If you’ve spent any time walking the streets of Exeter, scanning your Instagram feed, or even window-shopping down Totnes High Street lately, you’ve probably picked up on it. Devon’s design scene is buzzing. And not just in a quiet “oh that’s nice” kind of way. We’re talking big, bold, boundary-pushing vibes that are making long-time designers and fresh-faced creatives sit up and say, “Alright then, this is different.”

I’ve been working with local businesses across Devon for over a decade now. Crafting brand identities, curating color palettes, obsessing over fonts. And let me tell you, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic years in design we’ve had. Here’s a rundown of the five trends that are absolutely owning the scene right now, and why they matter if you’re trying to stand out in your space.

1. AI Tools Are Supercharging Creative Workflows

Let’s tackle the elephant in the room first—AI in design. I used to be one of those skeptics. A few years back, I thought AI-generated art was a novelty, something to mess around with on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Fast-forward to today, and I’m regularly using tools like Adobe Firefly and Runway to help streamline mood boards, accelerate wireframing, and even generate concept drafts with clients in real-time.

Designers here in Devon are embracing AI not as a replacement, but as a creative collaborator. It’s helping agencies prototype faster, experiment with variations without blowing the budget, and tap into new visual ideas at lightning speed.

“Our agency started integrating AI-based style transfer for product mockups, and it shaved project timelines by a third without compromising quality.”
– Katie L., Creative Director, Plymouth-based branding studio

Still, every designer I’ve talked to stresses the same thing: the human touch is irreplaceable. AI might draw the draft, but it takes human insight, empathy, and taste to make it work.

2. Bold Typography Is the New Minimalism

Gone are the days of skinny sans-serif fonts and empty white space reigning supreme. These days? Devon brands are getting loud. With type.

Big, expressive fonts are showing up everywhere from product packaging to artisan café menus to indie apparel labels popping up at local markets. I collaborated with a Brixham-based eco-beauty company this spring, and we crafted an all-type full-page ad that featured nothing but words layered in oversized serif letters. The response? Immediate recognition and a spike in web traffic.

Typography is now being treated like a visual element in its own right. Less information delivery, more brand personality. Think distorted type, layered textures, variable fonts that respond to interaction… the works.

It’s risky, sure, but when done well, it turns heads and makes a mark.

3. Eco-Conscious Design Is Non-Negotiable

This one’s close to my heart, especially living and working in a place as naturally rich as Devon. From Dartmoor’s moody moors to Woolacombe’s serene coastlines. It’s hard not to feel connected to the environment here. And that ethos is making its way firmly into visual design choices.

More and more clients are asking for materials that are sustainably sourced. Digital-first replacements for traditional print campaigns are becoming the norm. And let’s not forget the visuals themselves. Designers are leaning into earthy palettes, organic shapes, hand-drawn elements, and slow-living inspired imagery.

I worked on a branding project for a locally-sourced grocer in Sidmouth last month. We used recycled pulpboard for labels and inks made from natural dye pigments. It wasn’t just a creative flex. It was proof of values in visual form.

The research backs this up, too. According to a 2024 Nielsen study, 72% of UK consumers are more likely to support businesses that reflect eco-conscious values in their branding and marketing materials.

4. 3D and Motion Graphics Add Serious Depth

Remember when 3D design used to feel a bit… gimmicky? That’s not the case anymore.

Brands in Devon are starting to incorporate dynamic visual elements. Particularly on digital platforms. From interactive homepages with floating 3D logos to social media reels using kinetic text and AR filters, motion has gone mainstream.

I recently collaborated with a local start-up that builds surfboards from recycled materials. We animated their logo in Blender to mimic ocean currents, plugged it into Instagram Stories, and within days they were seeing a 60% increase in engagement.

Motion design isn’t just about looking cool anymore. It’s a storytelling tool. Whether it’s subtle animations enhancing UX, or full-blown 3D characters representing a brand’s core identity, this trend isn’t going anywhere soon.

And the best part? The tools are becoming more accessible. Freelancers and small studios are now using apps like Spline and After Effects templates to turn static visuals into scroll-stoppers.

5. Hyper-Local, Culture-Rich Visual Branding

This one’s my personal favorite.

There’s something truly special about the way brands are leaning into being Devonian. Whether it’s illustrations inspired by local folklore, color palettes pulled from the county’s natural landscapes, or typography styled after vintage sea shanty posters. You can feel the community pride pouring through the pixels.

Earlier this year, I helped rebrand a Teignmouth café. Instead of a generic coastal theme, we dug into local fishing history, incorporated antique nautical maps into the design assets, and used signage with Cornish-influenced typography (yes, I know, technically Cornwall, but the cross-border influence is real). Locals loved it. Tourists wanted merch. The café owner described it as their “first proper visual identity.”

Devon audiences are savvy. They can spot a generic Canva template from a mile away. What resonates? Visuals that feel rooted. Authentic expressions of place, people, and pride.

Ready to Refresh Your Visual Identity?

If your visual brand is still clinging to pre-2020 aesthetics, it’s probably time for a rethink. The design vibe in Devon is shifting. Hard. And businesses riding the wave are seeing stronger community connections, broader reach, and more meaningful engagement.

Embrace tools that make your process smarter. Play with typography that isn’t afraid to shout. Infuse your design with purpose, movement, and soul. And above all else, let your local roots shine through. They just might be your boldest design asset.

Thinking about a creative revamp? Let’s chat. My inbox is always open for a brainstorm session, a flat white in town, or a peek at your next big idea. Let’s make something that feels right.