The wonderful thing about design is that it follows the world through its ups and downs, then it comes out on the other side helping us see a better future or at least recognize the failures of the past.
We haven’t posted since June due to all the craziness COVID-19 has caused our business along with so many others, so it seemed fitting to dedicate our first post in a while to something inspiring for this highly anticipated new year.
Here are the 6 design trends predicted to be a big hit in 2021, which we love and can totally see looking fabulous on printed stationery and business materials. Be sure to check out the original articles to see the full lists these design sites have put together. You’ll see some pretty radical (and some very reasonable) design trends to look forward to.
Graphic Mama put out a list of Graphic Design Trends in 2021 that Will Cause Revolution, and what a fantastic title that is because much like literature, graphic design is meant to move the needle in current day culture. We need the needle to move, wouldn’t you say? Our favorites from this list for stationery are:
Gold | Gold & Materials Mix for Modern
We’ve seen gold become extremely popular in stationery over the last 5-10 years whether it’s matte gold, gold glitter, metallic gold. Now you can take it to another level by gilding everyday items lending flair to the mundane and reminding everyone not to take the day-to-day for granted. Gold & Mixed Materials combines striking textual and visual components into an amalgamation of design concepts, which becomes unforgettable to the viewer. These two trends will look amazing when incorporated into event stationery!
Typography Chaos
We can’t wait to see what all of you talented print designers come up with in 2021 with chaotic typography! An absolute gluttony of fonts and shapes and sizes and curves and formats, this trend is so much fun to research although perhaps a bit maddening to implement.
Just Creative released a list in November of 15 Brand Design Trends for 2021 that Graphic Designers Need to Know. These two trends are extremely relevant for personal stationery and business print, and we expect to see both quite a bit throughout the year. Our favorites for stationery are:
Muted Colors
Just Creative referenced a really great visual to show muted color palettes next to brights. So much to work with here! With the release of our White Ink products, we’ve added some really beautiful Keaykolour paper colors by Mohawk for both flat cards and envelopes.
Data Visualization
Data has become more important than ever this year as people see a real-world example in COVID-19 of how valuable accurate knowledge is. Businesses are looking for easy ways to present data in a BIG way. If you can present data in a fun, engaging way through your design, keep it up and get examples in front of your clients!
99 Designs gathered 11 Inspiring Graphic Design Trends for 2021 and although these trends are more overarching themes and less elemental, they are extremely inspiring and definitely worth watching for this year as well as reinterpreting in your own work. Our favorites from this list for stationery are:
Retro Futurism
By far my favorite trend prediction for 2021, Retro Futurism is a celebration of vintage sci-fi. My Dad is a product of the 70s and one of his favorite authors is Kurt Vonnegut, and I just can’t help but think about how today’s artists will reimagine a vision of the future. Juxtaposing that with the retro vibe of old-school sci-fi artwork is a win-win in my book!
Authentic Representation
No explanation is really needed here but maybe a heartfelt plea to every designer out there that our newest and arguably most important mission as designers is to start and/or continue to represent diverse populations in authentic ways! Authenticity inspires powerful pieces and some might say we need the power of design RIGHT NOW to help us visualize a world of inclusion.
January 5, 2021
Author : Shanna
Title: Content WriterYears at The Occasions Group: 18 years
Favorite Print Process: Thermography
Secretly I’m really good at… "throwing games! Bag toss, ladder golf, skee ball. I won’t be winning any championships but I can hold my own."
