Logo Design & Branding Trends 2009
To stand out and be refreshingly different at whatever cost - that's the message we're getting from today's logos. From an identity point of view, web 2.0 logos failed miserably. They may not be around for too long. Copycat websites may still work, but when it comes to identities, designers will have to roll up their sleeves and work much harder.
Designers have become far more aware and sensitive to design history movements and styles than they were in previous years. They are discovering ways to make logos reflect their roots.
Minimalism was a strong anchor for swooshes, sparkling little balls and other accidental manifestations. But we're witnessing a fading out of minimalism, and this weakness is paving the way for spectacular remixes to take over.
A particular style can't emerge and expect to stay at the top indefinitely. Developments in logo design indicate that trends have a short lifespan, going through a "now-you-see-it-now-you-don't" kind of roller coaster.
New trends emerge only to be contradicted by others that go the opposite direction.
After the proliferation of "bastard" icons, the new logos are harder to reproduce given their solid sense of originality and craftsmanship.
2009 ushers in something new, something experimental, something outrageous. More will be the new less. Strong visibility and passion are the dictating themes.