See the projects and creatives we think are going to set the trends for 2019 and inspire creatives in typography, advertising, illustration, photography, motion, and graphic design.
3D design has recently started to get more attention. We love 3D in all its shapes and forms, so we put together this collection of visuals created in 2018 that are going to shape how graphic design, advertising and photography will evolve in 2019.
Do you find inspiration in trends or avoid them? Have you spotted a 3D trend yourself? Tell us in the comments!
1. Humans of flat design become 3D
Illustrated characters that are often used on many digital products’s websites and interface illustrations are being re-created in 3D. As 3D turns more to mainstream, expect to see these pop up more often, along with cute 3D mascots.
Work shown: “Music & Movement” by Cabeza Patata Studio , Megogo brand identity , “Share your gifts” campaign by Apple , Pitch.com website illustrationsby Kajdax
and cute 3D avatars!
2. New organic abstract 3D shapes
These organic and fluid shapes overtake simple geometric shapes that were favored in abstract compositions, as 3D designers continue to dream up new compositions and shapes.
Work shown: “Summer” by Peter Tarka , “Sculpt 2 by Jean-Michel Verbeeck” , Fendi Hypnoshine eyewear campaign by Ditroit Studio , Mohawk Quarterly Magazine and also as a header to this article is an image by Anna Bay and Rutger Paulusse
3. Fantastic humanoids
Anything is possible in the 3D world and the creators are playing with human creatures, placing them in fantasy settings. This is a move away from the 3D busts we were used to seeing everywhere.
Work shown: “End of Humanity” by Vasjen Katro , “Deliverance.png” Catelloo Gragnaniello and Aeforia — “Stepback” by FVCK Render , “Fashion Snap” by Kota Yamaji ,
4. Showing work in augmented reality
With augmented reality becoming more popular, creators are getting more tools to play with 3D in AR.
Apple’s native support of the .usdz AR file, Snapchat’s and Facebook’s AR lenses and 3D posts and the availability of simple 3D / AR tools like Vectary, that let you create USDZ files, or Torch — an app for creating experiences directly in AR , Adobe Aero, Apple ARkit 2.0 and Google AR Core make it possible to create and show 3D artwork in AR.
This will bring designers new opportunities and challenges in 2019.
Another interesting relationship which started to develop is between augmented reality and e-commerce. With Shopify, IKEA, Snapchat, Adidasand L’Oreal leading the way, we will see many brands experiment with adding AR experiences to their retail stores, online shopping and as a part of their overall communication.
Dimensional design has become a new frontier for graphic designers and UX/UI designers. Learn how to export your work as augmented reality files.
5. From mono to minimal palettes
Monochrome visuals got a lot of positive attention in 2018 and we think this trend evolved into visuals with minimal, serenely harmonious and analogous palettes and more striking and contrasting complementary palettes.
Earthy tones enjoy a comeback along with 70’s inspired hues.
Work shown: Free time creation by Santi Zoraidez , Effie Campus campaign by Rutger Paulusse , ESPN feature , WIX mobile ADI campaign by Yambo Studio, Jonathan Lindgren and Drew Nelson
6. 3D typography pops
While 3D typography is not a new thing, thanks to the very popular project 36 days of type, it’s starting to appear in quite many campaigns. Letters constructed of blocks and machine parts and bold colors are extra punchy in 3D. Learn how to create your first 3D text visual with Google Fonts.
Work shown: Fast Company feature by Mohamed Samir , City of Dreams Hotel campaign by Multiple Collaborators , Random Type projects by Muokkaa Studio
7. Abstract 3D compositions inspire photography
The style of the early abstract 3D compositions shows up in the world of fashion and editorial photography as well, inspiring photo shoots.
Work shown: Micro Pens campaign by multiple collaborators , Corelia Juice Campaign by multiple collaborators , Coffee Address packaging design by multiple collaborators
8. Blending 3D, 2D and RL
3D elements will continue to make their way forward, getting mixed into 2D and AR as simple 3D and AR tools become readily available.
Works shown: Air Max Day 2018 campaign by Man vs Machine , “Untitled.psd” by Mike Voropaev — and “Baugasm” , Self-branding Climate Creative New media Studio
9. High-end textures
Texture artists, as well as motion artists, will be in high demand as 3D turns mainstream and amazing textures will be necessary to set visuals apart.
Work shown: Works by Roman Bratschi , Notorious by NastPlas
10. Gentle machines
Animated mechanical machines were the main visual feature of some major brand campaigns in 2018, making mass manufacture rather cute.
Work shown: Youtube Merchandising campaign by multiple collaborators , L’Oreal Essie campaign by multiple collaborators , Lyft slots by Toast Studio, John Poon,Chris Guyot , Yourniture campaign by Berd, Jordi Pages, Aimar Molero ,
Must-haves for the 3D / AR designer’s toolkit in 2019
Cinema 4D is the high-end 3D tool for professional 3D designers. There’s a classic which never goes out of fashion.
Vectary is an online 3D design tool that lets you create and share 3D projects by sending a link and collaborating in the browser together with other designers. It has two creator modes — an easy drag and drop for beginners, or a mesh modeling toolkit for more experienced designers.
Torch is an AR mobile app which lets you build interactive 3D prototypes. In that regard, it is a lot like InVision or Framer, but for 3D. Its Design Environment lets you import assets, create complex interactions, and arrange multiple scenes.
Adobe Aero (not yet released) With Project Aero, designers will be able to create AR content. They’ll be able to lay out and manipulate designs in physical spaces, making AR creation more fluid and intuitive, and deliver these immersive experiences to audiences on mobile devices faster and easier.