Inspiration

Colour futures and retrofuturistic realities

The design world constantly evolves, shaped by culture, technology, and a growing desire for more authentic and expressive communication. From bold new colour palettes and unexpected combinations to nostalgic yet futuristic aesthetics, design is entering a playful and purposeful phase. Here are some of the creative directions reshaping how we see – and feel – the future of visual expression.

VIBRANT & TACTILE: THE FUTURE OF COLOUR

After years of neutral tones, we are entering an era of vibrant contrasts. Earthy browns, soft whites and deep blues bring a sense of calm and balance, while richer, more expressive palettes are taking center stage.

Source: NCS

What makes this shift stand out is the tactile quality of colour. Shades are not only chosen for how they look, but for how they feel – natural, textured and grounded. In a world that is increasingly digital, this brings design back to something physical and human, creating visuals that feel authentic and closer to everyday life.

A NEW ERA OF COLOUR PAIRINGS

Unexpected colour combinations are stepping into the spotlight. Pairings once considered “wrong”, like coral red with mint green or soft pastels with bold accents, are now seen as playful and memorable.

Source: Ikea & Pink Tiger,

The strength of this trend lies in its energy and attitude. Instead of seeking perfect harmony, design is embracing contrast to create visuals that surprise and stay with you. It shows a clear shift: standing out is now more important than blending in.

THE FUTURE THROUGH A RETRO LENS

The past and the future are colliding in bold new ways through retrofuturism, a design movement that blends nostalgic aesthetics from the 70s and 80s with futuristic technology and storytelling. Expect vivid colours, vintage-inspired typography, and scenes that blur the line between the everyday and the extraordinary. From Nike’s So Win campaign to high-fashion collaborations, retrofuturism proves that looking back can be the most powerful way forward.

Source: Jordan Jenkins, Nike & Roberto Cavalli/Skims

It’s about looking forward by looking back: taking inspiration from the colours, shapes, and typography of the past, but reimagining them through a modern lens. The result is design that feels familiar yet fresh and relevant. This is not nostalgia for its own sake, it uses retro references to create trust and recognition while combining them with bold, futuristic themes and narratives. In other words, we see the world through a retro lens, while carrying it into the future.

MINIMALISM WITH A TWIST

Minimalism continues to be a strong design language, but it is no longer just about removing elements. The new wave keeps the clarity but adds character – clean layouts are paired with expressive typography, asymmetry and subtle disruptions that make the design stand out.

Source: Specsavers, CreativeBoom & Pay Pal  & Adidas

Brands are using this evolution to avoid sterility and bring more personality into minimalism. Specsavers challenged convention with their “Blurred Logo” campaign – a stripped-back design where the logo itself was deliberately out of focus, proving that even the simplest layout can surprise. PayPal’s refreshed identity shows another direction – a cleaner and more modern look, but with custom typography and a more dynamic colour palette that gives energy and optimism.

MAKING WORDS MOVE

Typography is no longer static. Words move, shift and animate to bring energy and emotion into communication.

Here is an example from Apple – Check it out!

This trend is driven by the way we consume content today. Movement captures attention, and moving type makes words more engaging. For brands, kinetic typography turns text into more than information: it becomes a visual experience that people don’t just read, but actually feel.

Creating a compelling message and narrative involves crafting content and messages that resonate deeply with your audience, spark their emotions, and drive action. Today’s marketing has evolved through technological advancements, cultural trends, and shifts in consumer preferences.

Evolving trends through the decades

TV, radio, print, and direct mail dominated the marketing scene in the 90s. The storytelling was often emotional and aspirational, with a broad narrative constructed to appeal to a mass audience while controlling the narrative in a top-down approach. The 2000s saw the rise of the internet shift marketing towards digital marketing in a more interactive and personalised way with targeted narratives aimed to appeal to specific groups. Brands began using email, banner ads, and websites to target niche audiences with data-driven messaging, while SEO and direct-response copywriting became key strategies. The 2010s saw the rise of social media, where storytelling became even more interactive and conversational. Brands engaged in two-way communication, and influencer marketing emerged as a powerful tool. Copywriting adapted to shorter, platform-specific formats, while visual storytelling gained increased importance.

The 2020s Trends: Revolutionising storytelling

The 2020s are characterised by AI and data-driven marketing, revolutionising storytelling by creating hyper-personalized experiences. Messaging is focused on aligning with consumers’ identities and values, using real-time interaction, and leveraging user-generated content for authentic storytelling.

