Naturally, some trends in graphic design for 2025 build on those from 2024, still, there are key shifts and nuances worth mentioning:
AI Powered Design
Artificial Intelligence continues to revolutionize the design process. Tools like Adobe’s Firefly AI are being integrated into platforms such as Illustrator and Photoshop, enabling features like text-to-pattern generation and generative shape fills. These advancements allow designers to expedite workflows and explore new creative avenues.
I experimented with the Adobe’s Firefly AI that is now integrated in Illustrator and I have to say that there is still room for improvement. The vector output is not up to the standards at the moment, but it works very well if you don’t need illustrations that will be displayed in large dimensions. I designed a Major Arcana Tarot Deck with the AI generator. The card deck is small enough to mask all the imperfections of the messy vector outlines. While I managed to produce the cards in the cohesive style, it did took a lot of trial and error, a lot of time and not small amount of editing to make it look exactly as I wanted it. The Minor Arcana Deck proved much more complicated to pull off. At the moment, AI doesn’t understand numbers well. If you ask it to make 5 swords, it will just add a random number of swords into the image. That proved to be a big setback because there are a lot of specific numbers of different items present in the Minor Arcana Deck imagery.
If you’re interested in the result, here’s the Dreamflame- Major Arcana Tarot Deck Templates, designed with Adobe Firefly AI Tool integrated in Illustrator. Also, I designed a 3D cube shaped sushi icons using the Adobe generator as well, you can find them both in my shop:
3D Design and Hyper-Realism
Advancements in technology have made hyper-realistic 3D designs more accessible. These elements are increasingly used to create immersive visuals across various media, from web design to advertising, providing depth and a lifelike experience.
Revival of Retro Aesthetics Expands
Nostalgic design elements are making a comeback, with retro typography and color palettes being integrated into modern layouts. This fusion offers a fresh twist on vintage aesthetics, appealing to a sense of familiarity while remaining contemporary.
In addition to the freebies that you can find here on Polar Vectors, I made a few graphic design Toolkits that cover the retro aesthetics of 80’s and the 90’s. These can help you achieve that awesome nostalgic feel in your creative work fast and easy. Check them out:
Bold, Experimental Typography Expands
Typography is taking center stage with designers experimenting with oversized fonts, creative distortions, and unconventional layouts. This trend allows text to function as a powerful visual element, conveying messages with greater impact.
Graphic Design Trends 2025
The most significant difference lies in the refinement and adoption of experimental techniques from 2024. AI, 3D realism, and bold typography aren’t just trends—they’re becoming integral to the designer’s toolkit in 2025, with a noticeable shift toward authenticity, storytelling, and immersion.
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Download Free Design Element Utilized to Create the Highlighted Image
Free Neon Cyberpunk Frame
