Maximalism, 3D, and Neo-Brutalism: The Graphic Design Styles Brands Are Betting On in 2025

You open your portfolio or scroll through Instagram, and one thing hits you- loud designs!  I’ve been following digital branding for a while, and I’ll admit — the past few years felt muted. Clean lines, flat colors, minimal fuss. It worked, but it also blended into the noise.

Now? The rules are shifting. Brands want personality. They want movement. They want something that feels alive on a screen and unforgettable in print. Maximalism in design actually tends to bring that energy back.

Maximalism in Design: More Is Definitely More

Think of a room packed with art, textures, and colors that somehow don’t fight but dance together. That’s maximalism translated into graphics.

• Bright, clashing color palettes that shock you awake.
• Typographic chaos that somehow feels intentional.
• Illustrations layered over photography, sometimes animated.

Brands use it because it works. Social feeds are crowded. Minimalist posts scroll past; maximalist ones stop thumbs. It’s a visual shout: look at me, remember me.

I’ve noticed even smaller startups are embracing it. A local coffee shop might use maximalist packaging. A niche fashion brand layers fonts and textures. Graphic design trends 2025 show that attention equals engagement.

3D Design in Branding: Depth You Can Feel

Then comes 3D. Not just literal three-dimensional objects, but 3D design in branding that makes images pop off the screen. Textures you can almost touch. Shadows that add weight. Motion graphics that pull you in.

Why is it everywhere? Because humans are wired for depth. Flat feels easy to ignore. 3D feels real. Designers are experimenting with:

• Logos that rotate or morph in micro-interactions.
• Packaging mockups with hyper-realistic shadows and reflections.
• Web interfaces that feel tactile, almost like you can reach in and touch them.

Neo-Brutalism in Design: The Raw Edge

And then there’s neo-brutalism. Remember the stark concrete, blocky, “ugly but striking” architecture of the 50s and 60s? It’s back, digitally.

Neo-brutalism in design strips away polish, leaving raw edges, harsh contrasts, and almost jarring layouts. The goal isn’t comfort — it’s honesty.

• Stark color blocks against white space.
• Brutal typography, often oversized and unaligned.
• Unapologetic layouts that refuse hierarchy you expect.

Brands use it because it stands out. In a world of soft gradients, neo-brutalism screams, “We don’t follow the herd.” It’s risk-taking that pays off visually and memorably.

Why Brands Are Mixing Styles

Here’s where it gets fun. Brands aren’t sticking to just one. Maximalism meets 3D, neo-brutalism gets a splash of vivid color, and suddenly you have a style that’s chaotic but intentional.

I see this across industries:

• Tech brands experimenting with 3D design in branding to make apps feel immersive.
• Fashion brands leaning into maximalism in design for social campaigns.
• Startups using neo-brutalism in digital ads because it stops scrolls cold.

It’s messy, yes. But intentional chaos is part of graphic design trends 2025. Audiences are learning to appreciate energy and authenticity over sterile perfection.

Where You’ll See These Styles

Not just in ads. Not just in social media. The influence spreads:

• Packaging and labels that feel sculptural.
• Motion graphics in explainer videos that almost tell a story themselves.
• Print magazines embracing layout chaos again.

A brand doesn’t just communicate; it performs. And these styles let it.

A Quick Look: How Brands Are Betting Big

• E-commerce: Maximalist packaging drives social shares.
• Tech: 3D UI elements increase interaction.
• Lifestyle: Neo-brutalist campaigns spark conversation.

It’s clear: brands are not playing small anymore. They’re embracing graphic design trends 2025 to capture attention, emotion, and memory.

Challenges Ahead

It’s not all easy. Maximalism can overwhelm. 3D requires more resources. Neo-brutalism risks alienating. Designers must balance daring with usability, boldness with readability.

That’s the skill now — knowing when to push, when to pull back, and when to let a brand speak for itself through design alone.

The Future of Brand Design

I think 2025 will be remembered as the year brands stopped hiding behind safety. Maximalism in design, 3D design in branding, and neo-brutalism in design push boundaries. They remind us that visuals aren’t just decoration — they’re conversation, mood, and identity.

Designers will continue to experiment. Audiences will adapt. And brands that take risks, while staying human, will win.