Print Design Trends For 2025

Aside from the benefits of print magazines we often discuss, such as brand recall, authoritativeness, and timelessness, print magazines are also incredibly fun to design. In order for your print magazine to stand out, you need to keep up with various design trends and be open to exploring.

Whether your brand is getting ready to launch its first magazine or just looking for design guidance, the latest trends can help you create the perfect magazine.

In this article, we’ll share some trends to keep an eye on in 2025 and beyond, as well as timeless tips.

Bold and Expressive Typography

It’s no secret that variable fonts are increasingly popular in print design since they offer a lot of flexibility. Did you know you can create your own variable fonts from your current brand fonts? So many popular design tools now make it easier for designers to make subtle or bold changes to their brand fonts, meaning brands can easily create expressive typography.

Let’s dive a bit deeper into fonts. Nostalgic fonts currently are and will continue to be popular in 2024, and we expect this trend to continue well in 2025 and beyond. From the groovy, rounded styles of the 1970s to the sleek, futuristic typefaces of the 1980s, these fonts are making a comeback and we’re here for it.

They help your readers transport themselves back to various times while adding a unique character to modern designs. They are also effective in branding and packaging, where a retro feel can foster positive emotions.

Using large and oversized typography is also a trend that prioritizes readability and visual impact. This can turn a simple word or phrase into a bold visual element, drawing attention and making a statement. It’s a great way to emphasize key messages, create a focal point in your design, and make accessibility fun.

Bold Colors and Different Effects

While a lot of brands effectively leverage minimalistic design in their print magazines, bold and vibrant colors are trending, creating a fun way to capture attention and foster reactions. These colors can make designs stand out, especially when used in contrast with neutral backgrounds. Designers are experimenting with unconventional color combinations to create eye-catching and memorable visuals.

Gradients and duotone effects continue to be popular, adding depth and dimension to flat designs. These techniques can create a modern and dynamic look, blending colors seamlessly for a smooth visual transition. They’re particularly effective in backgrounds, illustrations, and typography, adding more movement and fluidity to print materials. We’ve also seen a lot of duotone content on social media, so we know it’s likely here to stay.

Metallic and iridescent finishes are used to add luxury and more “it” factor to various print materials. These finishes reflect light in unique ways, creating a shimmering effect that draws the eye. They’re perfect for high-end products, invitations, magazines, and packaging when a brand is aiming to create a premium look.

Thinking About Asymmetry and Minimalism

Asymmetrical layouts are gaining popularity, breaking away from the traditional grid-based design. This approach creates a more dynamic and engaging visual experience, as elements are placed deliberately off-center or in unconventional arrangements. Asymmetry can add a sense of movement and flow to your design, guiding the viewer’s eye through the content. We also believe this type of effect can increase brand recall.

Same as colors and effects, minimalism in layouts also continues to be a strong trend, focusing on simplicity and clarity. This design approach removes unnecessary elements, allowing the key message and visual components to stand out. In print design, minimalism can make content more readable and accessible while conveying a sense of elegance and calmness. Not everything or every trend is for everyone, and simplicity will always have its place.

Incorporating mixed media and collage elements into print design is another emerging trend. This involves creatively combining photographs, illustrations, textures, and typography to produce unique and visually rich compositions. This technique allows for greater artistic expression and can make designs more memorable and distinctive. This can be incorporated into print magazine designs with texture paper to create a sense of collage on specific pages.

Integration of Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is something we’ve discussed before, and for a good reason. Leveraging new tools in print magazines, such as augmented reality, can really help brands stand out by creating unique and memorable experiences. An example of this would be when a reader scans a QR code in a magazine with a smartphone, they can be directed to view additional content such as 3D experiences, animations, videos, and more. This makes the experience more memorable.

From expressive typography and vibrant colors to asymmetrical layouts and sustainable practices, these trends offer exciting possibilities for designers and brands in 2024 and for the years to come.

Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, be open-minded to these trends, as it will help you stay ahead of the curve and stand out. Keep experimenting, stay inspired, and let your brand’s creativity shine in every magazine issue you publish. Need help introducing a print magazine to your members or clients? We can help at  TM.Media/Magazine.