#1 AI-powered personalization: The time of tailored connections
At the centre of this evolution is the power of AI. It is transforming how brands connect with customers. From product recommendations to dynamic emails, AI enables personalised experiences at scale. But personalisation isn’t just about data; it’s about creating genuine human connections. The key to success will be blending AI precision with authenticity, ensuring every interaction feels real and relevant.

#2 Storytelling: Connecting through emotion and purpose
Storytelling is more powerful than ever. Brands are moving beyond product features to create narratives focusing on customer experiences, brand values, and real-world impact. The most successful brands will tell stories that put customers at the centre, making them the heroes of their journeys while aligning with values like sustainability and social justice.

#3 Purpose-driven messaging: Aligning with what matters
Consumers are more focused on values than ever before. Brands must align with social causes like sustainability and ethical practices. Purpose-driven messaging will be a powerful way to build trust and loyalty, showing customers that your brand stands for something meaningful, not just a product.

#4 Brevity and impact: Short-form content
In an era of shortened attention spans, even the most compelling story won’t matter if you can’t capture your audience’s attention; short-form content is a must. Whether it’s a punchy social media post or a headline that grabs attention, brevity is essential. The key is to deliver a clear, impactful message that captures attention, cuts through the noise and leaves a lasting impression.

#5 Conversational and authentic copy: Humanizing the message
Consumers are now expecting more from their interactions, they want to connect with brands on a human level and expect brands to speak to them as individuals – not only as customers. In 2025, authentic copy is key. Brands must embrace a conversational tone, using empathy, humour, and relatability to foster emotional connections. With voice search on the rise, messaging will shift to mimic natural, spoken language – engaging customers in ways that feel more like a friendly conversation than a corporate pitch.

#6 Interactive and engaging copy: Fostering honest conversations
Marketing is no longer a one-way street. Brands integrate interactive elements like quizzes, polls, and user-generated content (UGC) to foster engagement. Conversational AI and chatbots turn static copy into dynamic dialogues, creating more personalized, two-way interactions. Customers no longer consume content. They participate in its creation, making the experience more personal and immersive.

Leading the way – Brands with lasting impact

The most successful brands will connect personally, tell authentic stories, and stand for something bigger than a product. By embracing these trends and staying attuned to what consumers genuinely care about, brands can build stronger, more meaningful connections with their audiences. They can form connections beyond the transaction and build more meaningful relationships with their audience by creating a lasting impact in an ever-evolving world.

The future of marketing is about building relationships, not just transactions. Now is the time to innovate and make your message resonate!

 

 

Bold Expressions Through Grain Design

Source: Øyafestivalen, Adobe MAX & Jung Mong-gu Foundation

Maximalist Illustrations

Source: Paris 2024, Zeka Graphic & Yulong Lli

Chopped Shape Format Design

This trend is breaking away from the confines of conventional square and rectangular formats, embracing unique, cropped shapes to highlight products and services in fresh, innovative ways. By intentionally using non-traditional shapes, designers craft dynamic layouts that capture the attention of the audience, offering an engaging and visually stimulating experience.

Commbi Sandals transformed footwear marketing by using custom shapes that highlighted style and comfort, offering a fresh perspective on design. CHROMAS™ Furniture took a bold approach by incorporating curved shapes that transformed each piece into artistic installation, blending functionality with high-end design. Evernate (health supplements) used capsule-shaped graphics to reinforce the relevance of the product while adding a sleek, modern touch to the overall branding.

Source: Commbi® & Evernate

New Naturalism – Earthy Sophistication

Source: Paris 2024, Zeka Graphic & Arkhelm Skincare

A future in rich contrasts

Colours reflect more than aesthetics – they tell a story about how we relate to our world. NCS Color has released its colour trends for 2025+, and it’s clear that contrasts and dynamism are taking centre stage. The four major trends, Gaia, On & Off, Inner, and Ethereal, encapsulate our emotions and cultural shifts. Each palette offers a unique sense of the times, from Gaia’s nature-inspired blue and green tones to Ethereal’s seamless blend of the physical and digital worlds.

Ethereal – Light, liquid and flowing

Ethereal represents the transition between the digital and physical worlds, with light, flowing colours that blur the boundaries between the two. Rhode, Hailey Bieber’s new company, has embraced this aesthetic, creating a tech-infused yet light and minimalist experience.

Credits: NCS & rhode skin

On & Off – Utmost contrast, opposite attraction

With On & Off, we embrace a world of contrasts. Chromatic light and dark shades unite to symbolize unity despite opposites – a reminder of our need for balance and connection.

