From our graphic design studio in Barcelona, we continue our series of bold and inspiring articles on trends and cutting-edge design. Here are some key insights to help you stay ahead of the 2019 graphic design trends.
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We’ve spent the year immersed in graphic design projects in Barcelona, building brands, creating campaigns, and watching as a clear direction emerges.
New year, new vision → 2026 graphic design trends with modern, experimental approaches.
Graphic design is all about reinvention—every year brings fresh ideas to the forefront of:
- Fashion
- Illustration
- Typography
- Photography
- Brand design
- Logo design
- Advertising
- and more.
By the way, if you want to master these trends and more, check out these online courses by Domestika!
Let’s get straight to the point. Here are…
2019 Graphic Design Trends
Color Channel
One standout trend in advertising photography and poster design for 2019 is what I call the color channel.
Images can be split into their color spectrums—what we usually see is the blend of these color channels.
The color channel trend is all about separating these channels to create something entirely new.
When combined with artistry, a skilled graphic designer or photographer can achieve striking visual effects—and, more importantly, evoke sensations, ideas, emotions, and abstraction.
The trick is to go beyond simply splitting channels.
You can shoot a series of images in different poses, separate their color spectrums, and then combine channels from different shots to create something unique.
This technique isn’t limited to photography—it’s just as powerful in graphic design and illustration.
I can’t wait to see (and use) this approach, because I’m convinced it will be one of the defining 2019 graphic design trends.
Where?
- Web design
- General graphic design
- Illustration
- Advertising
- Publishing
Glitch
The glitch effect is another trend set to make waves in 2019 graphic design.
A glitch is a visual effect that mimics a digital file error or corrupted image.
Imagine you save a photo to a USB drive, try to print it, and for whatever reason, the file is damaged. You manage to recover it, but not completely.
That’s the glitch look.
The magic comes from simulating this effect on images, illustrations, and graphic design as a whole.
The result? An underground, avant-garde aesthetic—a dystopian twist on graphic design.
In my view, this trend works best when it goes beyond just photography and is combined with other disciplines like illustration.
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Where?
- Web design
- General graphic design
- Illustration
- Advertising
- Publishing
Color Explosion
If there’s one graphic design trend you’re guaranteed to see in 2019, it’s the explosion of color.
Color is making a fearless comeback in graphic design—in every aspect.
We’re witnessing a renaissance of bold, expressive color.
Think vibrant hues, glowing effects, matte finishes, metallics, gradients, and unexpected but expertly crafted combinations…
Color will light up presentations, photography, graphic design, illustration, and advertising.
The 80s are being reimagined by a new generation, drawing inspiration from that era and pushing it further with today’s techniques and technology.
This explosion of color is earning its place among the top 2019 graphic design trends.
Where?
- Web design
- General graphic design
- Illustration
- Advertising
- Publishing
- Copywriting
- Brand identity
- Catalogs
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Ruined
In line with the other 2019 graphic design trends, the “ruined” effect is making its mark.
This approach takes me back to early and mid-20th-century graphic design.
It’s all about using and creating distressed images, layering chipped illustrations and photography, and combining them in creative ways.
To me, it’s a metaphor for creation and destruction—a never-ending cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
As with other 2019 graphic design trends, the key is to use this effect thoughtfully, blending it with other artistic disciplines for maximum impact.
Where?
- Web design
- General graphic design
- Illustration
- Advertising
- Publishing
Typography
It’s a great time for typography—we’re entering one of the most exciting eras in the history of graphic design and type.
Next year, typography is set to reclaim its well-deserved spotlight.
But it’s not coming back as we knew it—it’s bigger, bolder, and more personal, becoming a true visual element.
Beyond the literal meaning of the words, typography will take on a life of its own, shaping space and content.
There are countless ways to apply this, making it one of the most versatile 2019 graphic design trends.
Where?
- Web design
- General graphic design
- Illustration
- Advertising
- Publishing
- Logos
- Copywriting
- Brand identity
- Catalogs
Illustration Over Photography
And finally, a trend I absolutely love. I haven’t given it a catchy name yet, so let’s just call it illustration over photography—not the most original, but it gets the point across.
I still remember, as a kid, being dragged to the hairdresser with my sisters—a real ordeal for a hyperactive child.
I’d pass the time doodling on Julio Iglesias photos with whatever pen I could find.
If you’re into illustration, I highly recommend this Domestika course—it’s a game changer.
A mustache here, some glasses there, earrings, you name it…
Well, this is the grown-up, talented, and technically advanced version.
Where?
- Web design
- General graphic design
- Illustration
- Advertising