Print design is far from dead – in fact, it’s evolving faster than ever. While digital media grabs headlines, print materials are quietly leveling up, borrowing ideas from modern trends while keeping their tactile charm. Whether you’re flipping through a flyer, a business card, or a bold poster, design choices matter. Customers notice everything – from paper texture to typography. So, here are a few trends in graphic design for print materials you need to know of. 

Sustainable

According to specialists behind Bryant Graphics, these days, customers care more than ever about sustainability. It’s not just a trendy buzzword – it’s something they actively look for when they’re flipping through brochures or handling packaging. If your print materials look eco-conscious, they leave a positive impression. People want to support brands that take responsibility seriously. 

One of the easiest ways to showcase sustainability is by sticking to a limited color palette. You don’t need a rainbow to make an impact. Fewer colors often mean less ink used, and savvy customers notice that. Also, a cleaner palette naturally leans into minimalist vibes, which feels both modern and eco-friendly.

Conscious material choices matter just as much. Think recycled paper, soy-based inks, or biodegradable finishes. These materials aren’t just better for the environment – they also subtly tell customers that you’ve put thought into every step. Moreover, print vendors are making it easier to access these options without blowing up yoru budget. 

It’s not only about using sustainable materials – it’s about making it look sustainable. That raw, slightly imperfect texture of recycled paper? It gives off the right vibe. Rough edges and visible fibers can actually work in yoru favor, giving customers a tactile, down-to-earth reminder that sustainability is baked right in.

Bold typography

Oversized fonts aren’t just about grabbing attention – they’re about confidence. When you go big with yoru typography, it feels unapologetic and clear. People don’t want to squint to figure out what you’re saying. Moreover, bold headlines cut through the clutter, especially when surrounded by visuals fighting for attention. 

Experimenting with typefaces gives you room to break the rules a bit. Mixing something classic with something quirky keeps people interested. Maybe a hand-lettered front paired with a clean sans-serif – that contrast can tell a story. It shows personality without over-complicating the message.

Mixing serif and sans-serif fonts keeps layouts from feeling stable. Each brings its own tone: serif feels more traditional, sans-serif more modern. Putting them together lets you balance those vibes. It’s a small touch, but it makes printed materials stand out in subtle, clever ways.

Don’t underestimate the minimal use of body text. Too much text in print wears people out. Instead, let the design and typography do the heavy lifting. Use short, punchy lines that work with the typeface choices. Print is a visual medium first – treat every word like it has to earn its place on the page. 

Retro revival

People love a good throwback, and ’70s and ’80s color schemes are making a serious comeback. Bright oranges, dep blues, and muted browns immediately set the tone. Retro palettes aren’t just nostalgic – they’re comforting, familiar, and eye-catching in a sea of bland modern minimalism.

Grainy textures and halftone patterns add even more old-school flavor. They mimic how printing used to look, with imperfections baked right in. However, instead of feeling outdated, these details feel deliberate now. It’s like adding character to your print materials, reminding people that design doesn’t always need to feel squeaky clean.

Old-school logos and badges round things out nicely. They borrow from vintage product labels or event posters, giving materials that timeless feel. Also, retro logos often rely on simple shapes and bold outlines, making them easy to reproduce across different formats without losing their charm.

Vintage patterns – think wavy lines, checkers, or geometric grids – layer beautifully in print designs. They create depth and consistency without being too busy. It’s all about pulling from the past to make something fresh,m something that feels like a nod to history but still fits today’s design expectations.

Maximalism

Maximalism is all about going big or going home. Clashing colors, textures, and shapes jam-packed into one design might sound chaotic – but when done right, it’s visually exciting. It creates a rich experience where every glance reveals something new. There’s no empty space, and that’s intentional. 

Layering imagery adds to the fun. Overlapping photos, illustrations, and patterns keep your audience engaged. Instead of one central focus, their eyes move around, piecing everything together. It invites people to linger longer, trying to take in all the details scattered across the design. 

Dense, busy layouts challenge the idea that “less is more.” For print, this approach can work wonders – magazines, posters, or flyers that embrace the clutter feel more immersive. It feels like every inch of the page serves a purpose, even if it looks a bit world at first glance.

It’s the unexpected elements that really seal the deal. A random sticker graphic, a sudden pop of glitter, or a neon squiggle breaks the rules in the best way. Maximalism thrives on surprising people and ensuring your print materials never fade into the background. 

Minimalist color blocking

Minimalist color blocking keeps things straightforward without benign boring. You pick two or three bold colors, set them up side by side, and let the contract do the heavy lifting. It’s a clean, modern way to create structure while keeping attention focused exactly where you want it. 

Separating elements clearly helps the reader process information faster. When each block has its own dedicated space and color, it feels intuitive. Whether it’s text, photos, or graphics, nothing’s fighting for space – and that’s refreshing in a world where visuals often compete too much.

Leaving plenty of white space around these blocks gives the whole design breathing room. Instead of cramming everything together, you’re intentionally allowing pauses in the layout. It makes the material easier to read, which is crucial when you’re relying on print to make an immediate impression.

At its core, color blocking is all about simplicity and readability. You’re cutting out unnecessary flourishes and giving your design a bold, clear voice. It’s not flashy, but it works – especially when you want your print materials to feel sleek, professional, and easy on the eyes. 

Wrap up

The beauty of print lies in versatility – you can push boundaries, play with textures, or strip things down to the basics. However, staying current means knowing which trends actually resonate. Whether it’s oversized typography, hand-drawn doodles, or bold color blocking, these design choices aren’t just visually appealing – they’re strategic.