Finally, it’s that time of the year again. It’s nothing like the holidays to put everyone in a festive mood. From Christmas carols at every shopping mall to email marketers sending out holiday discounts and promos, it’s hard to escape the holiday spirit. And as a graphic designer, you play a big role in helping to create that holiday magic, especially in 2022.
When it comes to holiday design, green and red have always been the go-to colors. Catching glimpses of these customary hues in almost all holiday decor can make it easy to forget that there are other options out there.
However, this year we’re seeing a shift in holiday design trends. While green and red are still the favorites of many, there are other colors and themes that are becoming more popular among designers. Whether you want to incorporate elegant winter displays into your next postcard or traditional holiday garland to add some extra cheer to your website, we’ve got you covered!
This article will share the top five holiday graphic design trends for 2022, along with complementary colors and images to inspire you for your next holiday project.
Note: We set up a Holiday Trends Design Challenge on the Design Cuts Community Hub and asked our lovely community members to help us with creating a holiday card, party invitation or just a seasonal design in the style of each trend, and we are delighted with the results. Please make sure to check their designs below and have a look at their work on their Social Media platforms.
1. Art Deco
Original artwork created by Snehalata Mitra
This year, we’re seeing a resurgence in the popularity of Art Deco design. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, Art Deco is a visual arts movement that emerged in the late 1910s and flourished through the 1920s.
This design style is characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, and sleek lines. When it comes to holiday design, you can incorporate these elements by using clean lines and shapes to create festive patterns and graphics. In terms of colors, you should incorporate dark rich jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red. Not only do these colors complement the style, but they also evoke a sense of the holiday spirit.
For example, say that you decide to create a thank-you email with a holiday-themed pattern. You could use clean geometric lines to create a star or snowflake shape. Then, you could fill the negative space with a rich green or red color to add a festive touch. To really drive home the Art Deco theme, you could even look for fonts with sleek lines that would fit well with the overall aesthetic.
If you’re unsure where to find fonts with Art Deco influence, there are many great resources online. Simply type in “Art Deco fonts” into the search bar, and you’ll be presented with lots of options.
2. Coastal Chic
Original artwork created by Deborah Wainwright
Okay, hear us out on this one. You might be thinking, “How could the coast possibly be associated with Christmas?” But when you think about it, the two actually go hand-in-hand quite well.
After all, what’s more relaxing than spending the holidays by the ocean? The sound of waves crashing against the shore and the smell of salt in the air can help you forget all about the stresses of the holiday season.
When designing for a coastal Christmas, you should focus on creating graphics with a relaxed vibe. Think of muted colors, natural materials, and easy-going shapes. For colors, look to the sea and sand for inspiration, and use blues, greens, and browns in your designs. And if you want to incorporate natural materials, try using wood or rope in your graphics.
For example, let’s say you’re designing a holiday-themed poster to advertise a coastal Christmas event. You could use a muted blue color palette and include an illustration of waves crashing against the shore. To drive home the theme, you could add some typography that looks like it’s been written in sand.
3. Hollywood Caravan
Original artwork created by Suzy Morris
This upscale style is the glamorous Hollywood of yesteryear. The Hollywood Caravan trend celebrates all things luxury and opulence.
To achieve this look, you’ll want to use colors that evoke wealth and success and focus on creating flashy and eye-catching graphics. Think of bright, bold colors like gold, sparkling embellishments, and illustrious patterns. You can also have fun with Hollywood-inspired fonts and icons in your designs.
Let’s say you’re designing a holiday-themed email template. To really make it stand out, you could use a bright color scheme and add some sparkle effects to the text. You could also include an icon or graphic of a Hollywood star to capture the essence of the theme.
4. Merry & Bright
Original artwork created by Lisa Ward
The name says it all! This trend is all about having fun and embracing the festive spirit. The style is characterized by cheerful colors, whimsical patterns, and light-hearted illustrations.
When creating your own Merry & Bright designs, you’ll want to use a color palette that is full of passion. Bright electric pinks, fiery fuchsias, and sunny yellows are all great options for Merry & Bright designs.
As for patterns, you can use anything from polka dots to stripes to plaid. And don’t be afraid to have fun with the fonts in your designs. Playful handwritten fonts are a great way to add personality to your graphics.
5. Very Peri Christmas
Original artwork created by Linda Wright
Last but not least, we have the Very Peri Christmas trend. This style takes its cues from classic Victorian design with a modern twist. The result is a timeless and sophisticated look perfect for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their festive designs.
To achieve this look, you’ll want to use classic and timeless colors, like deep shades of violet and blue. Try incorporating classic design elements like ornate borders or flourishes to capture the Victorian feel.
Tips for Picking Your Design
Before creating any piece of art, it’s essential to know to whom you want to convey your message. Not only will this help you determine what type of design will be most appropriate, but it will help you choose the overall tone and style of your design.
For example, if you want to send out a postcard celebrating the new birth of a child during the holidays, you’ll want to create a design that is Merry & Bright. On the other hand, if you want to communicate a message of luxury and success because your friend just got a new promotion right before the New Year, you’ll want to go for a more Hollywood Caravan-style design.
When it comes to formal documents, you should go for a more modest theme like Art Deco or Coastal Chic. You’ll want your printable invoice template to look professional and highlight all the necessary business info while appearing festive at the same time.
Final Thoughts
There are endless ways to get creative with your holiday designs this year. From traditional to modern, there’s a holiday design trend that’s perfect for everyone. Just have fun creating your graphics, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and trends. After all, that’s what the holidays are all about.
With the top five holiday graphic design trends for 2022 outlined in this article, we have no doubt you’ll be able to create some amazing graphics that’ll make everyone around you happy. So what are you waiting for? Get designing!
More Related Articles
We hope you have enjoyed this article and you’ve found new favourite holiday trends you can’t wait to try on your designs. If you need more inspiration for your festive designs. please make sure to check the articles below
24 Days of Christmas and Holiday Fonts
Cute Christmas and Winter Clipart
Cute Christmas Patterns for a Festive Mood
Design a Christmas Party Flyer in Photoshop
Create a Christmas Greeting Card in Adobe Photoshop
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