Logos are not just a visual element but also a vital part of any brand’s identity. An innovative, eye-catching logo can grab attention and help companies stand out in a crowded market. A logo represents the personality, core values, and true identity of a brand.
For designers, coming up with fresh new concepts is essential for creating logos that resonate with modern audiences. Designers let their emotions be the guiding force that helps them in the creative process of designing an excellent logo concept. In this article, we’ll showcase some of the most exciting trends in cool design inspiration for logos, from throwback fonts to abstract geometries. Read on for ideas to spark your next great logo concept!
The Rise of Throwback Liquid Mercury Fonts
Retro-inspired liquid mercury fonts are making a major comeback in logo design. Inspired by the fluid look of molten metal, these fonts have a reflective, constantly morphing appearance that grabs the viewer’s eye. Over the past year, liquid mercury fonts have been incorporated into 20% more logo designs, indicating this playful trend is on the rise.
Here’s a pie chart that shows the most popular font choices:
Brands like Slack and Xbox have utilized liquid mercury fonts to inject a sense of movement and modernism into their logos. The morphing quality of these fonts creates an advanced, cutting-edge aesthetic perfect for forward-thinking companies. Expect to see more brands embracing this retro-futuristic style in the coming months.
Companies that are trying to establish their presence in the current competitive landscape are increasing day by day and in the upcoming years, there will be more brands embracing this retro-futuristic font.
The Charm of Playful Line Doodles
Another trend bringing wit and levity to logo design is the incorporation of playful line doodles. These informal, hand-drawn flourishes add warmth and approachability to a brand’s image. Over the past year, 30% more companies have introduced line doodles to their logos, embracing this lighthearted aesthetic.
Brands across industries from restaurants to tech startups have embraced this logo design trend. Burger chains like In-N-Out and offbeat startups like Mailchimp have used line doodle logos to cultivate a fun, inviting vibe. The imperfect nature of these doodles creates a casual, human touch. As more brands seek to connect with audiences on a personal level, expect playful doodles to proliferate.
Some other great examples of the playful line doodle trend include:
- Netflix’s simple doodle of a television
- Beats by dre’s fun music note logo
- Toblerone’s dancing bear mascot
Line doodles work especially well for casual, lifestyle brands wanting to express their playful sensibility. They are appealing due to their authenticity and simplicity in nature. By incorporating hand-drawn sketches and wonky lettering, an approachable tone can be conveyed. This logo trend is likely to increase across sectors like food and beverage, entertainment, and hospitality as lighthearted aesthetics gain mainstream appeal.
The Power of Retro Red Liners
Bold splashes of the color red are also dominating logo design. Over the past year, the use of red in monochrome logos has risen by 25%. This eye-catching shade conveys confidence, passion, and urgency, ideal for brands wanting to make a bold statement.
Take a look at the visual representation below to see how the logo color choices have affected the popularity of the brands:
For more examples of cool design choices making an impact, check out these minimalist logos using strong, simple shapes and limited color palettes to bold effect. The color psychology of red suggests it grabs attention and leaves a lasting impact on viewers. Food companies like McDonald’s, YouTube, and Target have embraced red as their signature color to stand out from the crowd. But this logo design trend also extends beyond the food sector.
Other industries making powerful use of red include:
- Coca-Cola’s calligraphy red logo
- Netflix’s red backdrop and title
- Target’s eye-catching red bullseye
As more and more brands aim to be memorable at a glance, dramatic red logo designs will likely multiply across categories. The boldness and visual impact of this color make it a go-to for companies seeking an authoritative, passionate image. In simple terms, the color red commands attention and also communicates strong emotions which is why it is working out well for most brands using it in their logos.
Twists on Traditional Designs
Many designers are also putting fresh spins on classic cultural symbols and motifs. By reimagining traditional iconography with modern sensibilities, brands can nod to their roots while still feeling current.
Beer company Elysian Brewing gives its logo a Pacific Northwest vibe with a luminescent tree of life. Golden State Warriors integrate a classic basketball court into the silhouette of a California bear. As brands seek to telegraph their regional origins, injecting local flair into traditional motifs is on the rise.
The Rebellion of Distorted Geometry
The boundaries of predictability are eliminated as these logos challenge traditional norms which capture the attention of audiences. Increasingly, designers are also rejecting straight lines and predictable shapes in favor of distorted geometric forms. By warping and overlapping shapes in unusual ways, logos take on an avant-garde, rebellious edge.
Spanish fashion brand Loewe achieves a psychedelic look by fragmenting their logo into prismatic shards. Kontrapunkt’s logo layers angled stripes and stretched hexagons for a glitchy, futuristic vibe. As asymmetry and irregularity infiltrate graphic design, expect to see more logos embrace distorted geometry.
Key Takeaways
- Retro liquid mercury fonts are making a comeback, adding fluidity and a modern flair.
- Playful line doodles bring an informal, fun, and approachable vibe to logos.
- Bold red monochrome logos grab viewers’ attention with their urgent tone.
- Traditional cultural symbols are being remixed with some contemporary twists.
- Asymmetric, distorted geometric shapes bring an avant-garde edge.
- Mystical motifs like moon phases and mythological creatures give a sense of wonder.
The Mystery of Mysticism and Mythology
Finally, many designers are incorporating spiritual symbols and imagery into their logos. With New Age practices like astrology, tarot, and crystal healing exploding in popularity, brands are tapping into this mysticism trend in their visual identities. Mythological creatures like dragons and phoenixes are also seeing a resurgence.
Services-based organizations to physical fitness centers and even educational institutions have started to incorporate these elements to bring in a sense of connectivity, personal growth, and transformation.
Mystic cosmetics company Lunarly uses moon phases, crystals, and zodiac symbols to telegraph their otherworldly vibe. Kraken Rum revives the mythological Kraken sea creature to communicate its exotic spirit. By channeling mystical motifs, brands can imbue their logos with a sense of wonder.
