Humans tend to notice or be drawn to things that move. Movement catches our eye.
So it’s no wonder that the magic of movement is making an impact on animated logo design.
The Use of Animated Logo Design is on the Rise.
When we talk about animated logos, we’re not just talking about a figure moving across the screen or a symbol exploding onto it.
As the animated logo design field has grown and expanded, so too has the ingenuity in creating new logos that are one-of-a-kind and will be remembered.
Listed below are five of the most unique and “colorful” elements in animated logo design.
1. The expansion
Keeping a brand dynamic is challenging. Especially when it has to stay in limited parameters.
Animation allows for freedom from this. An animated logo can fit within any dimension or scale. From there it can grow or shrink, as needed.
An architecture firm found the use of an expanding and contracting animated logo within a grid to be a great metaphor for the work they do.
A furniture designer who works with wood decided to have his logo expand by adding lines and layers of plywood one at a time to build toward the finished product. Another great metaphor.
2. The rotation
An investment company with an “X” in their name has an animated logo where the “X” rotates, as well a rises upwards and to the right. They all indicate profit.
The “X” turned sideways indicates addition. On its side it’s multiplication. And when it rises up and to the right, there’s that additional nod to “moving on up.”
But rotating elements can also give animated logo design a playfulness.
There’s a company with the word “Time” in its name. They’re actually a duo of directors who specialize in comedic short films and their static logo is that of a clock.
But their animated logo puts all of the elements of that clock into a silly and rapid spin. It takes the modest logo and turns it into something wacky and fun.
3. The hide and reveal
Whether it’s a magic show, a joke or a story, we’re all waiting for the “big reveal.”
A company with a two part name starts their animated logo cycle with the first letters of their name. The two letters sit for a little bit until they slide wide enough apart to allow the other letters in to fill out the whole name.
It makes for a seamless transition between their full name and their “shorthand” name.
4. The transformation
Many are the logo designers who’ve been asked to put two elements of a business into a logo. A big order for a static logo, but much easier with animated logo design.
Now designers can believably morph two elements such as a microphone into musical notes, the company name into its product, even an elephant into a coffee cup.
5. The rearrangement
Moving existing logo elements around into different compositions can be very effective.
Especially if you’re a modular home company. Their animated logo is actually built of individual modules that come together and rearrange themselves in a central location on the grid. It’s perfect.
This list is by no means exhaustive and there are many other exciting elements for animated logo design. Have any you’d like to share? Let us know!
A solid logo is one of the most important aspects of a company.
A logo is usually the first thing potential clients and customers see while researching your business.
That being said, intense amounts of detail should go into the creation of every business’ logo.
Over time, though, logos can become outdated.
Due to the rapid change of technology and innovative design, it can be easy to let your company’s logo fall behind.
Is it time for your business to consider a new logo?
Here’s how to find out.
Why You Should Consider a New Logo
You might be hesitant to redesign your logo. Maybe that’s because you can’t justify the funds to start a new one from scratch, or you feel a sense of attachment to your current one.
Whatever the reason is, know that logo redesigns are an unavoidable characteristic of a growing business.
While rebranding can be an intimidating process, it’s one that has a high return on investment — if done correctly.
Here are 10 signs that indicate that your business is ready for a new logo:
1. It Doesn’t Translate Well to Digital Platform
One of the most important reasons why it may be time for a new logo is because yours doesn’t look good on digital platforms.
Considering there are millions of internet users a day, it’s crucial that your logo looks up to standards online.
Keep in mind that digital optimization means everything from a logo looking flawless on desktops, mobile phones and more.
How do you achieve this?
By making sure your logo keeps its integrity, no matter what size it may be. Oftentimes, graphics are downgraded for mobile — so you need to make sure they don’t look bad when they’re smaller.
Additionally, you should make sure that your logo is quick to load. Have you ever tried to surf the web via your phone, and had lengthy load times on certain websites? This is because they weren’t optimized for mobile.
Don’t lose customers just because your logo isn’t up to current digital standards.
Optimize it!
2. It’s Confusing
What do you want people to know when they look at your logo?
Maybe you want them to be connected with it on an emotional level; or, you want them to feel inspired by it.
How well does your current logo do this?
If customers are confused by what your logo should mean, do you think they’ll be willing to dig deeper into your business — or will they move on to the next one?
Chances are, they won’t be so forgiving.
If your logo is confusing people, it’s time to invest in a new one.
3. It Doesn’t Convey Your Current Message
As with all branding, relaying the right message is a key component of getting your marketing right from the start.
What is your company’s message? Do you want potential customers and clients to know that you’re trustworthy, that their transactions with you will be secure, or that you possess the latest and greatest technology in the field?
