Hey, creatives! I have a favor to ask. Could you PLEASE try these trends in print? I know a lot of you are designing for clients getting married or celebrating milestones like Bar Mitzvahs and graduations, but we’re seeing more and more of you send through artwork, too. Maybe it’s to frame for desktop decor or wall art, or maybe it’s on folded cards for your own line of boutique greeting cards. Whatever the reason, we know your creative, adventurous spirit is itching to try something new this year and we’ve got some ideas for you!
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Trend: Creative Letter Typography
A world of editable fonts has opened up and graphic designers are loving the freedom to modify. We’re also seeing a lot of inflatable 3D fonts as well as some specialized letter + illustration artwork. These trends could look amazing on personalized stationery and note cards.
Print Process Matchup – Digital printing will get the color and detail you’ll need for any kind of full-color artwork and illustrations. However, if you’re going for something with dimension we highly commend enhanced foil (especially for 3D letters) and letterpress (debossing), both of which you can see examples of below. You can put in a custom request for embossing, which would give a fully inflated look.
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Conceptual and Abstract Designs
The AI phenomenon is driving a new trend of conceptual and abstract designs. I am partial to abstract design myself, and I guess AI is also because every time I test out creating imagery with AI, I get some sort of brightly colored abstract version of whatever prompt I submitted. Of course, we love straight-up abstract artwork and illustrations minus any AI effect and would love to see more of it in printed pieces.
Print Process Matchup – Digital printing, of course, but foil stamping is a striking way to add shine and interest to abstract pieces. Thermography can be fun here as well, accentuating specific elements within the design for both visual and textural interest. You can also try mixing shapes using die cuts like arch cuts, rounded corners and crest shapes.
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New Naturalism
According to Graphic Mama, new naturalism uses textures and finishes that mimic organic materials. We’ve seen natural themes play out beautifully in stationery through a variety of trends over the years, but new naturalism brings a sense of minimalism with it while utilizing earthy color schemes for a simply grounded look.
Print Process Matchup – We like letterpress best for achieving this trend in print, especially blind letterpress. There are more than 15 letterpress colors to choose from including some nice earthy shades. Blind letterpress is achieved by choosing no color at all, and it’s been a huge trend in custom print for the last few years. You can learn more about it in The Beauty of Blind Letterpress.
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Glitch Art
Glitch art is a celebration of old and new. The vibrant color and crisp detail of state-of-the-art design paired with the retro look of computer glitches becomes a trend that feels almost out of this world. According to Graphic Design Junction, glitch art and digital deconstruction are two of the most intriguing and creative trends within the broader design world. We have a very specific print process in mind to add an extra level of intrigue to this trend when printed…
Print Process Matchup – Thermography! Thermography, also known as raised printing, will add a bit of shine and a sense of depth to this style of art. There are more than 15 ink colors to choose from, and we feel like even one color throughout the piece would add a uniquely interesting element. However, you can easily do 2-color thermography by simply creating to artwork PDFs to upload and choosing a different ink color for each. Read How to Use Thermography Like a Pro to learn more.
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Futuristic Metallics
Anyone over the age of 40 is likely going to think of the Terminator when they see this trend but it certainly doesn’t diminish its appeal. For most of us, it probably makes it even more far-out! The appeal of this liquid metal effect draws on both our desire for something new and out of the ordinary but also our natural tendency toward naturally flowing lines and curves.
Print Process Matchup – Enhanced foil is absolutely perfect if you plan on trying this trend out this year. We offer silver metallic, silver matte, gold metallic and gold matte. We will soon be offering rose gold as well. Enhanced foil is raised and it has that same liquid metal quality this trend is all about. You can learn more in our blog post, Enhanced Raised Foil vs. Foil Stamping.
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