How Southeast Asian cultural diversity is shaping global design trends

May 17, 2024 Written by Abby Kury



Image: Unsplash

As with anything else in art, taking inspiration from different elements found in culture often adds depth and vibrancy to a piece of content.

In graphics design, weaving cultural elements into a piece of design isn't just a matter of aesthetics; it's both an acknowledgement of the multifaceted identities that shape our global society and a way to localise to the audience you are speaking to. (Even our team here at Brandripe is made up of multicultural individuals with a common passion for delivering the best on-demand design to our clients!)

In any case, in a region rich with cultural diversity such as Asia Pacific, cultural influences infuse design with unique perspectives – shaping not only visual aesthetics but also global design trends.

Celebrating Southeast Asian influence

Southeast Asia is like a treasure chest of different cultures, each with its own unique style.

Think intricate patterns of Indonesian batik to the minimalist elegance of Japanese Zen aesthetics, the region's design ethos reflects centuries of history, tradition and innovation – which is certainly not lost on the global scene as we see more and more adoption of such cultural elements used in advertising and marketing content.

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Modern graphic design influenced by Japanese aesthetics. Image: XS Multimedia

One striking aspect of Southeast Asian design is its seamless blend of the traditional and the modern. This fusion creates designs that resonate with both heritage and contemporary sensibilities, appealing to a global audience hungry for authenticity and cultural depth.

With a myriad of different ethnicities to tap from in the broader region, Southeast Asian design embraces diversity within its own borders. This approach to graphics design resonates well with both local and global audiences.

The locals like to see homage to their culture and diversity weaved into modern content marketing, and the sheer unique look and feel of blended content intrigue audiences from outside the region – so this ensures that you’ve got eyeballs on your content either way.

The Australian perspective: Nature, diversity and innovation

In The Land Down Under, Australia's graphic design trend mirrors the country's unique blend of rugged landscapes, multicultural heritage, and innovative spirit.

But beyond the celebration of Australia’s nature, its multicultural society is demanding more representation of cultural diversity in its advertising content, as seen in recent years’ local movement #OnlyOneInTheRoom that called for attention to the lack of diversity in Australia’s advertising industry and its content outputs.


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An image from the #OnlyOneInTheRoom campaign. Image: The Drum

If you are a brand looking to spark inspiration and catch second glances from your audience in Australia, look no further than the existing rich cultural diversity elements that you can derive and weave into your content to stand out.

Think of Indigenous Australian art, with its vibrant colours and intricate patterns, or the growing environmental consciousness amongst Australians.

With 92% of millennials weighing the environmental effects of their purchases, it’s important that Australian graphic designers and marketers are leading the charge with relevant content that speaks to the hearts and minds of the community.

The power of cultural representation

With the perspective we’ve shared in this article, cultural diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s what makes design exciting and fresh. When designers take inspiration from different cultures, they create something that speaks to everyone.

And it’s not just about making pretty pictures; infusing elements of cultural diversity and representation in design fosters empathy and understanding, bridging gaps between people of different backgrounds and fostering a sense of belonging.

When brands and graphic designers incorporate diverse cultural elements into their work, they open doors to new perspectives, challenging stereotypes and expanding the collective imagination.

Partner with Brandripe and get the best of all influences in design

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At Brandripe, we understand the transformative power of cultural diversity in graphics design, especially in our position as the graphics design partner to prominent local and global brands across the Asia Pacific region.

We specialise in creating visually stunning and culturally resonant designs that capture the essence of your brand. Our team works closely with clients to understand their unique vision and cultural context, ensuring that every design reflects authenticity and inclusivity.

On that note, here are the top three key benefits of partnering with Brandripe for your graphics design needs:

  1. Cultural sensitivity: Our team is the epitome of diversity itself, with experienced graphics designers coming from all walks of life and ethnicities. They bring with them unique perspectives that influence the inspiration behind each work.
  1. Speedy turnaround time: When it comes to content, time is of the essence as there are always new things being churned out by the second. We understand the need to move fast – that’s why we promise a guaranteed 24 to 48-hour turnaround time for your graphics design request to make sure you’re not just on trend, but also on time.
  1. Collaborative approach: We value collaboration and transparency, we’ll listen to your ideas and feedback every step of the way to make sure you’re totally happy with the result.

As much as it is a trendy aspect,  cultural diversity is not just a trend in graphics design; it's a fundamental aspect of our shared human experience. By embracing cultural representation in design, we celebrate the richness of our global heritage and pave the way for a more inclusive and creative future.

So, if you’re ready to take your brand to the next level, why not give Brandripe a try? Set up a 15-minute Demo Call with us (at your convenience) to get started.

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