As we step into 2025, the world of graphic design continues to evolve at lightning speed. Driven by technology, shifting consumer preferences, and cultural influences, design trends are not only shaping brand identities but also influencing how people engage with content online and offline.
Whether you’re a business owner, content creator, or designer, staying ahead of the curve is key. We spoke to Bennett Vuong Toronto, a creative force known for blending timeless aesthetics with modern design trends, to break down what’s hot—and what’s not—in the graphic design world this year.
What’s IN for 2025
1. Maximalism Returns with a Twist
After years of minimalism dominating everything from logos to web layouts, maximalism is making a vibrant comeback. Think bold colors, layered patterns, and clashing textures—but with purpose. It’s not about chaos; it’s about controlled expression. Vuong Bennett, a rising name in the Toronto creative scene, emphasizes that today’s maximalism tells a story—it’s loud, but smart.
2. AI-Enhanced Design Tools
Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword in the creative industry. In 2025, AI is being embraced to speed up workflows, generate design ideas, and even automate layouts. Designers like Vuong Bennett Toronto are using AI tools not to replace creativity but to enhance it, allowing more time for conceptual thinking and customization.
3. Authenticity Through Hand-Drawn Elements
Digital perfection is losing some of its charm, and hand-drawn illustrations, sketch-style typography, and textured elements are becoming increasingly popular. These bring a human touch to digital design, helping brands appear more authentic and relatable.
4. Motion and Micro-Animations
As attention spans shrink, motion becomes a key tool in catching the eye. Whether it’s an animated logo, hover effects, or interactive transitions, motion design continues to be a powerful trend. Bennett Vuong is incorporating subtle movement in web and app design to boost user engagement and storytelling.
5. Sustainable & Ethical Design Choices
Eco-conscious branding is not just about green logos anymore. In 2025, designers are considering the sustainability of digital and print materials, opting for designs that reduce data load and environmental impact. From selecting recyclable print stock to using web-optimized graphics, it’s all about making mindful decisions.
What’s OUT in 2025
1. Generic Stock Imagery
If your brand is still relying heavily on cliché stock images, it’s time for a refresh. In 2025, audiences want authentic, original visuals. Customized illustrations, personalized photo shoots, and AI-generated artwork tailored to your brand are taking over.
2. Overused Flat Design
Flat design had a good run, but its dominance is fading. Designers like Vuong Bennett Toronto are shifting toward more dimensional aesthetics—subtle gradients, layered visuals, and shadows that bring interfaces to life without going full skeuomorphism.
3. One-Size-Fits-All Branding
Cookie-cutter branding packages are out. Businesses in 2025 are looking for bespoke design solutions that reflect their unique identity. Custom typefaces, responsive logos, and flexible brand systems are key components of this evolution.
4. Overly Complex Infographics
Simplicity and clarity win. Designers are moving away from data-heavy, overwhelming infographics toward minimalist visual storytelling. Clean layouts, clear icons, and white space make data easier to digest and more visually appealing.
5. Ignoring Accessibility
Designs that don’t consider accessibility are no longer acceptable in 2025. Color contrast, font readability, and intuitive layouts are being built in from the beginning—not added as an afterthought. Bennett Vuong, who has worked with diverse clients across Toronto, stresses that accessible design is good design—it benefits everyone.
Expert Insight from Vuong Bennett
When asked about the future of design, Vuong Bennett Toronto shared this:
“In 2025, the best design isn’t just about being trendy—it’s about being true to your message and your audience. Trends should support your brand’s voice, not replace it. And with tools evolving so quickly, staying human-centered in your design approach is more important than ever.”
This perspective reflects a larger shift in the design world: balancing tech-driven innovation with human-centered creativity.
Final Thoughts: Design with Intention
Trends come and go, but intentional, meaningful design never goes out of style. Whether you’re revamping your brand, launching a new product, or refreshing your website, following the right design trends can elevate your visual identity and connect you more deeply with your audience.
By staying informed and working with experts like Bennett Vuong Toronto, you can confidently embrace the future of graphic design—with both vision and purpose.