The Truth About Graphic Design Trends: What Most Designers Get Wrong

What if I told you that most “graphic design trend” videos on YouTube completely miss the most important point?

Every year, designers flock to trend videos hoping to stay ahead of the curve. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: simply knowing what’s trending isn’t enough. In fact, if you’re not careful, following trends blindly can hurt your designs more than help them.

So, what’s the right way to use design trends? Today, I’m breaking down the Relevance–Resonance–Retain Strategy, a practical approach to using trends effectively—without sacrificing the purpose or integrity of your work.

And yes, I’ve got a bonus strategy at the end that’ll take things even further.

🎯 Step 1: Relevance – Does the Trend Fit the Project?

Before jumping on any design trend, stop and evaluate: Is this trend actually relevant to the project at hand?

Ask yourself:

How long will the design be in use?

Is it for a short-term campaign or long-term brand identity?

Does this trend speak to the project’s objectives and audience?

💡 Example: Bold Minimalism for a Fitness Studio

Let’s say you’re designing a poster for a fitness studio. One of 2025’s trending styles is bold minimalism—clean layouts, large typography, and striking color contrasts.

This trend works well here. Why?

It’s visually strong and captures attention.

It communicates clarity and energy—ideal for fitness marketing.

It resonates with younger demographics, a key audience for many gyms.

But remember: if this were a long-term branding project, using a fleeting trend would be a mistake. Branding should outlast yearly trends and reflect enduring brand identity.

💡 Step 2: Resonance – Make the Trend Your Own

Here’s where most designers go wrong—they copy the trend exactly as they see it.

Instead, tailor the trend to reflect your client’s brand and identity. This is what we call resonance.

Here’s how:

Use brand colors in bold typography and shapes.

Feature real members or local fitness icons rather than generic stock photos.

Add subtle fitness-related icons (like dumbbells, motion lines) that match the brand’s vibe.

The goal is to differentiate the design in its niche—not to blend in.

🖼️ Suggested Image: Mock-up of a bold minimalist design adapted with custom imagery and icons.

✅ Step 3: Retain – Design Must Still Serve a Purpose

Even if the trend fits, and even if it’s tailored to your audience—it means nothing if the design doesn’t work.

A design’s purpose is more important than any trend.

In our fitness studio poster, ask:

Is the CTA clear?

Does the visual communicate energy and aspiration?

Does the overall layout align with the studio’s goals?

Make sure every element serves a function. Trends are secondary to strategy.

🖼️ Suggested Image: Annotated poster highlighting CTA, visual hierarchy, and emotional appeal.

🎁 Bonus Strategy: Combine Trends Thoughtfully

Here’s a power move: combine two compatible trends to make something truly unique.

Example: Eco-Tech Branding

Imagine you’re designing for a sustainable tech company. You could blend:

Bold minimalism (clean, modern layouts)

With natural design (organic textures, earthy colors)

The result? A design that feels both innovative and grounded—perfectly aligned with the company’s values.

🖼️ Suggested Image: Concept design using tech layout + wood textures and green tones.

Final Thoughts

Anyone can Google “graphic design trends 2025.” But what you’ve learned here today goes far deeper. Trends are just tools—you need strategy and purpose to use them effectively.

Remember:

Evaluate Relevance – Is the trend suitable for the project’s goals?

Tailor for Resonance – Make the trend your own.

Ensure Purpose – Don’t let the trend override function.

And finally, don’t be afraid to get creative by blending trends when appropriate.

📩 Want more design strategy insights, branding advice, and creative tips?

For future posts, Drop a comment if this helped you rethink how you use trends in your workflow.

Until next time—

Design your future today. 🧠🎨