The 3D trend has significantly grown in the graphic design space. It’s no longer a small niche that only a few brands and creatives want to tackle. In 2025, we can find 3D in everything from package design and print models to ads and marketing campaigns.
3D design often involves a complex composition, giving the impression that a lot of effort went into every digital creation. 3D elevates product visualization, making it more realistic. You can even find brands with 3D logos made quickly from a logo maker. This creates dynamic, modern logos with depth and visual impact.
Let’s explore 3D graphic design trends more, including a few ways in which 3D design can be implemented and which tools you can use to get started.
Why Is 3D Design a Must-Have Skill?
If you’re an avid Instagram user, you’ve probably encountered Reels and Stories filters featuring 3D items. There is also a booming trend of 3D text and 3D graphics in posts across social media platforms and websites.
Marketers are turning to augmented reality and 3D digital experiences to step up their game, especially in the age of AI-powered creativity. Big brands such as Nike and IKEA are already on board, and small businesses can also make the most of it without breaking the bank.
Let’s explore some of the ways in which top brands are exploring the 3D graphic design trend in 2025.
3D mockups in digital spaces
Mockups can work in different ways. One of the most common applications is for designers and brands to offer a preview of how a final design or product will look.
IKEA is one of the businesses that has taken 3D mockups to a whole new level. The furniture giant uses augmented reality to help you visualize realistic 3D mockups in your spaces.
You can preview how a chair, a bed, or a desk will look like in your living room before even ordering it. How cool is that?
While this isn’t a 2025 innovation for IKEA, many brands are starting to join this graphic design trend with 3D views of their products. Sooner or later, any e-commerce store that’s not offering this option will probably be obsolete.
3D branding
3D in branding is a fantastic way for a brand to feel approachable. It gives off the impression that it is here in the real world, and that it interacts with clients as such.
Nike is one of the big brands not afraid of experimenting with 3D design in their branding. Some of their most memorable campaigns in recent years shine through the volume and depth of their logo in 3D fashion.
The popular streaming platform HBO Max has also joined the party. It recently renewed its logo with a modest 3D look, giving it a modern and futuristic touch.
Updated HBO Max logo with a modest 3D look
If you’re in need of some 3D logo inspirations, check out this sample collection from Design.com and BrandCrowd:
Wreath 3D Letter B by Design
3D Pixel Letter B by Design
Generic 3D Letter B Company by Design
3d Letter B by Design
3D Graffiti Letter B by Design
3D Sphere Globe by BrandCrowd
3D Digital Cone by BrandCrowd
Geometric 3d Hexagon by BrandCrowd
Gradient 3D Cube by BrandCrowd
3D Cyber Sphere by BrandCrowd
3D design in advertising
Advertising is a bit easier to play with than branding since it doesn’t involve a big risk regarding the perception of a brand’s identity and style. Advertising campaigns often stick to current trends. That’s why it is a good idea to try to join the 3D trend through an advertising strategy for your brand.
When we think about 3D design in advertising, it can look in a variety of ways:
- Ads using 3D fonts to stand out among other promo materials online.
- 3D elements on top of images to make the brand look playful and easygoing.
- Use of AR (augmented reality) allows for interactive experiences between brands and their target audiences. Users can interact with these ads by scanning a physical token that activates the 3D art or using Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok filters featuring brand-related elements.
Below we can see an example of how Warner Bros has incorporated AR in their advertising campaign for their recent big-screen success, Sinners. This TikTok filter lets users flash a vampire denture in a realistic 3D design.
Where Can I Learn 3D Design?
3D design is an exciting, growing art style that your brand can benefit from regardless of its niche. So why not learn 3D design while your competitors are still stuck in past trends?
You have many options of online platforms with 3D design courses and tutorials you can check out. These include:
- YouTube. Arguably, it is one of the world’s largest knowledge hubs, where tons of educators and experts upload free videos with valuable information and tutorials on how to use 3D tools. Channels such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Envato Tuts+ have several videos to help you build your 3D skills.
- Paid online education platforms. Popular online platforms like Skillshare and Coursera offer classes, programs, courses, and even certificates in 3D design. Most of these resources are paid, but they usually come with additional materials for more comprehensive skills development.
- 3D design software’s official channels. There are many 3D design tools (which we’ll cover in a moment) that you can use to create your own 3D graphics. Many post educational content about 3D design on their websites, blogs, or social media profiles.
Tools To Get Started With 3D Graphic Design
So, what are the tools that can help you begin with 3D design? You’ll want to use affordable software that doesn’t feel like you’re learning rocket science.
Some beginner-friendly options include:
Tinkercad
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Free, intuitive, and available for all ages: Tinkercad is as beginner-friendly as it gets. It’s a fantastic alternative to get started with 3D design. The platform is web-based, so you don’t need to download anything.
Spline
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Spline is a very easy-to-learn 3D design tool, and you can get started for free. Once you master the basic skills and need to access more complex features, you can try its paid plans, starting at US$ 12 a month.
Blender
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Blender is a free, open-source software. If you have already taken some introductory courses, this can be one of your best options to grow your 3D design skills. This isn’t the easiest to learn, though, so keep that in mind and be patient as you practice!
You can also complement your work with tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, or pre-designed 3D assets that save you time and help you achieve professional-looking results.
3D Graphic Design Trends To Keep an Eye On
Let’s explore some of the up-and-coming 3D design styles right now.
- Abstract art/surrealism — The surreal, abstract style has grown recently in the form of “squishy” and “puffy” objects, often seen on 3D website designs? and marketing materials.
- Realistic textures — Clay, velvet, glass, metal; you name it. Real-life textures are often recreated on hyperrealistic renders.
- 3D art and 2D art combinations — This style is becoming increasingly popular, with different creators applying it to their 3D website designs?, content, marketing campaigns, and more. In some cases, it takes inspiration from AR/VR technology, offering immersive and captivating experiences.
The Active Theory website is an excellent example of all these trends in one place. It features an abstract background design with realistic metallic, liquid, and glass textures, while combining 2D text with 3D objects.
Incorporating all of these 3D design trends results in an eye-catching, immersive experience that makes you want to stay longer than you would in an ordinary site.
Active Theory’s website combines 3D objects and 2D text, with abstract elements and realistic textures
Try 3D on your projects
Jumping on 3D graphic design trends is an excellent opportunity to push boundaries with your designs. Whether you do product design, type design, or motion graphics, it's better to try it now than to miss the chance and get left behind. You can also work with a social media marketing agency to develop 3D-powered content strategies tailored to your brand goals.
Experiment and explore new ways the 3D trends can elevate your designs. See how it can help your brand feel more approachable and tangible. Have fun designing!
Written by DesignCrowd on Monday, June 9, 2025
DesignCrowd is an online marketplace providing logo, website, print and graphic design services by providing access to freelance graphic designers and design studios around the world.
