2025 graphic design trends every startup founder and creative leader should watch

We’ve just rolled out a new piece on web design trends and realized that the topic is much more complex and exciting than we thought. We touched on AI, minimalism, bold colors, etc. Today, we’ll have none of that. Almost.

Today’s article is more about the 2025 graphic design trends for those who look at the bigger picture - startup founders, creative leaders… Those who have to dig deep and discover what people really want. 

And people want to feel more connected to their human nature, after all the soullessness of AI. Hence, trends like nostalgia, physicality, storytelling, and more. So, read on and see for yourself how technology will intersect with humanity. 

Why follow design trends - startup founder and creative leader perspectives

Design trends often reflect current cultural aesthetics and preferences. Adding one or a few relevant trends helps startups signal that they're modern, understand their target audience, and are in tune with the times. 

You can even connect with customers on a deeper level. Imagine a new social media app using an outdated design; it would immediately feel out of place.

While it might seem counterintuitive, using trends effectively can actually help your startup be noticed. Trends provide a framework for innovation. You can take a popular trend and add your own unique twist. Think of how many successful apps have used the "swipe" interaction but in slightly different ways.

Cost-effectiveness. Sometimes, using existing design trends can be more budget-friendly than creating something entirely from scratch. Design resources, like templates and pre-built elements, are often available for popular trends, which will save you time and money.

Faster time to market. Using familiar design patterns can make it easier for users to understand and adopt a new product or service. This can speed up the user onboarding process and get you to market faster. Think of how common it is now for apps to have a hamburger menu; users instantly know what that means.

Finally, trends are a valuable source of inspiration. They expose creative leaders to new ideas, techniques, and aesthetics, pushing them to think outside the box and explore new possibilities. 

Following trends doesn't mean copying; it means understanding the underlying principles and using them as a springboard for creativity.

Shift toward more human and physical aspects

As we mentioned, this first trend in graphic design for 2025 feels like a direct response to digital saturation and the increasing presence of AI everywhere. 

There's a growing desire for something different, something that feels less manufactured and more personal. This isn't necessarily anti-AI but rather a recognition that human creativity offers something unique that algorithms can't replicate.

We're constantly bombarded with polished, perfect digital imagery. This can lead to a sense of fatigue and a craving for something more real, more raw. 

However, brands are now recognizing the importance of creating real-world experiences that complement their digital presence.

Handmade aesthetics. This trend champions imperfections, asymmetry, and irregularity. Think handcrafted elements, organic textures, and visible signs of the creative process. 

Tactile and sensory experiences. Texture and touch are key components. Imagine packaging with embossed surfaces, invitations printed on textured paper, or interactive installations that invite physical engagement.

Blending traditional and digital. The human touch trend doesn't necessarily reject digital tools. Designers can combine digital techniques with traditional methods like drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture to create work that feels both modern and authentic.

Embracing imperfection. The perfectly polished, airbrushed aesthetic is out. This trend celebrates the beauty of imperfections, quirks, and irregularities that make something feel truly human. Think of slightly uneven lines, visible brushstrokes, or the natural variations in handcrafted materials.

Bright, unconventional, childish

This next trend is all about being playful, bold, and memorable. There’s no super deep meaning behind it - we just need to have some fun! Here are examples of how you can incorporate it into your products:

• Think different. Use lots of different fonts, all different sizes, and styles, like cutting letters out of magazines and putting them together.
• Bold colors. Use bright, contrasting colors. Think neon yellow with deep purple or bright pink with electric blue. The colors should almost clash, but in a fun way.
• Playful layout. Don't be afraid to make things uneven. Different spacing, tilted elements, and asymmetry make it look dynamic and interesting.
• Funky words. Use bold, quirky fonts for your brand name or important words to make them stand out.
• Hand-drawn look. Make it look like a child drew it. Raw, organic lines and edges make it feel relatable and down-to-earth.

Good, old-fashioned nostalgia

The nostalgia graphic design trend for 2025 should bring back the warm, fuzzy feelings of the past but with a modern twist. Instead of copying old designs, we are reimagining them for today.

Here's a breakdown of this trend. 

So, colors… Imagine the faded, earthy tones of the 70s, the bright neons of the 80s, and the grungy shades of the 90s. Designers are using these retro color palettes to give designs a warm, familiar feeling.

