3 Graphic Design Trends of 2014

In a world where ever more challenging technology has changed the way we do business, the trends for 2014 in graphic design and business marketing are far more basic.

Check out the latest trends for 2014 and you'll find a few words repeated:

Simple

Flat

Short

How does that translate to your marketing and graphic design?

Simple:

Simple design, clean lines, and less-is-more tend to translate better when viewed on a handheld device and therefore, companies are embracing simple logos, reduced web functionality and fewer colors. 

However, simple doesn't mean boring. Take the Pantone color of the year: Radiant Orchid.

"Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today's society."

Questions to ask yourself:

• Do I use a lot of color in my graphic design or can the message be enhanced by using shades of two colors instead?
• Is the marketing message complex or can the idea be obtained with just one quick glance? Check out the Five Second Test and see what people say about your marketing flyers, posters or website home page.

Flat:

Flat Typography is the style for 2014 and it was last year as well. What does that mean for your graphic design?

Shading, borders, and the appearance of raised buttons are out! Simple, flat and easy to read fonts are what currently works.

First, you have to consider the mobile user - complex, fancy fonts may not be supported by all technological devices. Second, the eye needs a place to rest in order to absorb your marketing message.

A clean font, with little or no extras allows your brand to stand out. Check out some of the font trends for 2014 from Creative Market.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Are we using a font(s) that is difficult to find?
• Is the font easy on the eyes? Easy to read?
• Do we create a fancy look with a variety of fonts when one clean, look will do the same thing, perhaps even better?

Short:

This year is all about the video. Marketing videos are going viral. Where once the experts told us to keep our videos under three minutes, we are now challenged to share our message in 6 SECONDS or less.

Programs like Vine and Picasion help you create a quick marketing message that can be easily shared via social media and viewed on mobile devices.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Do I currently incorporate video into my overall branding strategy?
• What message would I be able to effectively portray in under ten seconds?

Graphic design and marketing strategies change from year to year and it doesn't mean that you should abandon what you have been doing to embrace the latest and greatest, but at E&E Exhibit Solutions, we want to at least make you aware of the latest information.

Our staff of graphic designers keep abreast of the latest studies and information so that when you need help designing your latest custom banner, wall graphics or retail graphic displays, we can offer recommendations based on what is proving to be most successful.

Need help?

The graphic design specialists at E&E Exhibit Solutions are available to answer your questions and help you create a consistent brand story. Give us a call to get started.

480-966-9873 | 800-709-6935