As we move further into the 2020s, the world of design continues to evolve at a dizzying pace. With the influence of technology, culture, and social movements, designers are pushed to explore new aesthetics and push boundaries. At Studio 2am, we’re excited to share our trend predictions for 2025, which include maximalist illustration, mixed media, pixel art, gothic styles, art deco influences, AI innovations, and a rise in anti-design. Buckle up, this journey through the future of design is going to be exhilarating!
Maximalist Illustration: A Celebration of Excess
Gone are the days when minimalism dominated the design world. As we look towards 2025, maximalism is set to take centre stage. This trend takes the idea of 'more is more' to heart, embracing vibrant colours, intricate details, and layered compositions. Think of the works of contemporary artists like KAWS or the bold, immersive illustrations of angelainthefields. These pieces are not just visually stimulating; they invite the viewer into a world of storytelling and emotion.
Maximalist illustration resonates particularly well with Gen Z, who seek authenticity and depth in visual experiences. The abundance of elements creates a sense of dynamism and energy that reflects modern life. Designers can leverage this trend by experimenting with bold colour palettes and unconventional layouts. Consider integrating maximalist digital assets from our collection at Studio 2am.
Mixed Media: Blurring the Boundaries
As design continues to evolve, mixed media is emerging as a dominant trend, seamlessly blending traditional and digital elements to create rich, multidimensional visuals. By 2025, expect to see a rise in designs that incorporate hand-drawn illustrations, photography, digital textures, and AI-generated elements, all within a single composition. This fusion of mediums allows for greater creative expression, breaking free from rigid aesthetic norms.
The appeal of mixed media lies in its ability to tell layered, immersive stories. Designers are combining watercolour washes with bold digital typography, overlaying grainy film photography with vector graphics, and integrating tactile materials into digital interfaces. This eclectic approach resonates with audiences who crave authenticity and artistic depth in an increasingly homogenised digital world.
Brands are also embracing mixed media to stand out, using collages, cut-and-paste aesthetics, and textural contrasts in their visual identities. Whether through print, digital, or motion graphics, this approach adds a raw, handcrafted feel to otherwise polished compositions. Looking to experiment with this trend, try exploring some Mixed Media kits at Studio 2am.
Pixels: Nostalgia Meets Modernity
With the resurgence of retro aesthetics, pixel art is making a triumphant return. This trend evokes a sense of nostalgia while embracing the modern digital landscape. As designers look to the past for inspiration, pixelated graphics are being reimagined in bold new ways. From video games to branding, the pixel is being celebrated not as a limitation, but as a unique artistic choice.
In 2025, we predict pixel art will continue to evolve, blending with other styles to create a hybrid aesthetic. Take a look at the work of contemporary artists like Paul Robertson, whose vibrant pixel animations are both playful and intricate. This trend taps into the collective memory of the digital generation and connects with audiences on an emotional level.
To jump on this trend, consider incorporating pixel art into your projects. Our Pixel Font Collection at Studio 2am offers a variety of assets that can help you ride this wave of nostalgia.
Neo-Gothic Revival: Dark Elegance
The gothic revival is upon us, but it’s not just about dark colours and moody aesthetics. By 2025, we expect gothic design to embrace a broader spectrum, combining traditional elements with modern interpretations. Think of the resurgence of gothic typefaces, ornate details, and dramatic contrasts that evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue.
This trend draws from historical contexts but is reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. Designers are likely to experiment with layering textures, deep colour palettes, and intricate motifs. Brands like Gucci and Givenchy have already begun to incorporate gothic elements into their collections, making this aesthetic not just a niche style, but a mainstream movement.
Gothic design is an invitation to explore the darker, more complex aspects of human experience, and we believe it will resonate strongly with audiences yearning for authenticity and depth. Visit our Gothic Design Assets to find an array of assets that embody this trend.
Art Deco: Timeless Glamour
Art Deco holds a special place in design history, and its glamour is set to make a comeback in 2025. This style, known for its geometric shapes and luxurious materials, is perfect for brands looking to convey elegance and sophistication. As we move further into a digital age, the tactile quality of Art Deco influences can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the overwhelming flatness of modern design.
Expect to see Art Deco inspired designs in everything from branding to packaging. The combination of bold lines, rich colours, and intricate details invites designers to experiment with luxurious aesthetics.
AI: The Future of Design
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the design landscape, and by 2025, we’ll see its influence permeate every aspect of the industry. From AI-driven design tools that assist in creating layouts to algorithms that predict design trends, technology is reshaping how we approach creativity. The emergence of tools like DALL-E and Midjourney demonstrates how AI can generate artwork and designs, challenging the traditional role of the designer.
While some may view this as a threat, we see it as an opportunity to redefine creativity. Designers will need to adapt, embracing AI as a collaborator rather than a competitor. By harnessing the power of AI, creatives can push the boundaries of their work and explore new realms of possibility.
Anti-Design: Embracing Imperfection
Finally, we predict a rise in anti-design aesthetics, which challenge conventional beauty standards and embrace raw, imperfect visuals. This trend encourages designers to break the rules and explore unconventional approaches, resulting in designs that feel authentic and relatable.
As we look to 2025, expect to see brands embracing anti-design principles, allowing for more personal and genuine connections with their audiences. This trend aligns perfectly with the values of Gen Z, who appreciate authenticity and a break from the polished aesthetics of previous decades.
UI-Core: Digital Nostalgia Reimagined
UI-Core is where design meets desktop nostalgia, reinterpreting classic interface elements as a bold visual statement. This aesthetic doesn’t just take inspiration from early operating systems, it embodies them. Expect to see layered windows, faux dropdowns, static scrollbars, radio buttons, tabs, and tooltips seamlessly integrated into layouts. It’s a throwback to the early days of Windows, Mac OS, and chunky web dashboards, but with a deliberate, artful twist.
There’s an undeniable irony to UI-Core, but also a deep appreciation for the digital past. It embraces clutter with intention, revels in flat design, and pays homage to system sounds, loading bars, and grayscale palettes. Unlike sleek, hyper-modern UI trends, this style thrives on a tactile, almost nostalgic chaos — like taking a screenshot of your desktop and turning it into art.
As UI-Core gains traction, designers will experiment with ways to balance function and form, blending this nostalgic aesthetic with contemporary digital experiences. If you’re ready to channel the charm of old-school interfaces, explore our collection of UI-inspired assets to bring this vision to life.
Conclusion
As we prepare for 2025, it’s clear that the design landscape is heading towards a dynamic fusion of past and future, structure and chaos, technology and human touch. From the opulent revival of Art Deco to the rebellious spirit of anti-design, these trends reflect a world in constant evolution.
For designers, the challenge and opportunity lies in embracing these shifts with creativity and adaptability. Whether it’s integrating AI into workflows, crafting immersive experiences, or reviving nostalgic styles in fresh ways, 2025 is set to be a year of bold experimentation.
At Studio 2am, we’re excited to see how these trends unfold and how designers push boundaries to create compelling, innovative visuals. No matter your aesthetic, there’s never been a better time to explore, challenge, and redefine what design can be.
So, which trend will you embrace in 2025?
