Visual design trends for Melbourne-based brands

Visual design is crucial for conveying a brand’s identity and values, especially in Melbourne, a city renowned for its rich cultural and artistic landscape. Staying updated with current design trends is essential for Melbourne-based brands to remain relevant and appealing to their audience. This article explores key trends such as minimalist design, bold typography, sustainable practices, vibrant colours, retro elements, custom illustrations, technology integration, and typography-led designs, providing insights and examples of local brands successfully implementing these trends.

Design and Development
August 2, 2024
Gayan Perera

Visual design is crucial in conveying a brand’s identity and values. Melbourne, known for its rich cultural and artistic landscape, is a hub for innovative and contemporary design. For Melbourne-based brands, keeping up with visual design trends is essential to staying relevant and appealing to their audience.

Minimalist design

Minimalist design, characterised by simplicity and clarity, has become a significant trend in recent years. This design approach emphasises clean lines, ample white space, and a restrained colour palette, creating a sophisticated and modern look. In Melbourne, minimalist design resonates with the city’s sleek and urban aesthetic. Brands like Aesop and Bellroy exemplify this trend, highlighting their products’ functionality and elegance with minimalist principles.

Bold typography

Typography is more than just a way to present text; it’s a powerful visual tool that can shape a brand’s identity. With its striking and commanding presence, bold typography has gained popularity as brands seek to make a strong visual statement. Melbourne-based brands like Frankie Magazine use bold typography to create memorable and impactful designs that effectively capture attention and convey their unique voice.

Sustainable and eco-friendly design

As sustainability becomes a global priority, eco-friendly design is increasingly influential. Brands adopt sustainable practices and materials, reflecting their commitment to environmental responsibility. In Melbourne, companies like KeepCup and Who Gives a Crap lead the way with designs that not only look good but also promote a greener future. These brands demonstrate that sustainability can seamlessly integrate into visual design without compromising aesthetics.

Use of Vibrant Colours

While minimalist design often favours muted tones, there is a growing trend towards vibrant, eye-catching colours. These bold hues evoke emotions, capture attention, and create a dynamic visual experience. Melbourne brands such as Typo and Gorman use vibrant colour palettes to distinguish themselves and create a lively and engaging brand presence. The use of bright colours helps these brands stand out in a crowded market and appeal to a broader audience.

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Retro and Vintage Elements

Nostalgia has a powerful influence on consumer behaviour, and incorporating retro and vintage elements into a design can create an emotional connection with the audience. This trend involves using design elements from past decades, such as retro fonts, vintage illustrations, and classic colour schemes. Melbourne-based brands like Retrostar Vintage and The Wheeler Centre leverage this trend to evoke a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a contemporary edge.

Custom Illustrations and Graphics

Custom illustrations and graphics are becoming increasingly popular as brands seek to differentiate themselves from competitors. Hand-drawn elements add a personal touch and uniqueness that stock images cannot provide. Melbourne brands like Mecca and Hardie Grant Publishing excel in using custom illustrations to create distinctive and memorable visual identities. These bespoke designs help brands tell their stories in a more engaging and authentic way.

Integration of Technology in Design

Integrating technology into visual design is revolutionising how brands interact with their audience. Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and other interactive technologies enhance user experience and create immersive brand experiences. Melbourne-based companies like Redbubble and Liminal VR are at the forefront of this trend, using technology to create engaging and innovative designs that captivate their audience.

Typography-Led Designs

The typography-led design focuses on using type as the primary visual element, often creating intricate and artistic text-based designs. This approach emphasises the importance of fonts and layout in conveying a brand’s message. Melbourne brands like The Design Files use typography-led designs to create visually striking and coherent brand identities. By prioritising typography, these brands ensure their message is impactful and aesthetically pleasing.

Staying updated with visual design trends is essential for Melbourne-based brands to maintain a competitive edge. From minimalist and bold typography to sustainable and technology-integrated designs, these trends offer various ways to create a strong and appealing brand identity. As Melbourne continues to be a hub for innovative design, embracing these trends will help brands resonate with their audience and thrive in the dynamic market.

Web Design Owl stands out by seamlessly integrating these visual design trends into its projects. With over 8 years of experience and a deep understanding of Melbourne’s vibrant market, it offers tailored design solutions that reflect the city’s dynamic spirit. Its expertise in minimalist design, bold typography, and sustainable practices ensures that brands look good and connect meaningfully with their audience.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the new trend in graphic design?

New trends in graphic design include the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), sustainable design practices, bold typography, vibrant colours, custom illustrations, and retro elements.

What are the uses of vibrant colours?

Vibrant colours grab attention, evoke emotions, and create a dynamic visual impact. They can highlight important information, differentiate a brand, and make designs more engaging and memorable. Vibrant colours are also effective in conveying energy, excitement, and positivity.

What are the 4 rules of typography?

The four key rules are:

Legibility: Ensure text is easy to read.
Hierarchy: Use different font styles to guide the reader.
Consistency: Maintain uniform typography throughout.
Alignment: Properly align text for a clean look.

How do I create a custom illustration?

To create a custom illustration:

Conceptualise: Start with a clear idea or concept.
Sketch: Create rough sketches to visualise your ideas.
Choose Tools: Select appropriate tools (digital software like Adobe Illustrator or traditional mediums like pencils and paints).
Refine: Develop your sketches into detailed illustrations.
Colour and Texture: Add colours and textures to enhance the design.
Review: Make final adjustments and ensure the illustration aligns with your vision.