Gradients are everywhere — easy to drop on a button, a font, or a background. But let’s be honest: most of them look… cheap.
Why?
Because a gradient alone doesn’t say anything. It’s just a color shift. No depth. No story. No intention.
Here’s what actually makes a gradient interesting:
Form + color contrast: Gradients work best with curves, blobs, or volume — not flat rectangles.
Texture & noise: A little grain goes a long way. It adds realism and removes that plastic look.
Light & shadow: Without light, colors feel dead. A soft highlight can change everything.
Color logic: Not every rainbow works. Choose a flow: warm to cool, saturated to muted — give it a direction.
Quick fix:
Blur it
Add soft noise
Overlay a lighting layer
Now your gradient tells a story, not just a transition.
