The document discusses top logo design trends for 2017, including keeping logos simple, using a flat two-dimensional style, hand-drawn logos, negative space logos, line-based logos, retro styles, animated logos, stacked letters, color gradients, and repetition. Whether owning a company, website, or small business, starting with a great memorable logo that conveys the brand through emotional connection is emphasized as being very important. Design contest sites are recommended as a popular affordable way to get logo design options.

1. TOP 10
LOGO DESIGN
TRENDS 2017
By Adi Yagil
UPDATED

2. WHY IS A LOGO
SO IMPORTANT?
A logo is an abstract symbol and as such it
helps us associate a certain emotion or
sentiment with its brand without using any
words.
Every time we see a logo, our mind is busy
doing two things: recognizing what that logo
stands for and reminding us what we feel
towards that logo, making the entire
experience extremely memorable.

3. LOGO DESIGN –
GOING FORWARD
Although the basic philosophy behind logo
design will not change, it’s important to look
ahead at how it is advancing as an art and
where the trends are going.
Working with many different designers over
the years has given us a lot to think about.
We’ve gathered their most important insights
and combined them with our own research to
share which trends will make or break your
logo design this year.
2017

4. 01 KEEP IT SIMPLE
Less can definitely be more when it comes to logo design.
The minimalism style is the type of logo where every tiny
detail counts. No space is wasted and the colors are few.
These are types of logos that are visually appealing and
memorable.
According to Nielsen Norman group (who coined the term
UX), the basic features of minimalism design include a flat
look, limited color, few elements, a lot of negative space and
typography that draws attention to itself.
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5. 02 GO TWO DIMENSIONS
While flat and minimalist often go together they are not the
same thing. A logo that falls under the flat style is a 2-
dimensional image or graphic. By its nature it is basic and
minimal – no shadows, texture, gradient or any other
feature.
While some users may have problems with
clickability, according to Nielson Norman Group, these issues
are easy to overcome if you keep them in mind during the
design process.
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6. 03 TRY YOUR HAND AT IT
These logos can take the most time to complete but they are
worth the extra effort. A custom, hand-drawn logo will
ensure that your design is unique, which is part of its appeal.
Logos that have used the hand-drawn style appear fresher,
comforting and grounded. These are feelings that cannot be
invoked with a digital design.
It is particularly popular for sports teams as it is often an
animation-based logo rather than a shape so it appeals to
those organizations that have a mascot. It also works well
for restaurants and cafes.
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7. 04 BE CREATIVE & CLEVER
Negative space logos use the color and space to make a dual
image and they can be memorable for customers as they will
need to give a bit more thought to the illustration. It allows
for a business to communicate a double message and have
a bit of fun with the consumer.
it is important to remember not to make the viewer have to
search too hard for the double image. The trick to the
technique is to use the positive space to create one image
while at the same time the negative space creates a
competing image.
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8. 05 LINE IT UP
Logos don’t always need to be embellished or complex
illustrations. One of the best tools in a designer’s arsenal is
simple shapes and lines. A logo that uses straight or curved
lines to create an image against a plain or colored
background can be as compelling as one that uses negative
space.
Lines can be more than just marks on the page they are used
to draw the eye to the important elements, according to the
experts at Canva Design School. The lines also share an idea,
for example, a straight line conveys the idea of order while
wavy lines convey movement or excitement.
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9. 06 RETRO
Companies with a lot of history have begun to honor their
brand’s story with logo updates that pay homage to their
previous looks. There is something to be said for the
nostalgic feel to these popular brands.
Kodak has introduced a new logo that is a remake of its one
from the 70s and 80s. Using the bright colors and iconic K
design the company returned to its classic logo design that
served it well for over 30 years. The new retro design
replaced the basic one they began using in 2006.
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10. 07 GO ANIMATED
When you think of an animated logo, think Google or Pixar.
As technology advances and becomes more innovative there
are less limitations to logo design. Using one with animation
makes the logo fun and can be memorable for a customer. It
should also communicate the message of the brand.
There are various types of animation for logos including
rotation, ones that hide and reveal an element, those that
transform or expand as well as ones that swap elements
among many others.
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11. 08 STACK IT
Stacked letters is another way to make the logo or brand
memorable, by using text customers will be able to recall the
name of the company easier. The puzzle-like illustration
creates a bond with the consumer.
Like shapes and lines they can also be used to direct the eye
of the audience. They are best used when there is limited
horizontal space. The letters can be stacked vertically or
horizontally and an additional graphic can also be used but is
not necessary.
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12. 09 COLOR MIX
While a gradient design feature all but disappeared when
the flat look became popular it has been making
a comeback. This style has often been used to slowly merge
one color with another. It gives the design a feeling of depth
that a flat look lacks.
The trick to using a gradient style for a logo is not to draw
attention to the feature but rather be subtle enough that it
enhances the look without being too obvious.
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13. 10 USE REPETITION
Using a repeating pattern on all your branding material will
help instill in the customers mind your logo and your
business. This usually involves repeating a simple shape or
pattern over or around the title of your business.
Studies show that repetition can convey a sense of unity. The
consistent shape and look of the pattern also instills a sense
of activity. The sense of unity will in turn invoke a sense of
comfortable familiarity in the consumer.
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14. SUMMARY
Whether you own a company selling its own
products, a website trying to attract new
visitors or a new small business, the
importance of starting out with a great logo
that conveys your brand, making it memorable
and easy to connect with emotionally, cannot
be overemphasized.
Design contest sites are a popular way to
get any type of design. Mostly because
they are fast, affordable and provide
dozens of options to choose from.
We’ve already compared the leading
design contest sites so all you have to do
is choose the one that’s right for you.
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NOT SURE WHERE
TO START?
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