Logo Design Trends To Avoid

While it’s true that some things never go out of style (a good book, khaki pants, and red lipstick), there are a few logo trends that will date your business or brand faster than you can say the words, “First impressions are everything.” So, whether you’re rebranding what you’ve got or starting up a new company or organization from scratch, here are 4 logo trends to avoid this year.

ONE: Using an Arc

The arc is a great symbol that indicates progress and movement toward success. However, it is overused in the exact same way among so many companies out there that we strongly encourage avoiding it if you’d like to maintain a unique brand identity. If the concept of using an arc seems the absolute best solution for portraying what your brand is all about, at least take the time to consider other ways you can visually translate the idea of what the arc is supposed to represent for you. Complex concepts made simple is very much the hardest part of a designer’s job but it is well worth it in the end if you can do it right.

TWO: Badges & Crests

Let’s face it – badges have had their heyday and it’s time to move on. Unless you are a hipster, own an axe-throwing company, or live in the Pacific northwest, it’s best to avoid a badge logo. It is hard to stand out when you look like everyone else! Ready-made templates for logos like the one above are a dime a dozen – but if you just love the look, you can get the above one free here. (When you see someone else with the same exact logo, we’ll be sure to say we told you so!)

THREE: The Hipster X

The big X with several objects, initials or a mixture of both around it. Often used to give a modern, yet rustic tone to a brand. It’s nice, it’s trendy but it’s also been overused to death. One of our top tips, which you should be doing anyway is to thoroughly research the brand competitors and other businesses within the same industry. You want your logo to stand out, not blend in.

FOUR: Chat Bubbles

It seems that every other social application logo uses a chat bubble within it. This is a great concept for getting across what your social brand is about, but because it is used so much already in all the current major apps, it is best to avoid this trend completely. Experiment new ways to turn the concept of a chat bubble so that your company logo is the one that undeniably stands out against all the rest.

Final Thoughts

Just remember, your company’s logo is the most visible part for your company. When customers think about your business, there should be a creative logo that subconsciously pops into their minds every single time. As designer Neville Brody once said, “Digital design is like painting, except the paint never dries”. Your digital brand, no matter how new or how old, will always be a part of your image. Even if you have already made a bad design choice, it is never too late to revitalize your company’s brand. The paint never dries, and neither should your ambition.