Inner & Gaia – A tribute to nature

Inner brings warmth and comfort through its soft, earthy tones. These subtle mid-tones remind us of our humanity and inner strength in a harsh and divided world. Lastly, Gaia pays tribute to nature’s calming forces. Blue and green hues inspire us to reflect on climate change and our relationship with water, our most precious resource. Let these trends inspire you to create spaces where colours influence and transform the feel of our physical and digital worlds.

Credit: NCS 

Fonts with character for unique branding

In 2025, typography will play a vital role in visual communication, focusing on fonts that stand out and deeply connect with audiences. Fonts with strong character provide authenticity and distinction, especially in a world full of information. Variable fonts, which offer fluidity and adaptability, are becoming popular for brands that want flexibility in expressing evolving ideas. These fonts pair well with color trends like Ethereal, while bold, impactful fontswork effectively with the On & Off trend, where strong contrasts in color and typography symbolize unity and balance.

Credits: Francos de Montréal, MAD ORGANICS & FUNKA

England is a country that loves its beer, whether it’s full-strength or alcohol-free. However, not all beers are created equal. That’s why finding a brand you can trust, especially one that’s local and dedicated to its craft, makes all the difference. Blackjack is exactly that kind of brewery.

Credit: Blackjack brewery

Breakfast in the green

The Adentity team enjoyed a radiant day in Copenhagen, where summer was in the air and energy flowed. The day began in the picturesque district of Klampenborg, where we enjoyed a fantastic breakfast in one of the village’s green oases. The morning sun shone through the treetops, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as we prepared for a day filled with art, culture, and connection.

From Ai Weiwei to Finn Juhl at Ordrupgaard

After a relaxing walk through the lush landscape, we arrived at our first destination of the day – Ordrupgaard, where history meets modernity. Ai Weiwei is a Chinese artist, architect, and activist known for his innovative and politically charged work. Born in 1957 in Beijing, he grew up during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, which greatly influenced his perspective on art and politics. Ai Weiwei is one of the most influential contemporary artists in the world, with his work often addressing themes like human rights, censorship, freedom, and exile. Wilhelm and Henny Hansen founded Ordrupgaard as a private home for their impressive art collection, and it is still located in their mansion, which was built in 1918. The museum is a treasure trove for art lovers, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy works by some of the world’s most significant artists, including Monet, Degas, Renoir, and Gauguin.

Walking through Ordrupgaard’s galleries was an absolute delight. Each painting told its story, captivating us with timeless beauty and masterful technique. The museum’s atmosphere, with its blend of elegance and intimacy, gave us the time and space to reflect and be inspired by the artistic diversity within its walls.

Lunch by architect Zaha Hadid’s world famous pavilion

After fully absorbing the art, we moved to the historic park, where nature and architectural surroundings create a peaceful and serene harmony. Here, we paused for an outdoor lunch – the perfect spot to continue our conversations about art and creativity.

The next highlight of our tour was the visit to architect and furniture designer Finn Juhl’s world-famous house in the park. Stepping into this architectural gem was like walking into design history. Juhl’s unique vision and ability to combine form and function in a way that still feels relevant and innovative were incredibly inspiring. Every room in the house reflects his creativity and attention to detail, and we couldn’t help but feel moved by his passion for craftsmanship and aesthetics.

Nyhavn soaked in sunshine

As a final touch to this enriching day, we made our way to Nyhavn, one of Copenhagen’s most popular spots. Here, by the colorful harbour, we enjoyed a wonderful evening as the sun slowly set over the water. The vibrant atmosphere and the mild summer weather made the evening a perfect conclusion to a day filled with inspiration, energy, and joy. With renewed creative drive and a wealth of new impressions, we now feel more than ready for upcoming projects and look forward to the challenges of autumn. Wonderful Copenhagen has truly given us a day to remember!

Source:Ordrupgaard

Credits: Olympics

Celebrate in a stylish, responsible & personal way

Inspired by the Olympics in Paris, we took a closer look at the graphic design that permeates the games. Ever since the first official posters from Stockholm in 1912, the branding of the games has increased in importance, depicting both cultural influences from the cities where they were held and stylistic influences of periods in which they took place.

Starting with the present, the visual identity of the Paris Olympic Games is based on four cornerstones: celebration, transfer, rationalisation and personalisation. Transfer stands for a sense of style and the creative French spirit, while personalisation is new to these Games, allowing the host cities and partners to have their own colours and looks.

Credits: IOC

Iconic logo –  Gold, Flame and Marianne

The Paris slogan “Games wide open” is shown visually through the iconic art nouveau posters and the logo. The logo is made up of three symbols: the gold medal, the flame, and the face “Marianne” – a symbol the French people hold dear from the French Revolution. The logo’s symbolism is achievement, energy, and the idea that the games belong to the people.

