back at the past for comfort, so brands might update old designs instead of creating entirely new ones. Some might even return to previous styles, similar to what Burberry did this year.
However, going back to the past doesn’t mean copying it exactly. New serif fonts are blending old-fashioned and modern styles, creating unique and stylish designs.
Trend 9: Multilingual Typefaces
Typography is not just about functionality; it also has cultural significance. Designers from Latin America and Perso-Arabic regions are creating fonts that reflect their cultural values and local needs, rather than sticking to traditional European designs.
For example, some fonts are being designed to be more recognizable for specific audiences, like adult readers in Mexico. Other fonts cover multiple languages and scripts, such as Tifinagh, Arabic, and Latin, to address diverse linguistic needs. In 2024, we can expect more multilingual typefaces that celebrate and reflect their cultural and social contexts.
Trend 10: AI Use
AI is becoming increasingly relevant in typography, just as it is in other design areas. Designers are exploring how AI can be used to create and manipulate type in new ways. For instance, new tools like Stability AI’s Deep Floyd IF can now render letterforms and display them in various materials and settings. This advancement is likely to drive more experimentation and creativity in typography through generative AI tools.
Our Typography Picks
Want to spice up your designs? Check out our top typography picks:
- The Strawford typeface family, is among popular graphic design trends and offers some excellent design elements that soften the sharp and clean lines of modern sans-serifs. The result is a typeface that’s unique and refined, yet still feels inviting.
- Chunky & Funky fonts is a playful blend of the practical and whimsical, featuring a mix of thin and thick lines that create a dynamic and lively feel.
- Almie 3D: Bold, Funky, and Dynamic
- Belamor – Futuristic Variable Typeface
- Mackie – a serif variable font that offers versatility and elegance
