At LogoMyWay, we have a pretty forward-looking set of designers. They are always keen to stay ahead of the trends, and make sure that any work they do is of the highest quality.
Therefore, with 2011 coming to an end, we kick off the first in a two part series looking back at the year that was in logo design – and where we can expect it to go in the new year. A post outlining the 2012 trends to look for will follow, but for now, let’s take a gander at what the design world did in 2011.
Gradients
Some companies have been doing it for years with their logos, but 2011 was the year the gradient became commonplace. Everyone has seemingly been adding a gradient to their logo design. It just seems to add an interest to the whole design, giving it a third dimension of sorts and something that looks sleeker and more professional than a simple single-tone logo. Of course, when people are forced to reduce color, it becomes difficult.
The Big O
He may well be running for re-election this year, but in the design world at least, Barack Obama’s influence still seems to hold a lot of sway over designers. It was his perfect concentric circle which became the defining image of his political campaign, and you can be sure that where possible, companies will try and adopt this inclusive, professional mark in their designs.
The Rubber Band
Another massive mover and shaker in the design world was the notion that a single rubber band-like line could weave back and forth and fold up on itself to give intrigue to a logo. This mock-3D effect gives some visual interest to a logo which would be sorely lacking in a two dimensional version; Microsoft Office’s Mac icons are a good example.
Natural transparencies
Layering up different elements on a single logo is not necessarily new, but in 2011 people really clutched it to their bosom and did not let go. When coupled with the natural earth, sea and fire color palette, you have a trend which ran and ran.
Coming up next is the outlook for 2012, and what could well be the designs which every logo designer worth his or her salt will be emulating in the new year.
