70's pattern with NovaLoca logo

Great Ways to use the 1970’s Design Trend

It’s always a good idea to keep your brand in line with visual trends even if you just use them to update how your content and social media posts are presented. It’s all going to help you get better engagement. It’s also good practice to look back for inspiration especially if you have a creative block. At the moment there appears to be much love for all things 1970’s. It’s being seen in outfits (yes, this means flares are back), interiors (think of natural materials such as bamboo and wicker) and music (Abba have returned). With a flurry of 70’s inspired Tik Tok creations it seems a younger generation are getting into the groove. And where Tik Tok leads other social platforms follow. 

What are the reasons for this retro revival? Well, maybe it’s that Abba comeback but the 1970’s was a period of rapid change, just as we have all been experiencing in the last couple of years. 

There is also a desire for nostalgia and as we have spent more time at home there is desire for a homely appearance and the earth tones of the 1970’s reflect this in a browns, oranges and greens colour scheme

So other than a 70’s colours what other elements can be used in promotion of brands?

Psychedelic art was still popular as the decade began which included the use of bright patterns, bold typography and hand-lettering. Incorporating these elements in your work will make it pop!  

Photography was on the rise, as was adding collage elements to enhance photos. This  would be easy to recreate in social media posts or on a website and has the handmade look that is being generated by much user generated material on social media platforms today. 

Television had the biggest impact on how we consume adverts in this time period. It was the decade when colour TV began and so saw the start of a visual communication style which is still dominant today. 

1970’s television advertisements tended to be very well produced. Filmmakers Alan Parker and Ridley Scott began their careers here, with Scott’s Hovis commercial being a well remembered example. Marketing companies had begun to explore a more emotional approach to selling products and consider why someone would want to buy something. This is an approach that is extremely important today. Brands need to be aware of what their customers are saying about them and act accordingly. 

And if you want to take a few minutes out to check out some graphic styles, why not indulge in a watch of some of the top cartoons of the 1970’s. 

Stay groovy people!