1. Handwritten fonts, especially on “Post-It Notes.” The fancy computer-generated looking font is fading and handwritten looking fonts are taking its place. These were popular in 2008 and are expected to stay in vogue for 2009. Paper clips are also making a comeback—fake ones that is.

  

2. Homemade.  Anything too polished or too put together seems too perfect anymore. Now that people aren’t spending like they used to, and with the economy still expected to be in a slump this year, homemade gifts, crafts and the like are gaining in popularity. Many ads and Web sites are following suit, using craft-like materials to create images. This billboard goes a bit far, using actual denim, but hey, it’s for a major denim company (it’s a butterfly, by the way).

 

3. Large fonts. Designers are paying closer attention to the types of typefaces they can use and manipulate, and that seems to mean making the sizes bigger to draw in more detail. Using typography as graphic elements is a big trend right now. This trend is not only popular with graphic design, but in advertising design as well.

 
 

4. Green. Green is a hot color for 2009. With everyone, including President Obama, having the environment at the top of their minds, green design is blossoming everywhere. From paper towel packaging to green Web sites, green is the dominant color in many marketing campaigns for 2009.

   

5. Neon. We seem to be heading back into the ’80s for 2009 as well in terms of graphic design color and fashion. Instead of featuring neon colors though, graphic designers are using these trendy brights as secondary colors to give ads and editorials a bit of pop.

6. Real people in real situations. Instead of celebrities and huge houses, graphic designers are creating scenes in which real people are in real situations and places. No one is using ridiculously beautiful people.

7. Geometric designs. The ’80s are back with a vengeance—this time with geometric designs. Abstract geometrics seem to appeal to consumers and designers alike. The Graphic Design Blog thinks only self-centered companies use these oversized geometric designs; I think they’re gaining more ground since I had plenty of options to choose from when looking for a geometric design example!

 

8. Retro and vintage imagery. This applies more to web design than print design, but Smashing Magazine noted its rise in Fall 2008 and predicts vintage design will continue in 2009.