Brand Trends for 2024–2025
To be trendy or not to be trendy. Branding trends help us to understand the different visual styles that are popular in the market. They will help give an idea of which direction you want your brand to go in terms of visuals. Of course, make sure that your brand does not lose its essence and that it conveys the message you want to intend. Be authentic and craft a meaningful message that truly reflects your brand. Trends will help you reinforce this message, but don't let a trend consume your brand and take away its authenticity. Remember, you want to have good aesthetics without sacrificing your essence. If you're wondering whether you should follow trends, my answer is both yes and no; the key is to find a balance.
Sustainability
Sustainability means consistently prioritizing actions that benefit the environment over time. That is, you as a brand decide to choose elements that are part of your branding that are somehow conscious of the planet. Generally, in this type of visual style, the color green is used a lot since we tend to associate it with nature. Many businesses decide to opt for packaging made of cardboard, recycled, minimal packaging, or any innovative option that allows them to offer their services or products in an environmentally friendly way.
The target audience for this trend is those business owners who want to target people who make intentional purchases that will not add to more environmental pollution and who find sustainability as a brand value.
If you want to know more about sustainability, I invite you to read our blog post “Branding 101: How to Incorporate Sustainability into Your Strategy”
Examples of sustainability in branding:
Nostalgic Trends (70’s & 90’s)
This trend takes us on a trip to the past full of emotions and memories of the 70's and 90's. As they say, everything comes around.
70’s
In the 70s style, there is a great predominance of colors with warm undertones and bold typography with a funky and retro style.
90’s
The 90’s are here to stay and it’s groovy everywhere! The aesthetic style of the 90's is characterized by strong and striking colors that transmit energy and vivacity. Fonts like retro chimps were very popular in the 90's and have now made a comeback.
This is a good fit for anyone who seeks the nostalgia factor in their brand identity and who wants to add a fun and emotional touch to it. Your target audience is those who appreciate fun and enjoy the beauty and magic of the 70's and 90's .
Examples of nostalgic trends (70’s & 90’s) in branding:
Lisa Says Gah (90’s)
Urban Outfitters (90’s)
Arlo & Olive (70’s)
The Hippie Shake (70’s)
Anti-design
This trend focuses on challenging the rules of graphic design by providing an unusual but appealing aesthetic option. Graphics do not need to be perfectly aligned; they can be placed one on top of the other, and you can have a fun time playing with different fonts and colors. This trend challenges us to explore unconventional forms in the world of design, making graphic pieces very striking. Also, this type of design sacrifices all design theories and elements to create a design that is barely visible branding—it’s characterized by minimalist messages or monochromatic design. Allowing all designs and graphics that come out of the brand to be daring and rebellious.
Do you like to break the rules and create something original and out of the ordinary? Anti-design is the design option for you. This trend is for you because you want your brand to express creativity, freedom, and authenticity. Your target audience is all those who seek to express themselves freely without fear of falling into the label of being rebellious.
Examples of anti-design in branding:
Customized Typography & Illustrations
Customized illustrations can feature abstract or concrete shapes, as well as fonts designed to convey a specific message. This trend focuses on carefully ensuring that the graphics or fonts convey the brand's personality uniquely and originally. This gives a strong presence to the brand image, making it stand out. The inspiration to create customized pieces can come from your storytelling so make sure you have a very intentional story to create something very original. The sky is the limit and creativity has no parameters!
If you want your brand to have an original identity, then this trend is something you should consider. Your target audience is all those who appreciate originality and feel inspired by seeing new proposals that bring with them a strong presence.
Examples of customized type & illustrations in branding:
AI; not a trend, but a resource.
She had to be brought up. Although some might disagree AI is your friend. Do not be afraid to use AI as a work tool or resource. Of course, AI will never replace the creativity and skills necessary to build a brand; there is no doubt about that. However, it is a tool that you can use to your advantage. Just like any tool that can help facilitate something, there is a responsibility that comes with it.
Why should you care about brand trends as a small business owner?
Trends help you get an idea of what the public wants at the moment and what is most visually appealing for the season. This is why you must stay true to what you want. Trends are fun and help you delve into the creative world; However, you should use them as a guide for what you want to convey visually with your brand. Do not sacrifice your essence just to fit in. Stand out! Use these visual trends to complement the intentionality of your brand’s story.
Why Partner with Us?
We aim to help you capture an intentional story in every detail of your brand. As brand experts, we guide you on your journey to achieve a strong visual presence, highlighting and enhancing every aspect of your business through designs that align with your essence and core values as a business owner.
Our comprehensive discovery and research process, combined with our diverse background and experienced team, provides valuable insights into which trends, if any, best convey your brand story. Most importantly, we ensure these trends align with your target audience and clients, ensuring your brand remains authentic and impactful.
