Upcoming Trade Shows in for Graphic Design

In 2024, the graphic design industry has embraces several transformative trends. Gone are the days of perfectly curated Instagram feeds projecting unattainable lifestyles. There’s a significant cultural shift towards raw and unfiltered aesthetics. Possible explanations for this are Gen Z’s coming of age and the pandemic, which killed the previous trend of carefully planned photoshoots in favor of the raw and unfiltered, which would have been unflattering not even half a decade ago. This trend towards authenticity is expected to evolve into a fascination with the surreal. Modern life is deemed absurd, and brands are likely to lean into lush, opulent worldscapes that are then accompanied by experimental typography. The result is something unique and playful. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a contentious topic within the design community. While it offers unprecedented creative capabilities, there is growing concern about its implications. Some designers are talking about a possible backlash against AI in 2024 in form of a new movement that sees people set up 'AI free zones, where people will absolutely know that all works displayed have been made by humans. Though that’s bound to develop in the far future as right now utilizing AI gives designers a competitive edge. Environmental concerns are increasingly influencing design trends. More studios are applying for B Corp status, which reflects their dedication to social and environmental performance. There’s real concern regarding the environment and the climate crisis, and it’s finally reached the graphic design industry in a much more fundamental way. Achieving B Corp certification could provide a competitive edge, although the associated costs may deter some studios. 2024 is also expected to see a surge in designers developing products and services for their peers. Designers have been assisting newcomers for ages, though now it’s morphed into a more fleshed out niche industry.