Some trends are easy to spot and call out – some….less so.
Logo design trends fall firmly into the latter category. Whilst we’d like to think that trends, fashion and design are moving in a particular direction, the truth is that it’s not that simple.
Half the time, trends are followed, and the other half the rules are thrown out of the window and everyone who made a prediction is left scratching their heads and wondering where it all went wrong.
So it is the case here. While we are attempting to say these are trends we think will be relevant in 2021 – we also acknowledge that designers are a creative lot (a bit like us really) and there is nothing we appreciate more than the unexpected.
So, if we are wrong about all of these, we’ll be very happy.
But as things stand – and at the time of writing – here are 10 logo design trends that we (probably) expect to remain popular during 2021.
Or not.
Wordmarks
It is very much in the spirit of ‘keep it simple’ – which is one of the overriding (or should we say ‘understated’?) themes of 2021.
Some companies – such as eBay – have been around for a long time, but we think we will be seeing a lot more of these as 2021 progresses. No pretension, no complexity – just say it like it is.
The real skill is in highlighting an element (usually just one letter) to bring the whole logo to life. Whilst eBay has four different colours, they have made sure that the blue ‘b’ stands out and is clearly visually emphasised.
Gradients
Gradient logos come in and out of fashion – and right now they are in.
Gradients are another way to keep design simple and straightforward, but interest high. Graduated shades keep the eye interested and create a sense of movement and development.
Letter destruction
Another design approach that works well with letters-only logos. The letter destruction technique is all about leaving letters unfinished, as if you’ve run out of ink or your inscription has been worn out. At the same time, you need to make sure your design is still readable. You don’t want your customers to wonder about your company name, do you?
Overlapping
This is all about combinations of letters or geometric forms. Simple, straightforward and very impactful.
Negative space
Popular for a few years now – and with good reason – we expect this trend to continue into 2021. Clever use of negative space gets viewers’ minds working just that little bit harder – and they appreciate the design that much more when the penny finally drops.
Simplification
Clean, simple typography, with a lack of decoration, will be popular in 2021.
For a great example – look no further than Intel and their logo redesign last year.
Simple text – simple message and just a hint of colour. It’s all about the brand and not the logo design – or even the product! Short, simple, unforgettable.
Symmetry
Symmetry is another simplification that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so this year. Balanced, visually satisfying and pleasing, symmetry lends an air of completeness to a design.
Monograms
Another simple approach – the monogram can utilise different design elements yet remain straightforward – such as the new Gmail logo shown here.
No change at all
If it ain’t broke – as they say – then don’t fix it.
Unless you have a major rebrand underway or a new product to launch, sometimes the simplest answer is to keep things as they are. If it’s working, then let it get on and do its job.
Once you have your logo – what are the best ways to use it?
Video marketing and branding is the #1 tool for marketing today – whether that is via your website, email or more usually – Social Media.
Learn more about Video and Brand Marketing here – in Everything you need to know about video branding
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