Behind the scenes of the 2024 Type Trends report.
Ibrahim Gharib, Graphic Designer, Monotype.
This year, as we explored the intricacies of type and culture with our 2024 Type Trends report, we embarked on a journey inspired by the timeless allure of vinyl records. For the art direction of the report and the campaign, Monotype Graphic Designer, Ibz Gharib, drew from the rich visual language of record sleeves, labels, rave flyers, and genre-specific branding, seeking to convey the essence of music in our exploration of type trends.
The fusion of type and music genres became the cornerstone of Gharib’s approach. Each type trend was meticulously paired with a genre, drawing parallels between the expressive qualities of music and letterforms. Gharib curated typefaces from our extensive library, we envisioned the report as a symphony of design, with each trend resonating with the beats of a different musical genre.
Collaboration was the key to harmony.
Collaboration was at the heart of this endeavor. From partnering with AI specialist Okocha Obasi to generate evocative imagery using MidJourney, to enlisting the expertise of 3D artist Lucian Stuart-Davidson for dynamic animations, we embraced diverse talents to bring our vision to life. Custom lettering and hero imagery by Raissa Pardini added another layer of depth to the narrative, elevating the visual storytelling of the report.
One trend that epitomized our exploration was Everythingallofthetime, a celebration of maximalism in typography. Drawing inspiration from the anarchic spirit of Punk music, we embraced the unconventional, combining disparate fonts with a DIY sensibility. Just as Punk defied conventions in music and fashion, this trend challenges norms in typography, inviting designers to embrace the unexpected.
“Music and type are mediums that will always be produced, reproduced, and remade to sound or look different – modernized and remastered,” said Ibrahim Gharib. “Trends tend to be recycled and rediscovered. I don’t believe that a lot of concepts are made completely new these days and it’s not a bad thing, it gives us room to be a little more creative by trying different approaches.” - Ibz Gharib.
In reflecting on the cyclical nature of trends, we recognize the enduring influence of both music and type. Just as melodies are reimagined and remastered, typography evolves through reinterpretation and reinvention. The familiarity of past trends offers a canvas for creativity, encouraging designers to experiment with new approaches and push boundaries.
At Monotype, our commitment to innovation is matched only by our reverence for tradition. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of design, we remain dedicated to championing creativity and pushing the boundaries of typographic expression. In the intersection of type and culture, we find endless possibilities, each trend is a testament to the enduring power of design to inspire, provoke, and resonate with audiences everywhere.
Bringing motion into play.
“Working with Ibz behind the spinning records was a collaborative effort aimed at correlating music and visuals, a process I haven’t experienced in quite some time,” said Almas Ahmad, Lead Animator at Monotype. ”Ibz provided all the necessary artwork and together we conceived the idea of showcasing the vinyl on the poster, which had a significant impact on the final animation.”
The motion design animation was a dynamic journey through typography and music, with visuals inspired by vinyl records and music culture.
“The art direction for the Type Trends report centered on maintaining its originality and concept while embracing the dynamic nature of typography,” Ibrahim said. “I aimed for abstract animations to complement the abstract type, ensuring a visually engaging experience. Inspired by the mixtape/remix concept, the design echoed the versatile blend of trends, much like tracks on a mixtape, capturing the essence of typographic diversity and innovation. Each trend serves as a unique ‘track,’ contributing its own flavor and personality to the overall composition.”
Overall, the motion design animation encapsulates the essence of the Type Trends report, celebrating the fusion of typography and music while showcasing the collaborative spirit and innovative approach of Monotype’s design team.
This is part 1 of a series that explores the making of Monotype’s 2024 Type Trends report. Stay tuned for more on the content, editorial design, and curation.
Related content.
Creative Characters S4 E1: Behind the 2024 Type Trends report with Jordan Bell and Damien Collot.
Join Type Designer Jordan Bell and Creative Type Director Damien Collot as they discuss their experiences curating this year’s Type Trends report. Enjoy!
Adapt to the latest trends and ways of working with Monotype Fonts. Here’s how.
Get inspired, stay adaptable, and deliver on-trend work with time-saving tools within Monotype Fonts.