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Every year I make a video about graphic design trends β but 2026 is different.
Iβm not seeing a new dominant visual style emerge. Instead, Iβm seeing something far more important happening behind the scenes:
the way designers work is changing faster than ever.
In this video, I break down what I believe are the real graphic design trends of 2026:
β The rise of AI and automation (and the death of busy work)
β Why access to professional tools is no longer the advantage
β Free vs paid software and what that means for designers
β Why designers who ship will consistently win
β Boutique studios vs large agencies
β Why taste, thinking, and execution now matter more than style
Design trends are often recycled.
Tools, workflows, and ways of creating are not.
If youβre a graphic designer, brand designer, or someone looking to get into the industry, these shifts will affect you whether you like it or not.
This isnβt a video telling you what colours or fonts will be popular.
Itβs about understanding where the industry is actually heading β and how to stay relevant as a designer in 2026 and beyond.
If you enjoy this kind of thinking around design, creativity, and the future of the industry, make sure youβre subscribed.
Happy New Year.
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