2023 Trend: Y2K Love

Let's face it, Y2K is something very different for us that have lived through it than what we see presented in today's media. Yes, there was a lot of cool outfits, rounded effects and neon green, but also lots cringe worthy graphics, the tech was heavy (remember when you could still take out the battery from your phone?), we loved the blur effect and a metric ton of pinks, icy blues and purples.

And it is these colours I cherished the most whilst working on my 2000s inspired products. I have compiled them for you below; they work brilliantly for any Y2K projects, from social media, web products and packaging as well as print.

The biggest project I have worked on in a while is my Kaybug Library: over 400 design assets,

covering everything from those popular wireframes, cute cat faces, butterflies, old phones, flags, icons and so much more - this collection is set to be your go to product for a long while. Stack 'em all up, layer it for that ultimate cringe look everyone for some reason really loves these days. It's all about the irony, apparently (but nobody wants to revive the thin eyebrow moment for some reason).

Another cool tool I have built with this theme is the Kaybug Plastic PSD Action Kit; Plasticky, abstract, delicious 3D textures that perfectly compliment any 90s or Y2K inspired project.

As always, if you want more helpful posts & trends, subscribe to my email list below. I aim to routinely send out tips, tools, trends and other helpful bits!

2022/23 Colour Trend: Neo Postmodern

Away we do with minimalism, washed out colour palettes and the depressive vibes of the past few years - enter positivity, maximalism and absurdity!

One of the new trends I have developed for 2022/23 is called Squiggle Diggle. Delightfully colourful and entirely over the top, it serves as a bridge between the uber trendy retro postmodern look and the newly glorified NFT world.

This is all about the retro dimension done differently; like an escape into a retro game simulation, whilst simultaneously dropping in psychedelic bits and bobs to really boggle the mind.

Think 3D, but not the super high def CGI look - more like retro gaming, 3D pixels and funny proportions. Evoking the postmodern vibes of the 70s, there is also a healthy dose of early tech influence, mixed with vaporwave of the 80s. Basically a smorgasbord of all things retro - but in a new, fresh look.

When working on postmodern inspired projects, make sure to add in a good chunk of neon colours to really bring out the maximalist look and stretch your artwork across the entire artboard, product or what have you - remember, maximalism is all about flaunting it, not hiding.

Pair it all with 90s serif fonts or more fun ones (think Bubble Toy by Ana Yvy) and oversize it as much as possible. Don't forget to also add a healthy dose of retro grain, because who want a boring, clean render?

I have developed a number of products under this style - perfect for upgrading your brand and packaging into this new, fresh trend. You can also save a good chunk of $$$ and get the Postmodern Library Bundle; over 2,000 design assets at a 80% off bundle - commercial license at $79 instead of $399! See below:

As always, if you want more helpful posts & trends, subscribe to my email list below. I aim to routinely send out tips, tools, trends and other helpful bits!

2022/23 Colour Trend: Self Core

Wellness done differently - optimistic, bright and with a tinge of 60s; this is a fast growing trend that you will be seeing populate your feeds soon. The world in the post Covid era is looking for cheerfulness, freshness and the ability to learn from our mistakes - with the emphasis on mindfulness and intense self care.

Keeping all this in mind, I have developed a trends for 2022/23 called Self Core. This is self care taken seriously, but made light and airy, reminiscing of a time when we were younger and all we needed to care about was how to spend the day having fun.

Brush strokes are artsy, uneven and rough; colour palettes are delightfully retro and evocative of 60s packaging and interiors. Themes are cheerful, with oodles of fruits, squiggles and fun florals.

Emphasis sits on self care, so this trend fits best brands that deal with skincare, yoga, life coaching and similar - it can however, offer a chance to expand a brand into unknown waters; give a tired look a genuine and human feel.

I have developed a number of products under this style - perfect for upgrading your brand and packaging into this new fresh and juicy trend. See below!

As always, if you want more helpful posts & trends, subscribe to my email list below. I aim to routinely send out tips, tools, trends and other helpful bits!