No matter what your message is, your logo needs to reflect it.
The benefit of an outstanding logo is that you can send a huge message with low effort. A great design incorporates not only beauty, but meaningful messaging as well.
4. It Looks Mediocre
Take an honest look at your logo. While it may be hard to see it objectively, it’s important to give it hard judgment every once in a while.
What does it look like? Does it look like a professional made it, or does it look like someone who was inexperienced with design did?
A quick way to tell how unprofessional your logo appears is if it turns fuzzy when printed. This shows that someone who didn’t have access to the right format or scales created it for you.
If you want to keep your business from being embarrassed by a mediocre logo, it’s time for a new one.
5. It’s Outdated
Some businesses will go years without thinking to update their logo. This can be quite dangerous!
As time goes on, different design trends develop. What may have been sleek and chic 10 years ago may be seriously tacky and unrefined today.
Do your research. What constitutes a “good” logo these days? Are there particular typefaces that stand out? What about color?
After doing your research, compare your findings to your current logo. Chances are, if you haven’t updated it in a number of years, it’s off par.
A new logo will keep you in the game — and keep your audience feeling fresh every time they look at your brand.
6. It Isn’t Memorable
How would you feel if you had a great meeting with a potential client, just for them to walk away without a lasting impression of your business?
Or, maybe you’re giving a keynote at a large conference. Your presentation went well, but your audience walks away trying to remember who your company is and what your mission is.
While a dull logo isn’t always the culprit of a situation like this occurring, it can happen.
A logo is the first step to wowing an audience. And, if yours is falling flat, then a new logo is what you need.
When you create a new logo with a cutting-edge design, you can leave a lasting impression.
7. It’s Too Similar to Other’s Logos
One of the biggest mistakes companies make with logos is creating ones that resemble someone else’s too closely.
Although there are many graphic design trends out there that are worth implementing into your own logo, you need to make sure you add a unique touch that will separate yours from the rest.
What would you say to someone who confused your logo with your competitor’s? That would probably be one of the most unideal situations.
8. A Professional Didn’t Design It
Who designed your current logo? Was it you, or maybe a friend? When businesses first start out, it can be tough to find funds for design — especially when its perceived value isn’t up to par with what it actually is.
If you created your logo on Microsoft Word or Paint, or a similar program, chances are people can tell. This could be a poor reflection on your business — and could definitely put its credibility at stake.
Maybe your current logo isn’t that bad. But still, if a professional didn’t create it, that logo most certainly will be lacking in balance and theory.
Professional logo designers put a great deal of science behind designs. A great logo considers psychological reaction, color theory and more.
If yours is lacking in these areas of expertise, it’s time to consider a new logo.
9. Your Target Audience Has Changed
Businesses spend massive amounts of money to learn about who their target audience is. With specific demographic information and key characteristics, your branding and marketing can strategically be developed around them.
Over time, it’s possible that your target audience may have changed. Perhaps you’ve altered your services that cater to a different demographic.
If that’s the case, does your logo reflect that?
10. It No Longer Represents Your Company
Your company may be rapidly growing. If so, congratulations!
While growth is a good sign, it’s also one that warrants new consideration when it comes to branding.
If your business is expanding into new industries or is offering new products, it’s important to ensure that your logo reflects that.
When you expand into a new industry, you’re opening a door to many new opportunities for branding and key messaging. Who is your new audience? What do they respond well to?
After answering those questions, take a look at your current logo. Does it fall in line with those answers?
Chances are, it might not. That’s when you know it’s time for a new logo.
If you’ve already built a solid logo that has had positive feedback, consider keeping its basics while you upgrade it.
Conclusion
Overall, an outstanding logo plays a vital role in brand recognition and business development.
While you may have cut corners in the beginning by getting a cheaply made logo, that doesn’t mean it’s too late to update it.
If you notice your branding falling flat when it comes to memorability, looking to similar to other logos, or the design is outdated, it may be time to invest in a new logo.
Not sure where to start when it comes to creating a new one?
Consider using our services. We offer an uncomplicated and professional platform that lets you create your own logos for free.
If you’re ready to start today, check out our free logo maker here.
And, as always, be sure to contact us with any questions, comments or concerns you may have when it comes to creating a beautiful design through our interface. We’re here to help!
A logo is the visual representation of a company. At a glance, a logo tells potential customers the company’s purpose, what products or services are offered, or what type of experience they can expect. That’s a lot to cover in a few well-deigned pixels.
But remember: every brilliant logo design once started off as a simple logo drawing.
The long-term goal of any logo design is recognition. Use these brainstorming techniques to develop ideas and drawings for a logo that is unforgettable.
