The complete graphic templates guide: formats, software, and licensing
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Gradients are having a moment right now in graphic design. Originally made popular in the 90s through to the late 2000s thanks to the digital boom, the humble gradient is officially back in vogue, and being used everywhere from presentation design to branding and social media posts, resulting in a cool, creative aesthetic.
“Gradients have come a long way in the technical execution of what’s possible,” says Sean Feehan, Envato UX Designer. “This has led to exciting exploration and developments with irregular and multicolour blends among the creative community.”
An easy and effective way to add color and texture to otherwise simple designs, gradients are versatile as they are visually pleasing.
What Are Gradients?
Gradient colors feature a smooth, gradual transition from one color to another. Blending two or more similar or contrasting colors, gradients often feature soft tones and grainy, experimental textures to create an ethereal look and feel.
Where Are Gradients Being Used?
One of the great things about gradients is their versatility. They can be used across a variety of projects, from social media creative to web design. Pastel gradients are particularly popular right now, but whether bold or subtle, bright or muted, used as a trendy accent or an atmospheric background, any kind of gradient is great for creating a unique and modern effect.
Including everything from gradient backgrounds, textures and graphics to gradient social media and web design templates, here are 7 ways to use gradients in your creative projects.
1. Social Media
Instagram Gradient
Influenced by the popular Y2K trend, gradients are perfect for creating a dreamy social media aesthetic. They’re creative, visually pleasing and great for catching your audience’s eye. Check out these trendy gradient social media templates to fill up your feed.
2. Web Design
Techoes – Tech & Software Company Elementor Template kit
Whether used as a background or focal point, gradients add a modern, arty feel to any website or page design. Perfect for everything from fashion brands to small businesses, here are some of the best gradient web design templates to check out.
3. Branding
Gradient Business Card Mock-Up
Whether your brand is bright and pastel or earthy and muted, gradients immediately add a sense of creativity to your branding (which is probably why a gradient logo is favored by Instagram). From logos to business cards, check out these top gradient branding templates.
4. Video
Colorful Gradient Backgrounds
Whether you’re working on a promo video, a music video or even an arty feature film, gradients add a mesmerizing element to any video project. Featuring everything from trendy Instagram Stories to captivating liquid backgrounds and fluid animation, here are some of the coolest gradient video templates to try.
5. Backgrounds
Merlips – Gradient Background
Gradients create a soft, velvety effect which is perfect for the background of any creative project. Whether you’re wanting to add a touch of magic to your portfolio, spruce up your website or create an eye-catching foundation for your graphic designs or illustrations, here are some of the prettiest gradient backgrounds to try.
6. Textures
Bubbles & Colorful Gradients
Whether silky and smooth, gritty and grainy, or liquid and metallic, gradients can come in many textures. They’re perfect for adding a sense of depth and visual dynamics to any design. Here are some of the most satisfying gradient textures on Envato Elements.
7. Presentations
Gradient Pink White Modern Creative Business Plan
Want to make your next pitch more visually appealing? Gradients are perfect for adding an eye-catching, creative element to your presentations. Whether using gradients as a background, an accent or a focal point, here are some top gradient presentation templates.
And there you have it, 7 great ways to integrate the gradient trend into your creative projects! To read up on more creative trends, check out our blog on the Pastel Color Trend, our Color Trends for 2022, or our Graphic Design Trends For 2022! And you can find 42 trendy gradient resources to download on Envato Tuts+.
