Let’s Talk Graphic Design – Trends, Tools & Tips for 2025?

Hey everyone 

I wanted to start a thread about graphic design and hear from others in the field, or anyone interested in design. Whether you're freelancing, working in-house, or just learning, graphic design has become such a huge part of branding, marketing, and user experience.

Here are a few things I’ve been thinking about lately:

• Design trends in 2025: Have you noticed how minimalism and bold typography are still strong? But there’s also a big comeback of retro, vibrant, and "imperfect" aesthetics. What styles are you loving (or hating) right now?
  
  

• Tools of the trade: Are you team Adobe (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), or have you moved to Figma, Canva, or even Affinity? Would love to know what you swear by and why.
  
  

• Client work vs. creative freedom: How do you balance your own design style with what the client wants, especially when those two don’t align?
  
  

• Also, how are you building your portfolio these days? Still using Behance or Dribbble, or creating your own website?
  
  

Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, let’s share some inspiration, experiences, or advice. What projects are you proud of? What challenges are you facing? Any great resources to recommend?

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Cheers