Partner in time – omega Creative collaboration

In terms of partnerships, the Olympics sees great creative collaboration between partners, utilising the graphics and symbolism associated with the Games. A notable example is Omega’s role as the official timekeeper of the Games. They produce bespoke versions of their iconic timepieces for each event, ensuring that time is managed with a touch of Olympic flair. The watch’s design is stylish and sporty, reflecting the gold symbolism of the Paris logo.

Credits: Omega, V Magazine

Graphic exposÉ – A trip down memory lane

The graphic design for the Olympic games over the years captures the era in which they were held. It’s a time exposé, starting from Stockholm in 1912. Have a look at some examples of Olympic posters that reflect the spirit of the times.

THE ANTIQUE ERA

Credits: IOC

Stockholm, in 1912, represented the parade of nations, where each athlete carried twirling flags and walked towards the common goal of the Olympic games. The nudity was a nod to the ancient games, but it was too daring for some countries. Looking back on today’s partnership with Omega, this was the first Olympic event to feature automatic timing. The 1924 Paris Olympics also featured half-naked athletes with a nod to Antiquity, making the Olympic salute. The flag represents the French Republic, and the palm leaves symbolise victory.

The 1936 Games in Berlin were the first to be broadcast on television. The design, created by Mr Würbel, features the Quadriga from the Brandenburg Gate, a prominent landmark in Berlin. In the background, a garlanded victor is depicted, his arm raised in the Olympic salute, symbolising the Olympic Games.

WORK WITH GRAPHICS

Credits: IOC

The Tokyo Games in 1964 were the first to be held in Asia. Renowned Japanese graphic designer Yusaku Kamekura created the emblem for the Games. It used the red circle of the Japanese flag, representing the sun. Underneath the red circle were the Olympic rings and the words “Tokyo 1964” in gold letters. The posters were made by photoengraving using several colours, highlighting the technology of the Japanese printing industry.

The Mexico City 1968 Games emblem was created by Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and reflected the fashion of the time: hippy psychedelia. It combines the five Olympic rings and the year, and the design recalls the patterns of the Huichol, an indigenous people of Mexico.

The Moscow 1980 poster featured the official emblem created by Vladimir Arsentyev. The Olympic rings are positioned below a section of running tracks, which rise into an architectural silhouette typical of Moscow. A five-pointed star is also included, serving as a reminder of the Kremlin flag.

A VARIETY OF DESIGNERS

Credits: IOC

The 1984 Los Angeles Games had a distinct West Coast style, featuring “intuitive” colours and an exuberant, typically Pacific freshness. This was in line with the spirit of 1980s festivals. The star is a universal symbol of mankind’s highest aspirations; the horizontal bars portray speed, while the repetition of the star shape signifies the spirit of competition between equally outstanding physical forms. Sixteen renowned artists designed 15 posters for the LA Games.

At the Sydney 2000 event, several poster designers from diverse creative and cultural backgrounds were invited to contribute their work to showcase a range of styles and techniques. A total of 50 posters were published. The emblem features the image of an athlete, incorporating traditional Australian shapes and colours. The boomerangs and suggestions of sun and rocks, together with the colours of the harbour, beaches and red interior, evoke the distinctive Australian landscape and its indigenous population.

The poster, created by artist Rachel Whiteread and titled “London 2012,” features circles in the Olympic colours stacked on top of one another. The design clearly references the five rings that make up the Olympic symbol. The circles, which appear as marks made by bottles or glasses left on a table, symbolise the memory of a social meeting. The Organising Committee collaborated with Tate and the Plus Tate Group to showcase artistic excellence in selecting artists to create the official posters of London 2012. Six artists were selected to design a poster.

The information about the Olympic graphic design and branding comes from Olympic Games where you also find a lot more information about the games.

Meet Gen Z – the upcoming generation! Following the game-changing Millennials, Gen Z is a generation that is becoming increasingly important when it comes to consumer behaviour, marketing, and communication. At Adentity, we have looked into this generation, the most diverse ever,  to outline some of its characteristics. So, let’s get to know them better.

BORN AS DIGITAL WIZARDS

Generation Z, or the “Zoomers,” was born between 1995(7) and 2012. They are the first generation to have grown up in a completely digital world, which has shaped them in many ways. For example, you have their attention for the whole 8 seconds, and they usually juggle five devices simultaneously. No doubt, they are more connected and tech-savvy than any previous generation.

POSITIVE SCEPTICS

This generation, together with Millennials, has sometimes gotten the epithet “snowflake generation”, derived from the notion of them being seen as somewhat fragile and easily offended, but with a feeling that there is no one else like you.

