The Obssesive Y2K Trend

Let's face it, Y2K is something very different for us that have lived through it than what we see presented in today's media. Yes, there was a lot of cool outfits, rounded effects and neon green, but also lots cringe worthy graphics, the tech was heavy (remember when you could still take out the battery from your phone?), we loved the blur effect and a metric ton of pinks, icy blues and purples.

And it is these themes and colourways that have come out the gate in the past years completely unhinged. I have compiled them for you below - they work brilliantly for any Y2K projects, from social media, web products and packaging as well as print.

You'll find a quirky trend that dominates this corner of design - called Cringecore - in my shop here. Complete with briefs, references and explanation of how it connects into other trends, it will be your go to report for design in the upcoming years.

If you're looking for assets to compliment this trend, one of my products covers it with an exhaustive bundle of assets - The Kaybug Library: over 400 graphics and backgrounds.

 Covering everything from those popular wireframes, cute cat faces, butterflies, old phones, flags, icons and so much more - this collection is set to be your go to product for a long while. Stack 'em all up, layer it for that ultimate cringe look everyone for some reason really loves these days. It's all about the irony, apparently (but nobody wants to revive the thin eyebrow moment for some reason).

 Another cool tool I have built with this theme is the Kaybug Plastic PSD Action Kit; Plasticky, abstract, delicious 3D textures that perfectly compliment any 90s or Y2K inspired project.

Whatever your project, keep in mind what this trend is about - nostalgia, cheekiness and above all, just plain having fun. Inject humour into your designs and you're sure to connect with an audience that is hungry for the Y2K retro.