Happy New Year, daydreamers! If you’re anything like us, you’re always looking ahead, scanning the horizon for the next big thing in branding and design. Trends don’t appear out of thin air–they evolve, twist, and resurface in unexpected ways. As a creative branding agency headquartered in Omaha, we’ve spent over a decade helping businesses across the country stay ahead of the curve with thoughtful brand strategy and design.
2025 is shaping up to be a year of bold expression and human connection. From nostalgic nods to groundbreaking tech integration, these trends reflect the push and pull of innovation and authenticity. Whether you’re a designer, marketer, or just someone who loves great design, consider this your creative compass for the year ahead.
Love it or hate it, AI isn’t going anywhere. That being said, as AI evolves, we’re seeing a shift in how designers utilize it. Tools like generative AI in Photoshop are more accessible than ever, but let’s be real: AI alone won’t cut it.
We’ve already seen some pretty egregious examples of irresponsible AI usage with Coca-Cola’s 2024 holiday commercial and Honda’s “Prompted by Dreams” ad; the generated sections are glaringly obvious (and to be completely honest? Kind of ugly. Yikes.)
The most impactful designs will marry AI’s efficiency with the authenticity of human creativity. The key is balance; using AI thoughtfully as a tool to enhance–not replace–the human touch.
With high demand for AI on one end of the spectrum, the pendulum swings back; viewers are craving typefaces that feel personal and nostalgic (more on that later). Organic, hand-drawn fonts with imperfections and texture will rise in popularity as a visual break from the clean-cut, auto-generated visuals flooding the market.
UX designers: rejoice. Bento grids and geometric shapes are here. They’re flexible. They’re minimal. These modular layouts are perfect for apps or content-heavy designs, organizing information into neat, digestible sections. The vibe is clean, modern, and functional—but softened with rounded corners and bright, friendly colors.
Scissors and Elmer’s glue are back, baby. Well, not exactly. The collage style is growing in popularity though, and it’s splitting into two distinct sub-trends:
With collage design on the rise, it’s no surprise that grunge aesthetics are making a comeback too. Distressed textures, pencil sketches, and DIY-inspired vibes add edge and attitude; brands leaning into this trend embrace their flaws, creating raw, relatable designs with counter-culture personality.
Overly polished and smooth aesthetics have dominated the design world–an era of sleek, flawless visuals prioritizing clean lines and perfection at the expense of personality.
In 2025, designers are once again embracing the gradient–with a twist. Grainy, imperfect textures and airbrushed finishes add a warm, tactile feel, creating designs that feel more approachable and human; a welcome contrast to the hyper-polished aesthetics of the early 2020s.
Familiar, yet fresh. We’re living in an era of innovation and unpredictability; consumers are tentatively excited for the future, but still craving the comfort and safety of days gone by. Enter retro-futurism: a blend of charming, old-school elements from the ‘80s and ‘90s with tech-forward, futuristic aesthetics. This trend offers a little something for everyone, combining nostalgia with innovation for branding that feels optimistic and approachable.
Minimalism and maximalism may seem like polar opposites, but in 2025, they’re proving to be more alike than we think. These sibling styles are fusing into one, blending the understated simplicity of minimalism with the bold, expressive nature of maximalism. This aesthetic celebrates contrast, combining clean lines, ample white space, and subtle textures with vibrant colors, oversized typography, and eclectic design elements.
Designers are finding harmony between the digital and natural worlds by pairing organic textures and earthy tones with sleek, futuristic elements. This trend speaks to sustainability and the desire for balance in an ever-changing world.
Mocha Mousse is Pantone’s color of the year. It’s an earthy, natural shade that minimalists are already loving. Bye-bye beige!
While this grounded tone is already making an impact, 2025 is also continuing the trend of stepping boldly out of the neutral-color safe zone. Designers are embracing vibrant, saturated hues to create palettes that demand attention.
Hand-drawn illustrations—especially childlike doodles—are taking center stage in 2025, bringing authenticity and relatability through sketchy lines and imperfect shapes. Rejecting the overly polished Corporate Memphis look, this trend celebrates imperfections and analog charm. Expect sketchy lines, uneven shapes, and authentic, handmade details.
If we could sum up 2025’s design trends in three words: emotional, expressive, and playful. As AI continues to dominate the creative landscape, designers are doubling down on authenticity, storytelling, and connection. As you move forward with your creative endeavors this year, just remember: the human touch is more important than ever, so use yours wisely.
Looking for ways to implement these trends into your business? Partner with the Midwest's premier woman-owned branding agency to craft a strategy that’s bold, innovative, and authentically you. We specialize in web design, brand strategy, and creative campaigns. For regular updates, follow us on social media; you'll receive expert tips, creative agency insights, and fresh design inspiration to make your mark in 2025 and beyond.