They are the children of Generation X and are, to some extent, shaped by the same volatile societal environment. Gen X had to deal with the Cold War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the oil crisis, Watergate, and stock exchange crashes. Gen Z was formed by the financial crisis, a pandemic that closed everything worldwide, the climate crisis, and being part of a new, somewhat unknown digital era. This has created the same scepticism, with a positive touch, as their parents.

With a combination of dynamic visuals, vibrant colours, and an upbeat soundtrack the video is specifically customized to align with Gen Z preferences, making the video both visually and audibly appealing. And with the 8 second focus in fresh memory at least they will see half of it before they turn to another media.

HOME-LOVING HEALTH PROMOTERS WITH MONEY CONCERNS

Gen Z values education very highly and prefers gaming and being at home with family and close friends before partying. Health and training are essential, and they are careful with money and sceptical of any loan, with a lessened need for owning things. They value diversity highly, need clear goals, and know what to expect before entering any commitment, be it a new job, a trust assignment, or an activity. Gen Z are individuals that are including with a focus on ethical and moral values as well as a strong feeling for safety and control. This also conveys a deeper interest in research and being source-critical.

INFLUENCERS AND HAPPENINGS

As consumers, they trust influencers in everything, from health coaching and make-up tips to what skincare brand to buy (or not to buy) and restaurant to visit. Therefore, marketing to this generation must be genuine, transparent, and authentic to entice them to purchase. They like quality and unique products and prefer to shop in brick-and-mortar stores with fun happenings rather than online. And although they care about the planet and products being ethically produced, they still have a love for fast fashion.

SHAPING THE FUTURE

So, are Gen Z digital natives embodied as unique snowflakes? Digital – definitely; snowflakes – more questionable. Gen Z is shaping up to be an adaptable generation that spends time with their family and close friends, is careful with money, includes everyone, and has strong ethical and moral values, especially when it comes to marketing and consumption. They take nothing for granted and impose a sceptical yet positive view of their own future. A generation that will shape the world of tomorrow.

Welcome to another colourful year! As we approach the blossoming spring, let’s take a peek at the vibrant trends shaping today’s graphical world. From pixel-perfect creations to scrapbooking nostalgia and a kaleidoscope of colours.

SCRAPBOOKING SENSATION

Remember creating colourful and textured spreads full of handwritten notes and magazine cutouts? Well, those days of scrapbooking are back! Scrapbooking is taking us back to the golden days of the early 2000s when we listened to the latest hits on our MP3s and wore velour tracksuits as a fashion statement. Brands are drawing inspiration from the mosaic nature of scrapbooking to create eye-catching marketing material. Kiehls, a skincare brand, took that inspiration when they redesigned their packaging.

Credits: Spotify, Kiehls, Fifa Women’s cup

PIXEL PERFECTION

Who would have guessed that the tiny squares could steal the spotlight again? Pixel design is making a comeback, but now in a more expanded and chunkier version. Pixel design uses only coloured pixels as building blocks to collectively form images. The pixels have not only taken the front row in graphic design but fashion houses like Louis Vuitton are also using them to create statement pieces that decorate the runway, blending retro vibes with modern flair.

Credits: John Dias & Louis vuitton

COLOUR CARNIVAL

It would not be the year 2024 without talking about colours. Kermit Green, Barbie Pink, and Pantone’s colour of the year 2024, Peach Fuzz, is painting the town and uplifting our everyday lives. Whether it is web design, interior or clothing, colours are taking their rightful place.

Credits: Adoore, Studio Klin, Hay design, Norrgavel

Lighting the path of inspiration

The integration of AI into marketing strategies has sparked a surge of creative inspiration. Tons of cool ideas are popping up, changing how we do marketing in the digital world. Now, AI is deciding the next flavour of your soda and the new label of your favourite product. Continue reading to discover some of today’s most unique AI marketing campaigns.

The excitement of tomorrow

AI is just as exciting and interesting to companies as it is to consumers. There is a joint enthusiasm about creating a buzz around these brands who use AI to come up with cool new marketing material. People are excited to see how AI can change their daily lives, eagerly anticipating the next wave of innovation that AI will bring.

Credits: Coca-cola and Ads of the world

Coca-Cola took people’s vision of the future and crafted an AI-generated flavour. Intrigued, we sampled it at the office, revealing a genuinely futuristic taste.

Credits: Ads of the world

The latest trend involves feeding AI prompts that it generates into images. Heinz took this trend to the next level, providing AI with a single prompt: “ketchup.” To their astonishment, every bottle produced exhibited a striking resemblance to the iconic Heinz bottle.

