Layering and Collage: Grunge design often incorporates multiple layers, overlapping images, and collage elements. This technique enhances the chaotic and rebellious nature of the style. Handwritten and Irregular Typography: Fonts used in grunge design often have a hand-drawn, irregular quality to them.

The grunge design is often recognized by using graphics that give a dirty feel. Dirty stains and textures, drips, splats, sprays, torn images, hand-drawn elements and creased pieces of paper are common design elements in grunge design.

More than anything else, the style of grunge paintings is characterized as reflecting a sarcastic and twisted humor. Stylistically, grunge paintings can be both abstract or figurative, but, they do lean more towards the figurative and the narrative.