I shifted through thousands of projects and websites to search for common design themes and trends coming into 2021.

Trends usually develop because of an evolution in technology or new tools in common software that make it easier to accomplish certain effects or styles.

Take for instance the frosted glass effects seen lately. By using Adobe XD, a program for creating web and mobile app layouts, you can create this effect in just a few seconds. We will create our very own frosted glass effects and apply a simple animation to create the project you see here.

Also covered are hyper-realistic 3D typography trends I see this year. Adobe Dimensions added a type object feature earlier in 2020 where you can quickly add 3D type and change the material and lighting to create some pretty awesome typography that jumps off the screen.

We see trends in typography like using condensed typefaces. This is because social media layouts, with limited space, fare better using condensed typography instead of using typefaces with standard widths. We will be covering some of my favorite easy-to-find condensed typefaces so we can create a couple quick, effective Instagram posts.

Lastly, we see trends in color. We will discuss how color is taking over. Not just one color, but more color coverage on design surfaces.

We study trends not just to chase the next cool thing but to become relevant as designers, who can move forward instead of standing still. So let’s review some design themes and trends I see moving through the year 2021. Not only that, we will create these trends doing quick, exciting projects for each major trend. See you in the next lesson!

Not only that, we will create these trends doing quick engaging projects for each major trend. See you in the next lesson!

Brenda Cowan

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