Credits: LinkedIn, Dezeen, and BMW

We are all eagerly looking forward to exploring the future possibilities and contributions that AI may offer. What are your thoughts on what AI might bring next?

Myth 1: Storytelling beyond seconds

How long do you need to capture your audience’s attention? In a time dominated by short TikTok videos, a myth has risen that you sometimes only have as few as 0.4 seconds to catch viewers’ attention. 0.4 seconds to decide whether you want to engage or not. It is essential to understand that a short time to capture attention doesn’t necessarily mean you have to end your story after a few seconds. Take your viewers on a journey, tell a story and take your time to build the tension. Short and catchy introductions are great, though your content can be an exciting novel.

Myth 2: Letting stories shine

In advertising, there’s a prevalent misconception that your brand and logo must always be spotlighted. However, successful creative strategies often break away from this tradition. Instead of rushing to display your logo, create a captivating narrative that engages your audience’s emotions and curiosity. Drawing viewers into a compelling story can leave a memorable and lasting impression. The key is to harness the emotional power of storytelling to enhance the impact of your brand identity. Allow the brand to be shaped by the story rather than vice versa.

Myth 3: The heart of engagement

The last myth suggests that a high number of “likes” on your content signifies a solid consumer base. However, it’s crucial to recognize that “likes” predominantly come from individuals who find your content enjoyable, but that doesn’t necessarily convert them into loyal consumers or represent your core audience.Consider your own interactions with brand content. When and why do you hit that “like” button?

“Likes” may show engagement and loyalty, but they often need more to become active consumers. Distinguishing between casual engagement and genuine conversion is vital to building a solid consumer base. So, aim to create content beyond a simple “like” and truly inspire your audience.

A global virus, war, natural disasters, economic uncertainty; the world has been shaking for a while. As we’re about to enter 2024, the “happy 20s” we were all hoping to relive couldn’t feel more distant. How does today’s design mirror a society facing such turbulence? With warmth, it seems. Read to find out more!

 

Credits: Barbie, McDonald’s and Folksam via Resumé. Girl Scouts of the USA via Creative Review.

Modern nostalgia 

The use of nostalgia in design and marketing (as well as in movies, music etc.) has become a powerful tool to adjust old truths and look at things through modern glasses. Building on the foundation of something already familiar and combining it with contemporary knowledge, the result is a vibrant dialogue between what has been and what is yet to come. Modern nostalgia therefore challenges us, and at the same time provides us with a sense of comfort we’re all longing for. 

 

Credits: Anna Chandler via It’s Nice That, Dribbble, BBC Cricket via Design Week, Nike via Medium and Blumarine via NYLON.

Y2K – The urge for playfulness and fun 

Welcome back to the year 2000! Popping color schemes, early internet, MTV and low-cut jeans. Looking back, this particular era was the perfect picture of the easy life – literally sprinkled in bling-bling, lip gloss and FUN. A period drenched in the feeling that there were no problems in the world. Trends reappearing every now and then are totally natural and are often an answer to what’s going on in society in general. So even in this case. In these uncertain times we (and especially young adults today) are in desperate need of surrounding ourselves with everything cheerful, enjoyable and secure. As stated above, nostalgia has a calming impact on us. 

 

Credits: Formex 2023 via Hus & Hem, Odd Design Studio and Salt and Sugar via Looka, Courvoisier Bar at Selfridges via Dezeen,

More, more and more – The return of maximalism

Perhaps it was the pandemic or perhaps it was the change of mood in society overall that made the long-lived minimalism trend feel too … harsh? Whatever the cause, maximalism design has marched in at full speed. You will recognize it in everything from interior to graphic and packaging design. We’re talking loud colour combinations, bold typography, daring patterns and playful photography – preferably all at once. The outcome is eye-catching, lighthearted and full of endorphins! Naturally, minimalistic design is still a thing – but has interestingly enough evolved into a more vivid form of minimalism. No more unforgivable black on white but instead muted colours, simple illustrations and a slightly more playful lettering positioned in a classic grid like structure. 

 

Credits: Yuna Kim, Eun Jeong Yoo and Studio Marcus Hansen via It’s Nice That, Wang & Söderström, Skansen via Resumé, LG rebrand via Creative Review and Husqvarna.

Man vs Machine? More likely human <3 machine! 

Incredible technical and digital advancements are happening every single day. But even in the machine-driven world of tech and innovation, the focus has begun to shift towards reflecting more human qualities and soft values. We crave the ability to feel, touch and experience; whether it comes to super tactile 3D-renderings or typography inspired by classic crafts like cross stitching, it creates an exciting connection to the real world. In summary, the trend is not to be seen as a counter-reaction to technical progress – but a wish for the human and the digital to exist in symbiosis. And by doing so, tie together the future with tradition.

