Nostalgia sells. From the warm, hand-drawn warmth of olden-day storybook illustration to the bold, punchy zing of mid-century advertising illustration, vintage illustration styles are in big demand. Brands, designers, and illustrators are delving into the archives to craft imagery that is new yet nostalgic.
But with all these retro trends available, which ones are really trending in 2024 and 2025? And how do you incorporate them into contemporary design?
Let’s find out in the blog and pick the trending and best vintage illustration design for your brand.
10 Classic Illustration Styles Back In Fashion, Why They Are Effective, And Where To Spot Them Now.
1. Art Nouveau (1890s-1910s) – Whimsical, Elegant, and Organic
Why It’s Back
Art Nouveau’s wavy lines, flower motifs, and ethereal figures are omnipresent—from craft beer bottle labels to luxury cosmetics packages. Its dreamy, nature-based aesthetic is in lockstep with the current sustainability and slow-living movements.
Modern Applications
Branding for organic/luxury commodities (consider whiskey bottles, skincare)
Tattoo design & fashion prints
Wedding invitations & editorial artwork
Example: Look at Starbucks’ holiday cups—some of them are straight-up Art Nouveau revival.
2. Victorian Engravings (1800s) – Moody, Detailed, and Timeless
Why It’s Making a Comeback
Dark academia, gothic design, and mystery-inspired branding (hi, true crime podcasts!) adore this look. The detailed cross-hatching and dramatic shading emit old-world refinement.
Contemporary Applications
Book covers (fantasy, horror, historical fiction)
Craft beer & coffee branding
Fashion merch (band tees, indie brands)
Example: WhistlePig Whiskey labels incorporate Victorian engravings to appear high-end and mysterious.
3. Mid-Century Modern (1950s-60s) – Bold, Playful, and Graphic
Why It’s Back
Mid-century design is catnip on Instagram—its bright colors, quirky characters, and clean shapes are retro and new. Great for brands looking for fun, friendly, and nostalgic atmospheres.
Modern Uses
Food & beverage packaging (check: Trader Joe’s)
Posters & gig art (music festivals adore this aesthetic)
Kids’ books & branding
Example: Brooklyn Brewery cans regularly incorporate mid-century-inspired artwork.
4. Soviet Propaganda Posters (1920s-50s) – Striking, Heroic, and Bold
Why It’s Back
The high-contrast colors, bold typography, and dramatic imagery make this style ideal for activist art, political memes, and edgy branding.
Contemporary Applications
Protest posters & social justice campaigns
Gym/fitness branding (that “strong” look)
Album covers & streetwear graphics
Example: Pussy Riot’s protest art frequently references Soviet propaganda.
5. 1970s Psychedelic – Trippy, Groovy, and Free-Spirited
Why It’s Back
In response to the popularity of Y2K and retro-futurism, psychedelic swirls, neon hue, and way-out typography are coming back around in music art, fashion, and branding.
Modern Uses
Festival merch & vinyl cover design
Skate/streetwear companies
Wellness brands (ironically, since its birth)
Example: Graphic t-shirts from Urban Outfitters typically incorporate trippy 70s-style designs.
6. Golden Age of Illustration (Early 1900s) – Storybook Magic
Why It’s Back
Remember Arthur Rackham and N.C. Wyeth—this fairy-tale, painterly aesthetic is a giant in fantasy games, book covers, and boutique branding.
Contemporary Applications
Tabletop games (D&D, Magic: The Gathering)
Children’s books & boutique hotels
Whimsical product packaging
Example: Lush Cosmetics occasionally uses this aesthetic for holiday releases.
7. 1980s Retro Futurism – Neon, Sci-Fi, and Pixelated
Why It’s Back
Stranger Things, synthwave music, and cyberpunk visuals have brought 80s retro-futurism back. Consider grids, neon lights, and VHS effects.
Contemporary Applications
Gaming & tech branding
Music videos (synthwave bands)
Nostalgia-fueled advertising campaigns
Example: Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon’s entire visual style is a nod to the 80s.
8. 1920s Art Deco – Luxe, Geometric, and Glamorous
Why It’s Back
Great Gatsby vibes never fade. The bold symmetry, metallic accents, and sleek lines cry luxury and sophistication.
Modern Uses
Luxury fashion branding
Hotel & restaurant interior design
Beauty product packaging
Example: Chanel’s branding has always incorporated Art Deco influences.
9. 1990s Grunge – Rebellious, DIY, and Gritty
Why It’s Back
90s nostalgia is huge, and the grunge look (imagine dirty textures, torn edges, and disorganized layouts) suits indie fashion, music, and streetwear.
Contemporary Applications
Band posters & alternative fashion
Indie video game graphics
Tough drink packaging
Example: Vans and Supreme frequently employ 90s distressed graphics.
10. Early 20th Century Travel Posters – Romantic, Adventurous, and Bold
Why It’s Back
Folks are looking for adventure after the pandemic, and these retro travel posters (with their faded colors and far-off places) strike that wanderlust nerve.
Contemporary Applications
Airlines & travel promotions
Coffee shops & luxury inns
Travel equipment advertising
Example: Aer Lingus continues to feature retro-style travel posters in commercials.
How to Apply Vintage Trends in 2025 (Without Being Dated)
Blend Old & New
Combine Victorian engravings with sans-serif fonts
Apply 70s colors but with contemporary minimalist layouts
Adapt, Don’t Copy
Retain the spirit but adjust for contemporary audiences
Example: Eliminate outdated cultural stereotypes
Use Digital Tools to Enhance
Add subtle textures in Photoshop
Experiment with Procreate brushes that simulate old-school methods
Where to Find Vintage Inspiration
Pinterest is a treasure trove—search vintage illustration styles and you’ll find an infinite number of mood boards, ranging from Art Nouveau flowers to dirty 90s grunge. Pin your favorites for easy reference.
Old Book Illustrations (oldbookillustrations.com) provides free, high-resolution public domain art—ideal if you require genuine Victorian engravings or early 20th-century drawings to study or remix.
Etsy vendors deal in vintage-style digital assets, such as retro brushes, textures, and pre-designed illustrations. Perfect for designers who need that old look without having to create from scratch.
