In recent years, the world of graphic design has witnessed a significant evolution, transitioning from the stringent confines of minimalism towards a more vibrant landscape defined by maximalism. Yet, as the dust settles on maximalism’s peak, a new aesthetic is emerging that blends the clarity of minimalism with bold, vivid elements. This trend, described variously as “minimal maximalism,” “maximal minimalism,” and “bold minimalism,” is poised to shape the design landscape of 2025.

According to a report by Creative Bloq, the shift towards this innovative design trend is rooted in the intersection of simplicity and bold expression. Minimal maximalism seeks to preserve clean and straightforward designs while incorporating striking features, such as oversized typography and bright colour palettes. Andy Harris, joint head of design at M&C Saatchi UK, explained this aesthetic to Creative Bloq, characterising it as “minimalism on acid.” He noted the recent rebrand of Burger King as a pertinent example: “a distinctive pairing of typography and colour in a stripped-back, graphic brand-world can cut through in the marketplace.”

Nike’s “Winning Isn’t for Everyone” campaign, launched in August, exemplifies this trend with its eye-catching and impactful design that solidified bold minimalism as a forward-looking hallmark of 2025. Patrick Llewellyn echoed this sentiment, highlighting the appeal of this design direction by stating, “it’s simple, but it’s definitely not boring.” He elucidated that while it embraces maximalist traits through vibrant colours and striking typography, it retains a commitment to negative space, clean lines, and uncluttered layouts.

A prominent illustration of minimal maximalism’s emergence in popular culture is the cover art for Charli XCX’s album “brat.” The design features deceptively simple lo-fi text against a striking lime green background, a colour choice that transformed an otherwise minimalist appearance into something visually arresting and memorable.

The resurgence of heritage branding has also played a role in the evolving design narrative, with established brands like Burberry and Burger King revisiting and revamping vintage logos, creating a counterpoint to the stark aesthetic of minimalism. In this landscape, both minimalism and maximalism are finding a shared stage, allowing designers to explore new creative avenues ahead of 2025.

As the design community anticipates these developments, Creative Bloq highlights the potential for a hybrid style that captures the essence of both minimal and maximal approaches, promising an intriguing year ahead for graphic design.

Source: Noah Wire Services