Third Wave Design: Cool Coffee-inspired Designs for an Easygoing, Natural Lifestyle

Portland, Oregon is well known as an artisan capital with a discerning, yet laid-back, do-it-yourself culture. Microbreweries, letterpress printing, handmade goods, Third Wave coffee, etc. all figure prominently in Portland’s proudly eccentric character.

Recently in Japan, the “Third Wave Design” trend has been influenced by Portland’s artisanal culture. Taking its name and design inspiration from the Third Wave Coffee movement, Third Wave Design features “retro” elements such as handwritten fonts, chalkboard typography, stylized illustrations, “blurred” or “stained” effects and so on to evoke an easygoing, handmade feel that is at the same time carefully curated and stylish.

This title showcases advertisements, tools, and shop display designs that follow this trend. Most of items featured are from Japan, but some from overseas are also featured.

A good reference for graphic designers looking for ideas from the most up-to-date designs in Japan.