Some graphic design industry experts are predicting that one of the major design trends for 2024 will be the use of 3D hyper-surrealism!
With commentators in the design space widely tipping 3D hyper-surrealism as a major design trend for 2024 it is worthwhile unpacking what this term refers to in the context of graphic design.
Definitions of 3D hyper-surrealism center around descriptions of a particular style that seamlessly blends hyper-realistic and surreal 3D designs. It is a style that includes abstract and organic shapes, uses vibrant colours and experimental fonts.
Victoria & Albert Museum claim that the term ‘Surrealism’ was first coined in 1917 by the art critic and poet Guillaume Apollinaire (1880-1918), and subsequently used to describe one of the most influential art movements of the 20th century inspired by both the political theories of Karl Marx (1818-1883) and the study of the unconscious mind (psychoanalysis), developed by Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) in the 1890s.
Surrealism as an art movement was about changing perceptions of the world by exploring dreams, the unconscious mind, and the irrational. During the 1930s the Surrealist movement crossed-over into the commercial world as Surrealist artists often worked as commercial designers in fields such as advertising, graphics, theatre and film.
Ballet was one of the first spheres where the wider influence of Surrealism could be seen as it presented exciting new opportunities to realise an illusory world via stage sets and costume design. Now 3D modelling and other new technologies are providing the opportunities for designers to experiment with creating new worlds that combine elements of the Surrealist art movement with hyper-realistic designs!
During the late 1960s and early 1970s a significant revival in sculptural depictions of the human figure and other forms occurred. Newly available synthetic materials and technical processes allowed artists and creative designers to start producing highly detailed works. This experimentation established a new hyper-realistic style, a hyper (beyond) realism (true-to-life). 3D hyper-surrealism could be thought of as an extension of this style via experimentation with rapidly changing, new technologies.
Creative Boom’s article, The biggest trends in graphic design for 2024 highlights the design industry’s observation of social media trends moving away from perfectly manicured photos to more realistic portrayals including previously ‘unflattering’ angles and rawer, more grainy imagery. This newer trend in realism is expected to morph into surrealism during 2024 fuelled by continued growth in generative tools and a bias towards escapism and playfulness.
In practice it is believed that 3D hyper-surrealism will see brand design move towards imagined lush, opulent worlds with landscaping that is rich in detail. Typography will become more experimental and ornate as brands seek to deliver otherworldly experiences through their designs whilst remaining customer focused.
If you are interested in working with a Sydney-based graphic design agency that is skilled in the use of new technologies, and one that is up-to-date with the latest trends, then contact us at Fresco Creative.