2023 Color & Design Trends

I love looking at Fashion Week and Pantone to see what the graphic design color trends will be! The most important thing you can do as a graphic designer is keep up with color trends because you will:

• Design products that people will love.
• Sell more product.

You can read more about how I pick colors and how I maximize my earnings from my color choices.

Back in 2017, I discussed the color trend greenery and we’re still in full swing with this trend. In fact, Greenery was Pantone’s 2017 color of the year. Thanks to the popularity of the show Fixer Upper, it’s understandable why this color thrived. I made the product below in response to the greenery trend, and it’s still one of my top selling items!

2023 Color Trend Predictions:

Comfort meets unexpected surprises

Source: Pantone

The 2023 Spring Color Palette by Pantone includes a range of vibrant, bold shades that are sure to make a statement. The colors in this palette are inspired by the playful, carefree spirit of childhood, with hues that remind one of brightly colored cereal and sweet treats. These colors are designed to evoke feelings of fun, whimsy, and joy, making them perfect for adding a pop of cheer to any springtime look or design.

Dusty Rose/Mauve

If you visit a makeup counter, you will see a ton of mauve and rosy nudes in every hue and shade. Mauve look great on warm and cool skin tones which makes this color pallet ideal for makeup and fashion. Also, the “mauve” color family, including dusty rose, has a “wealthy” look to it. People want products in this hue because it’s feminine and classy.

Source: https://www.pantone.com/color-intelligence/articles/colors/pink-tempering-passion-with-purity

An example of a color in the mauve family is rose gold. The rose gold trend has been dominating the market. Rose gold adds an ultra feminine look, which is why this shade happens to be the color of choice for weddings.

“Cute” Japanese Kawaii Color Pallet

Source: https://www.pantone.com/products/graphics/pastels-neons

Kawaii is a popular trend which means “cute” in Japanese. Put a happy face on little pictures and boom you’ve got Kawaii.

Source: https://creativemarket.com/Lyeyla/2283123-Kawaii-best-friends?u=tamhmull

There are a couple reasons why the Kawaii pastel pallet will gain in popularity. First, this cotton candy color pallet will grow as the Anime market moves West. Second, Pantone mentioned in an article that “Fetish Food” colors are trending. For example, look at how many people take pictures of their desserts! The Kawaii color pallet goes hand in hand with the “fetish foods” concept.

Below are a couple examples of products that use the Kawaii pastel pallet. These products emphasize lightheartedness. Note: I used this fun color pallet for the cleaning planner and it’s one of my most popular products!

Bold Gem Tones and Metallics

Source: https://www.pantone.com/color-intelligence/color-education/fhi-metallic-shimmers

Metallics were a major trend at New York and London Fashion Week, with many designers incorporating shimmering and reflective elements into their collections. As people look for ways to make a statement and stand out from the crowd, gem-colored metallics have become increasingly popular. This trend can be seen in the growing popularity of sequined throw pillows, as well as the proliferation of metallic lip colors in makeup stores. Whether on the runway or in everyday fashion and beauty products, metallics are sure to add some sparkle and shine to any look.

Pantone’s color of the year for 2018 was Galactic Purple. As part of my yearly release I created galactic printables. This product was slow to catch on but is now one of my top selling products. Also, The marbled theme gives customer something bold and eye catching for their planner!

UPDATE: 2023 Color Of the Year

The Color of the Year for 2023 has been announced!

Viva Magenta

Viva magenta is a bold, vibrant shade of pink that is sure to catch the eye. It is often described as invigorating and energizing, making it a popular choice for logos, branding, and design elements. When people look at the color viva magenta, they may feel a sense of excitement and enthusiasm, as it is associated with confidence, creativity, and fun. Whether used in small accents or as a statement piece, viva magenta is sure to add some pep to your step and bring a touch of playfulness to any space.