"The logo is dead." If you're a designer, you may have heard this recently (or said it yourself in a jaded rant to uninterested friends or coworkers). It's a notion that's gaining traction. Those responsible for developing brand logos are starting to wonder if they matter as much as they used to.
And with good reason. Traditionally, logos have been static symbols or logotypes that were created by corporations as the embodiment of their brands. Think of Saul Bass' AT&T globe or Paul Rand's IBM logotype. Logos back then played an enormous role. You could argue they were the brand.
Visual identity is no longer logo-centric
But in today's world, logos are not brands. While they may still be a central element, they are part of a larger picture. Brands today are comprised of many unique identifying elements (colour, typography, graphic elements, photography, tone of voice, messaging, advertising, packaging, signage, retail design, sound design, jingles, mascots, catchphrases... the list goes on) coming together to tell a cohesive story and create a cohesive experience.
Maybe logos are no longer the entire brand, but they still play a critical role in the brand's visual identity. Even with all of the other elements, brands simply wouldn't exist without some kind of logo to tie everything together.
And now, brand logos can do more than ever before. As technology advances, brands are evolving in the digital space, and logos no longer have to be static and lifeless. Brands like MIT, Aol, Nordkyn, The City of Melbourne, the Brooklyn Museum, and the New Museum are starting to push the boundaries of what a logo can do and how they live within the experience. They can continuously change, flex, generate, and personalize.
Logos are part of the brand experience
So are logos really dead? Gone? Extinct? I'd say no — their role and function have just evolved. That's right, everyone, you can rejoice; the logo is very much alive!
That's right, everyone; the logo is very much alive!
And it turns out, people are really passionate about them.. With super-fun things like the Internet and social media, those passions and opinions (and hilarious memes) have become louder than ever before. And brands are listening.
In cases like the 2016 Hillary Clinton presidential campaign, Gap, and the University of California, we've not only learned how much passion people have for the logos in their life, but we've also learned how much influence they can have over their existence. Changing a logo on its own without really considering the holistic experience can lead to some serious consequences.
So the logo is alive and people typically hate it when you mess with them. Does that mean they can never change? Not at all. But in order to find success, there are some things that should be considered...
Next page: six top logo tips...
