Zaheer Dodhia, CEO of Logo Design, is an entrepreneur who’s launched multiple startups, including ZillionDesigns, PCStore, CashforUsedLaptop
It’s hard to believe that we’re already more than halfway through 2023. As we try to wrap our brains around that fact, it’s important not to forget to look to the future. Specifically, the future of logo design.
Historically, since the first recorded use of a logo (by Stella Artois in 1366!), these little pieces of graphic design have been heavy hitters in the service of their brands. They’re the most readily identifiable branded content associated with their parent companies. But trends in logo design come and go, and even the definition of what makes a logo is subject to change.
Here are seven predictions for popular logo trends in 2023 and beyond.
Trend One: Vivid Colors
When Pantone chose Viva Magenta as the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year, they described it as being full of “vim and vigor” and “expressive of a new signal of strength.” That’s exactly the vibe that so many of us were hoping for going into the new year.
While Viva Magenta itself may not be popping up in every new logo designed this year, I believe the trend of vibrant, vivid colors that stems from the same drive for optimism and strength will undoubtedly be seen within design.
Trend Two: Abstract Botanicals
Abstracts have been having their day for a while now. But after several years of a more traditional abstract style—think the resurgence of ’90s-style squiggles and triangles, for example—we’re overdue for a more gentle, less in-your-face variation on the theme. Botanicals and florals in general are a popular trend almost every year, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the combination of abstract and floral-inspired design translates to lush, unique logos.
Trend Three: Dynamic Design
Dynamic design involves logos that are not static but can instead change depending on the circumstances and according to preset parameters. It’s 2023, and we all need to prioritize adaptation—even in logo design. Google’s main search page provides a classic example of the utility and adaptability of dynamic design, which keeps designers busy and keeps viewers intrigued to see what iteration comes next.
Trend Four: Animated Logos
We live in a world where we’re used to video content, and we’re also used to being distracted by something new every few seconds. Animated logos can be ideally placed to cater to this mindset. Whether the animation is the entire logo or only a single component—think the pulsing, speaker-like movement of the Shazam logo, for example—animated logos can work to keep everyone’s attention in the coming year.
Trend Five: Minimalism
Has there ever been a year when minimalism hasn’t been included in graphic design trends? Even when maximalism is enjoying a moment, such as what happened a few years ago, minimalism isn’t far behind.
There’s a reason for that: Simplicity is frequently cited as one of the key features of good logo design. After all, too many elements can distract from the message and memorability of the logo, which completely undermines the purpose of this little piece of branding.
We’re living in an increasingly complicated world. A simple, effective logo design trend like minimalism can be kind of a nice reprieve.
Trend Six: Hyper-Lettertype
A lettertype is a logo that is made up of a single letter, usually representing the name of the company. These are often stylized—think the A for Airbnb, for example. Stylization is seeing a resurgence in design trends, and combined with the minimalist approach, hyper-lettertypes are a shoo-in for a new popular trend.
Hyper-lettertypes are essentially lettertypes on steroids—super-stylized, color-saturated, often with overlapping elements, to the point where the original letter may not even be easily legible. These types of logos are unique and impactful and may prioritize form over function.
Trend Seven: Handmade Logos
Ever since Etsy first hit it big by allowing handmade creators to sell their handiwork—see what I did there?—the “handmade” trend has been on the horizon. Whether it’s a simple digitized sketch or a design that is charmingly rough and off-kilter, handmade-effect logos are great options for brands that promote themselves as unique, quirky, out-of-the-box thinkers.
Ironically enough, the “handmade” look is fairly easy to replicate with logo design software. But that just means that this is a trend that is easy to follow while not removing the value of the trend itself.
Looking To The Future In Logo Design
Design trends come and go, but logos are forever—at least, until the next rebrand. While it’s certainly valuable to stay on top of what’s trending in design these days—and kind of fun to see what may be headed our way, as graphic designers—it’s also important to remember that what makes a good logo isn’t primarily its trendiness, but how unique and on-message it is for the brand behind it.
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