2022 Visual Trends

With an eye on design, especially packaging in real or virtual aisles, we serve up our take on what’s hot and why. Check back throughout the year as we add our 2022 Visual Trends to the list - each one comes as a downloadable 1-page PDF.

A contemporary take on Japan’s Edo period, the current style utilizes cues from woodblock prints or ukiyo-e, (like the famous Great Wave by Hokusai), Japanese Kaiju (monster) films, and classic art. Read more about this visual trend here.

Nostalgia/newstalgia is hitting hard with a yearning for the Y2K era and the futurism it elicited. This go hard or go home vibe is Ultra's latest visual trend. Download here.

Metaverse

While the metaverse does not physically exist, its influence on design and its current aesthetic is already established. Read more about the latest Ultra design trend.

Kinetic

The implication of motion, vibrations, stretches and squashes can breathe life into a stagnant design. With the world in constant video or GIF mode these techniques have taken on a new life, bringing energy and emphasis to packaging and branding that lives in the moment. Download the latest Ultra Visual Trend here.

90’s Modern

Drawing from a wealth of iconic imagery of the 1990s – visuals of early computing, video tape culture, and the remnants of Memphis design - 90’s Modern design relies on pop color. Download and read more.

Grunge Riot

Evoking 90s zine or underground/garage music culture, this style utilizes crunchy, gritty texture overlays. See how brands are applying this trend to packaging and illustration in our latest Ultra Visual Trend.

Expressive Type
Custom typography is weaving into design to become as illustrative and integral to the design itself. Read more about this trend here.

Flat World

More and more brands are moving to a flat or simplified brand mark, eschewing their glossy, highlighted CG styles of the past. See all our examples and get more info here.

Brand Collab

Brands are turning to collaborations, often limited-edition or seasonal explorations, to deliver news to their consumers. These delightful mash-ups are the topic of our next visual trend. Download here.

Vibrant Vegan

Vegan brands are boldly entering the aisle and grocery cart with vibrant, bright packaging and climate concerns in the forefront of their messaging. Read more about this visual trend here.

Italic Inclusions

Italic inclusions (italics appearing in copy and brandmarks) is a way to add an air of sophistication or informality to the brand, depending on how it is used. Read more about Ultra's latest visual trend. Check out all our examples here.

Color Coded Minimalism

With clean, almost utilitarian branding, Color Coded Minimalism is taking over aisles, cases and beauty counters. Download this visual trend to learn more.

WANT MORE? Check out our 2021 Visual Trends here.