The Memphis design movement has been inspiring artists of all fields to create ingenious masterpieces screaming for attention. Today’s post is entirely inspired by the Memphis design style and art principles. Scroll down to participate in a feast of bright colors and oversize geometric shapes. We present to you over 60 incredibly good Memphis design examples in digital design, web design, product design, and even interior design. Let’s begin!
What is Memphis design?
Having emerged in the early 80s, the signature principles of the Memphis design style are first, oversize basic geometric shapes, lines, and curves, and second, bold palettes of bright multiple colors. Very often, you will see mixtures of patterns made of these two basic design principles. While it may sound a little bit of a mess, the end result is quite pleasing and harmonious. These simple principles make Memphis design instantly recognizable, so you really can’t confuse it with anything else.
Where can we apply the Memphis style?
While the Memphis style may appear too over the top for some, you’d be surprised that it finds application in almost all fields of design. The style can still look elegant, aesthetic, appealing, and even minimalist, as long as you pick colors with similar intensity and use enough breathing room around elements. So, where can you see Memphis design in real life?
- In digital design like website design, landing pages, banner design, email design, and more.
- Video animations – often made in 3D Memphis design style or flat Memphis style.
- Interior design. Yes, this is how it all started – bold, colorful furniture that beat the status quo.
- Product design – an incredibly wild field of imagination. From clothing to package design, these items won’t go unnoticed for sure!
60+ Great Examples of Memphis Design
1. Examples of 3D Memphis Design Style
Back in the early 80s, the Memphis style was first presented with bold, colorful, geometric furniture. So, in the real world, Memphis started out as a three-dimensional art. Well, nowadays, modern technology allows designers to translate this 3D effect into a digital reality. It’s incredible how this art movement has kept its popularity for four decades now. In the present day, the 3D Memphis design style is among the current Graphic Design Trends in 2023, as well!
Example by Eugene Shelling
2. Memphis Exterior & Interior Design Inspiration
Modern Memphis interior design has become bolder with smooth and glossy surfaces and geometric shapes floating around. You will rarely see gradients rather than blocks of solid color with the same intensity and patterns with basic geometric elements. The lack of gradients and detail often creates the effect of a 2D design in the real world. And the bright color palettes make you feel like you’ve landed in an actual cartoon world! Check out several great examples of Memphis design furniture, other Memphis interior design and exterior design.
3. Memphis Inspired Product Design
From home decorations to dinnerware sets, cosmetic product branding, and even fashion clothing and accessories, the Memphis design style just “sells” optimism and euphoria. Once again, the choice of colors is bold but in perfect harmony. Cute simple patterns are the norm, often complemented by sections with thick stripes or dots.
4. Memphis-Inspired Typography & Letters
Typography is often a field of great creativity. When it comes to Memphis-inspired typography and lettering, well, this is usually the main design accent in the artwork. Impressive, artistic and eye-catching by itself, the Memphis design typography finds application in poster design and wall art, product design like notebook covers, branding design, and more.
5. Retro Memphis Design Examples
What makes a design feel retro? Warmer nuances of colors – almost brownish, must-have black outlining, characters of stylized and simple shapes. Well, in this selection we’ve picked several cool examples of Memphis design artwork with retro and vintage vibes, most of which are actually quite contemporary.
6. Even More Memphis Design Examples
And just to top up your euphoria and inspiration, we’ve picked about a dozen more great examples of Memphis style in the digital and real world. We’ve included poster designs, package and cover designs, banners for social media and websites, and more. Enjoy!
That’s it!
We hope this selection of 60+ Memphis design examples made your day even more colorful and exciting! While the style is more than four decades old now, it is not dying any time soon. One reason is that the Memphis-style movement simply allows you to make a bold statement and get noticed in the crowd.
If you are feeling inspired, go ahead and gear up your creativity to make something bold and eye-catching in a Memphis style today. If you need a little more of an inspirational boost, why don’t you have a look at our Inspiration section? We’ve got pretty good selections to enjoy!
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