 

En dejlig dag for the Adentity team kick-off

The Adentity team embarked on a kick-off journey to Copenhagen, and we knew we were in for a treat when the beaming sun rose for a late summer visit. The day was filled with culinary delights, artistic inspiration, and the pulse of a vibrant city. Our agenda was simple yet indulgent: savouring the finest Danish cuisine, exploring the captivating world of art at a renowned museum, and keeping a watchful eye on the latest trends that Copenhagen had to offer.

A good Danish pastry for breakfast at Torvehallerne in the heart of Copenhagen set the right tone for the rest of our day. On our way to the museum, we walked through the beautiful Botanical Garden. There is a large lake in the middle of the garden, where we stopped and took some photos of the magnificent palm house, which reflected beautifully on the lake.

Baroque – Out of Darkness

For the first time in over 100 years, the National Gallery of Denmark has retrieved and restored some of the Baroque’s most distinguished art pieces. In the art world, the term ¨Baroque¨ has sometimes been used disrespectfully, but our visit to the SMK to experience the Baroque – “Out of Darkness” exhibition completely shattered any misconceptions. The collection was a masterpiece, finely orchestrated with accompanying music that heightened the overall sensory experience. The museum displayed an impressive selection level and featured various outstanding Baroque artists.

Craftmanship and hidden gems

While wandering the streets of Copenhagen, we stumbled upon a beautiful store where they hand-crafted their own glass sculptures and other items. To see more of their beautiful pieces, you can visit their website here.

Rundetårn – great views over the city

The last stop of this memorable trip to Copenhagen was completed at the top of Rundetårn, offering a panoramic view of the vibrant city. From this point, we reflected on the day´s experiences, looking forward to upcoming projects and the comforting arrival of autumn.

Thank you for this time, Copenhagen, vi ses!

In the world of design and marketing, motion graphics have become an increasingly popular and effective tool for capturing audience attention and communicating messages. As technology continues to advance, so do the possibilities for creating captivating and engaging motion graphics. With the start of a new year, it’s time to take a look at the hottest motion graphic trends of 2023.

From bold color schemes to futuristic animations, we will guide you through the top trends that are sure to make a splash in the world of motion graphics this year. Whether you’re a designer, marketer, or simply someone who enjoys staying up-to-date on the latest trends, this post will provide you with valuable insights and inspiration for creating impactful motion graphics in 2023.

1. Kinetic typography – the art of breaking rules

Kinetic typography is an animation method where the creators use moving text to draw in and hold the viewer’s interest. Marketers have always flocked to the dynamic typography trend, and that tendency will continue in 2023. Twist, stretch, bend, break or even morph the letters – the only rule is to have fun with it!

CrossCall – Core from NŌBL on Vimeo.

2. Mixing it up – using 2D and 3D together to create contrast

We see a lot of realistic 3D animations combined with paper cutout 2D motion graphics. By mixing these elements you easily captivate the viewers. This is also a great way to ease into 3D animation if you are unfamiliar with it. Although the 3D trend is flourishing there is still space for 2D in motion graphics in the future.

3. Defying the laws of 3D gravity

While we’re on the 3D subject, this trend can be effective if you typically use 3D models to create motion graphics. The anti-gravity effect is made up of 3D models that float freely in a 3D environment, creating the effect of an object levitating as if it is in space. We predict to see this trend more in commercial use because of the many possibilities to show of a product in an interesting, new way.

Gnome Serum from Spot Studio on Vimeo.

4. Hyper-realistic 3D

As CGI advances, hyper-realistic 3D is also getting more attention. The astonishing detail makes you question whether the object is real or not. This type of animation is what is used in high-budget video games cinematic and is made with a premium look and feel.

Timberland X Liberty from XK studio on Vimeo.

5. Stop motion in a new take – old technique with modern approach

Traditionally, stop motion is produced by taking continuous photos of real objects in a studio. With today’s 3D animation techniques, you can achieve a similar effect by altering the movement of the 3D items, giving them the appearance of stop motion.

Babylonic from Kasra Design on Vimeo.

 

Get your head in the game – literally! Digital techniques are continuously evolving and in the near future, you should keep an extra eye on these 4 trends that we believe will be used more in everyday use. Metaverse, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and 3D are terms we get more familiar with as the digital universe evolves. The next step seems to be the buzzing Metaverse, where you might be able to explore a whole new virtual reality – in the comfort of your own home.

What do you think of the idea of a Metaverse? Adentity is in for the journey and although we are unsure if it will become a reality in the near future, we are excited to follow the updates.