Old-school fonts are also making a comeback. Think of the type you might see on vintage posters or advertisements. Serifs, for example. These fonts add to the authentic retro look.

The trick with nostalgia is not to overdo it. Designers are carefully blending these retro elements with modern design principles to create something that feels both familiar and current. It's about evoking a sense of the past without making the design feel dated.

Nostalgic networks. This particular style focuses on the early days of computers. Imagine simple color schemes, clean layouts, pixelated fonts, and even ASCII art (those pictures made out of keyboard characters). 

Abstraction and asymmetry

Instead of showing recognizable objects, this trend uses colors, shapes, and textures to evoke feelings and spark the imagination. It has bold colors, unusual shapes, layered textures, and hand-drawn elements.

Unlike traditional design, abstract art doesn't represent specific things. This gives viewers the freedom to interpret the design in their own way, making the experience more personal and engaging.

Key elements of abstract design in 2025:

• Eye-catching colors are still important, but this time, they're often used in a more nuanced way.
• Free-flowing, spontaneous shapes create a sense of movement and energy.
• Animations are used to direct the user's attention and enhance the experience.
• Asymmetry adds a sense of dynamism and surprise.
• Layouts are often minimal, but details and layers are used to create a sense of complexity.
• Movement is used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the viewer.

Emphasis on storytelling

Animation has always been used to create immersive experiences. You are moving beyond static images and using motion to tell a story or convey information. The telling story aspect of it is what we're focusing on in 2025. 

The first really important element is fluid transitions, like a visual story flowing from one scene to the next. Think of transitions between sections on a website. 

Small animations on buttons, icons, and other interactive elements also add a touch of personality and improve usability. 

Animation can be used to literally tell a story, like a short animated film, or to highlight key information. Those that respond to user actions, like hovering over an element or clicking a button, can also make the design feel more interactive and playful.

The difference between 2024 and 2025 in animations:

• Hyper-realistic animations. Some help from AI is being used to create incredibly realistic and complex animations, even in abstract designs.
• Adaptive, real-time animations. Animations can now respond to user behavior and create a more personalized and dynamic experience.
• Fluid and organic motion. Animations are moving away from sharp, rigid movements and towards smoother, more natural transitions.

More layers of personalization

While 2024 focused on personalization based on broad categories, 2025 is all about behavior-driven design. Designs now respond dynamically to what users are doing in the moment. 

Websites are already using this trend, dynamically changing based on who's visiting. This includes recommending products based on past purchases and adjusting the homepage to match browsing habits.

Even though most of the trends on our list today try to shy away from AI, this one embraces it to, conversely, be closer to people.

For example, AI algorithms track user behavior (scrolling, clicks, time spent on elements) to quickly adjust the design. This includes everything from layout and color scheme to the type of content displayed.

AI also anticipates user preferences and serves up content before they even realize they want it. It's like the design is reading their mind.

Designs can even adapt to the user's perceived mood. If someone is rushing, the design simplifies; if they're browsing leisurely, the design offers more detailed options.

Designers also use tools like polls, click tracking, and heatmaps to gather immediate feedback and adjust the design accordingly.

Textures

Finally, textures - embracing imperfections, like naturally textured paper and raw, unedited photography, etc. This trend adds depth, tactile sensations, and a touch of imperfection to visuals. 

How to use textures:

• Combine different textures, like smooth and rough, to make certain elements stand out.
• Realistic textures make illustrations feel more relatable and tangible.
• Experiment with adding a light noise overlay (10-15% opacity) to simple designs.
• The grain should be subtle. If you can see individual particles from arm's length, it's too much.
• Textures should support the overall message, not overpower it.

The shift from 2024 to 2025:

• Moving beyond 3D. While textured 3D is still relevant, the focus is shifting towards more grainy, subtle textures.
• Intentional use of grain. Instead of just slapping on a filter, designers are using grain in a more purposeful way to create specific effects.

2025 graphic design trends: summary

Following design trends is about something other than mindlessly copying what's popular. It's about understanding the forces that shape the current design, using the trends present as a source of inspiration, and adapting them to create something authentic and impactful. 

For startups, it's a way to connect with audiences and establish a modern identity. 

For creative leaders, it's a tool for innovation, cultural understanding, and pushing the boundaries of design.