Like in fashion, we could talk about web design trends for this year, talk about what is eye-catching, what is beautiful for the eye of the beholder. - The “Retro Style†is definitely a web trend this year and i had so much clients asking for this kind of style for his website design. - Drawing/Calligraphy/Cartooning: Cartooning Style - is for sure a way to make easily a strong brand for your website and a shocking appearance. - Swirls & Flourishes graphics : all websites have it, that obvious but why ? Why flowers & swirls and drips ? Check out my blog. - Paper clips & Hand-Written Notes : I can say Hand-Written Notes and Paper clips are a little bit old because i remember in 2005-2006 i was looking for this type of photos to use in my designs and it was trendy to have such design. But it is trendy now. - Splatter Ink & Handwritten Fonts & drips : Emo style rite ? This isn’t my favourite but i saw beautiful websites with this type of designs. A lot of people had embraced this trend and it is awesome. These are, in my opinion, the trends for this year. Check out this post for full article.
Vector Ornaments are definitely "in" this year. Not sure what you mean by the retro style but pop art is definitely in this year (but it was popular in 2007 as well). Last year was more of the web 2.0 gloss-everything (which is still out there!).
I would go for " Retro style combined with cartoon vector ". why? Most of my designs since the year starts was retro style and it's giving me a good feedback from my clients.
I think glossy gradients are not "in" this year... Vintage and retro designs seems to be very popular this year, also wood pattern and vector illustrations are a big trend now..
Swirls & Flourishes graphics, because I use them often, and other reasons why I chose these aren't needed.
I'm finding more requests for higher quality detailed illustrations integrated into logo's & web designs. A lot of my client base is getting rid of there photo manipulated headers as well as supporting photo's & converting to more stylized, unique, original Vector illustrations. It may just be that vector illustrations is a stronger point in my skill sets that's causing me to notice this trend. As with anyone who has weak & strong skill sets, they will notice a higher number of client requests in the strong set because they have noticed the strength as well by viewing your work samples / portfolios. So, because of the above, my opinion may be bias, but I figured I would share it anyways The closest category on the polls was: Drawing/Calligraphy/Cartooning ~ so that's what I voted for
I think I would agree with that too, 3 of my websites this year are simple.white/primary colour backgrounds with a Logo that is well thought,planned and designed. And most importantly no Flash!
Depends on the group I try to target but, I prefer web 2.0. I hope the new trend though are sites that are very basic.