Metaverse – A new internet universe

Imagine having a whole new platform and meeting place where the possibilities to market brands are enormous. Imagine moving in-person meetings and zoom meetings to a 3D virtual reality space with personalized avatars – a digital version of yourself! This is what world-leading companies such as Google and Microsoft keep investing in, a new internet universe – Metaverse.

Credits: Yukun Zhou – Metaverse shopping center

In 2023, VR will advance to a new level. With the launching of VR headsets, the accessibility to the Metaverse will increase. VR headsets will open a new door to Metaverse where marketing will have a new impact on brand and customer experience. To mention a few, UX design, brand experience and the way people experience information will adapt to this virtual universe.

AI – a threat to designers or a useful tool for creation?

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere now, in all kinds of markets. We see it being used in the form of chatbots, copy development and even within blood analyzing purposes. With this fast-growing use of AI, we are starting to see it within graphic design as well. AI can create interpretations of whatever you like using keywords and algorithms and analyze thousands of images to create new ones. Some creators may fear that AI will take over their profession and make designers obsolete in the future. However, we predict that designers never will go out of style and that soul and heart are necessary for the creation process. Instead, look at AI as a tool for concept creation, brainstorming and idea generation.

Credits: Jeff Han – Mid journey Ai collection

The possibilities of what AI can create within image sketches are endless, the only thing standing in the way is your own imagination. Brand collaboration is another example of how AI can be used. In this case, a creator took this tool to the next level, developing sketches for a fictional collaboration between IKEA and Patagonia only by using keywords in an AI image program. By analyzing the keywords in the AI program and adjusting them the result is both realistic and unique. Another creative use of AI is this interpretation of the population density in different countries.

Credits: Eric Groza – Patagonia+IKEA, Terence Fosstodon – Population Density Maps

3D elements

It goes without saying that the Metaverse and Virtual Reality have a significant impact on 3D design, both when it comes to moving 360° objects like logotypes as well as static elements with complex shading and detail. With its flexibility, 3D helps us create other realities and perspectives and we predict we’ll see a lot of surrealistic worlds mixed with reality-based elements within this field.

Credits: Joe Mei – Virtual clothing, Paulina Kopijkowska

 

From dopamine colours to artsy fonts

Let us inspire you with dreamy landscapes, popping colours and unique expressions. We’ve looked into some upcoming and popular graphic trends within colour and typography. Bright and happy colours as well as playful fonts remain popular when it comes to both packaging and web design. We’ve gathered inspiring influences from Art Noveau to graffiti, traditional to modern, softness to boldness. Whether you prefer natural or abstract, classical or innovative – here is something for you to incorporate into your current designs or marketing strategies.

Dreams of colour

Muted colour gradients, grainy textures, and natural light. The concept of Dreamy colours is gaining popularity in both interior design and fashion. This is a trend we see in many aspects of graphic design. With the soft nuances and the midnight feeling, this can be applied to both web and packaging design to create smooth, unique, colour harmony. Consumers are invited to enter into a dreamy and soft universe and step out of their everyday life for a little while. Where imagination, fantasy and aspirations are merged into a dreamy concept.

Credits: Moi inerior, Billie Inc. and Caia cosmetic 

Dopamine colours with simplified graphic design

The opposite of dreamy colours might be the Dopamine trend. Drawing inspiration from both the fifties and seventies, the bright and bold nuances bring joy and liveliness to any category within graphic design. With the popping and fun, contrasting colours we believe this could elevate brands by creating attention within packaging design. Graphic design and illustrations are an important part of the design work, and the magic is to find good colour combinations that are in contrast but look stunning together.

Credits: Poppi and Cocco – The art of chocolate 

Arts & crafts – unique typefaces inspired by Art Noveau

Fonts with a classic feel but with a modern touch. Inspired by Art Nouveau this style is often illustrated and self-designed to create a unique graphical profile. By playing around with fonts in this modern way and connecting them with traditional styles, you can develop new, exciting ways to express your brand.

Credits: Reva skin care and Nicky Laatz

Express yourself with expressive fonts – from Dada to Graffiti

For a powerful statement, try expressive fonts. Combining capital letters with contrasting colours, the text can almost become illegible sometimes- but with the intention to bring attention. Almost an impression of art rather than words, this trend is excessive, but in all the right ways. We can see that this technique has gone from being an expression for graffiti artists – to a modern marketing approach being used in both billboards and packaging design. The fonts are creating movement, contrast and bring youth and innovation to the product and brand.

Credits: Talormade, Brooklyn film festival and Uberdank