Plan for Creativity
Although brainstorming is an exercise in spontaneity, preparation is a key element to success.
The first step is to set aside a dedicated block of time specifically for the brainstorming session. Planning ahead helps minimize distractions — studies have shown it can take over 20 minutes to get back on track after an interruption.
Advanced planning also allows for playlist orchestration. Music is a powerful tool when it comes to creativity and choosing the right type of music is important. Instrumental music is highly recommended for maintaining focus on a creative task. Stay away from music with lyrics (it tends to block concentration).
Open the Observatory of Your Mind
Be as a student at all times. What shines bright and really catches the eye? Creating a list or file of logos, drawings, and designs that are intriguing and effective help spur creativity. Include notes about what makes each logo unique, describe the emotions evoked by the image and what makes it memorable. Evernote and Pinterest are great for keeping track of likes (and even dislikes).
Get Back to Nature
There is overwhelming evidence that exposure to nature not only promotes calmness but has a positive impact on creativity.
Images from nature have been the inspiration for the logos of many well-known brands (think Apple and Twitter), as well as companies with products or services that have nothing to do with nature.
A quiet bench in a neighborhood park, a sling chair on a pier, a wildlife viewing area off the interstate, or any serene location with trees and vegetation is a potential destination. The shapes, textures, sounds and even smells from natural surroundings will bring out the inner visionary, and hopefully some excellent logo drawings.
Go “Shopping” for Logo Drawing
Fortunately, this brainstorming adventure does not require a credit card. A stroll through the mall, an hour of window shopping along the boulevard or even a trek through the aisles at a local grocery store offers a wide range of logos and design ideas.
The selection of colors and designs, sizes and shapes, fonts and images are excellent ways to inspire multiple logo drawings. A smartphone camera is a perfect way to record styles and designs that jump out to get noticed.
Go with the Flow
Being aware of current trends is important to any creative process.
The latest styles in fashion design offer suggestions for use of patterns and insight for well-chosen color schemes.
Keep track of new and innovative font styles and experiment with various fonts when sketching logo drawings. Different fonts may stimulate even more ideas.
And, of course, always be in touch with what is trending in logo design itself.
A Final Note
Judgment and analysis of the ideas created during brainstorming should be left until the end of the session. Do not block creativity by critiquing.
When brainstorming is finished the best strategy is to close the sketchbook of logo drawings and take a break. Revisit a day or two later for a fresh perspective. Once the inspiration hits, don’t hesitate to get to work creating your new logo.
If a picture is worth 1000 words, a logo is worth so much more.
Having a good logo can make or break your business. And there is much more that goes into a logo than just a fancy typescript or catchy design.
Choosing the right color is one of the biggest decisions in the logo design process
Red is one of the most famous logo colors in the world, whether a logo is all red or is coordinated with another color.
Some of the most iconic brands in history are known for the bright red logos.
Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Youtube (and a TON of others) have become synonymous with their logos.
Find out here what having a red logo will mean for your business.
Eye Popping Red Logos
Red is one of the most eye popping colors there is on the color spectrum.
With a red logo, you are guaranteed to catch the eye of many potential customers.
Red will automatically attract a person’s eye to the picture or cause them to do a double take.
Because red is so eye popping it will stand out against any color the logo happens to be placed next to.
Choosing to go with red for your logo will definitely help you stay in the minds of any prospective customers.
Boldness
That same eye popping quality that a red logo has will also give the logo a sense of boldness.
Red has also long been known to symbolise love. The combination of love and boldness will give a red logo a feeling of passion and emotion.
That love and boldness will invoke a trust between the consumer and the company.
The boldness that a red logo brings will come along with a feeling of excitement from the consumer.
They will see a company’s logo and feel adventurous and will be drawn to the company by adrenaline and will want to feed their adventurous side
Energy
Having a red logo means portraying an image of being energetic and active.
In customers’ eyes and mind seeing red as a symbol of a business means they can assume an intense and upbeat business.
Fire is almost always depicted in a shade of red. When people think fire, they think red and it goes for the opposite.
When people think red, fire will be one of the first things to come to mind. So the same characteristics of fire – intensity, energy, enthusiasm – will be applied to your red logo whenever someone sees it.
Red is a loud, strong color so if you want to be a loud, strong company, you will definitely want to utilize red in your logo.
A lot about a company is said by the color of their logo.
Before going out and immediately applying all the red you can find to your company’s new logo, first think about what your business is selling and the personality of your business.
If you are in the finance world or want to project a sense of calm and tranquility, then you will want to steer clear of using a red logo.
However, if you are in the entertainment business or especially the food business, red is a great color to put in your logo.
Likewise, if your company is fun, vibrant, and full of energy having a red logo will show your customers just that.
