Why we're totally digging gradients.

Gradients are not a new thing to us. They’ve been around since the mid-1990’s and they’re here to stay. They’ve grown increasingly popular within the past year, and I’m going to show you why we’re digging gradients and how you can use the trend in your brand.

What is a gradient?

Gradients, also known as colour transitions, are the gradual blending of two or more colours. It makes objects stand out by adding a new dimension to the design and adding realism to the object. In simple terms, gradients add depth. Fantastically versatile, they can be brightly coloured, monotone, transparent, used for backgrounds, as main focal points of a design and in a plethora of ways.

Gradients: In Action

Logo’s

Versatile, punchy, bold and oh-so eye-catching, it’s no wonder why social media giant Instagram updated their logo to this beauty. The Instagram logo is one we’re all too familiar with, and it’s a beacon for gradient lovers. It’s got a modern feel to it, which contrarily you’ll often find that gradients can have a 80’s & 90’s vibe, and ticks all the logo boxes; it’s memorable, distinct, eye-catching and visually appealing.

Here are some other gradient style logo’s we’ve found.

Instagram Logo

Website Design

Gradients can really bring your website to life and make it pop. Whether you use gradient to create shapes and textures, or just a simple background, it can really add a wonderful depth to your website. Softer colours can create a delicate, subtle effect whereas bright colours can create more of a fun and vibrant look to your website.

Check out how Apple & Spotify have incorporated gradients to their websites.

Print & Packaging

Design can be applied to products, and why not bring your products to life with gradient?

We’ve found these stunning designs, which integrate gradient into their design. A gloriously modern feel for some, whilst others have more of an 80’s vibe. Subtle colours create a whimsical feel, whereas the brighter colours are bold, punchy and in your face!

With so many endless possibilities, you can get super creative here!

Art

As if that wasn’t enough, we’ve also come across some wonderful artistic designs that use gradient in both more structured and abstract ways. Here are some beautiful examples of how colour transitions should be used for art and design purposes.

Simple Tips for Using Gradients

We’re sure you’ll feel inspired to go and play around with gradients now, so here are our top tips for working with gradients.

1. Keep it simple - don’t overdo the colours. Pick similar colours with slightly different hues, shades or tones.

2. There’s a time and place for it. If you’re creating something that’s more fun, or something that perhaps is going to be in front of a millennial audience, absolutely go for it, the brighter the better #amiright?! However, if you’re creating something more sophisticated or corporate, it might be wise to use more muted or subtle tones that aren’t too in your face. Identify your market first, concept and design next.

3. Remember your brand. It’s easy to get swept up in the trend and literally want to use all the gradients, but keep it in alignment with your brand.

4. Have fun and play! Gradients will probably be around for a long time and definitely in 2019!