Arek Dvornechcuck
Branding Expert
I'm a branding expert and graphic designer based in NY. I specialize in the development of brands: brand strategy, identity & web design. Need help with your project?—Get in touch
I'm a branding expert and graphic designer based in NY. I specialize in the development of brands: brand strategy, identity & web design. Need help with your project?—Get in touch
2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for logo design.
I’ve analyzed a number of the logo/brand identity work from some of the top branding agencies out there.
Based on what I can see in the industry, as a graphic designer, I came up with my list of logo design trends for 2023.
Take a look at my list of the five most notable trends, together with some examples of famous logos.
PS. You can also consume this content in video form on my YouTube channel.
Vintage Minimal is a logo design trend that combines elements of vintage design with a minimalist aesthetic.
This trend is characterized by its use of muted colors, retro vibes, and a no-nonsense, geometric design.
It often features simple, flat shapes that are easy to recognize and remember.
One of the key features of Vintage Minimal is its use of less saturated colors, which give the design a sense of nostalgia and timelessness.
These colors are often inspired by vintage or retro designs, such as earth tones or pastels.
The color palette is usually limited to a few colors, which helps to create a cohesive and simple design.
Simple geometric shapes, such as circles, squares, and triangles, are used to create a clean and uncluttered design.
The design is often flat, without any gradients or shadows, which helps to keep the focus on the core elements of the logo.
Vintage Minimal is a versatile trend that can be applied to a wide range of industries and brands.
It works well for companies that want to convey a sense of nostalgia or timelessness, such as restaurants, cafes, and clothing brands.
Examples of this trend can be seen in the recent rebranding of Burger King and Baskin Robbins.
Retro Futurism is a logo design trend that combines elements of retro design with futurism (just as the name suggests).
It is characterized by its depiction of the future from the perspective of the past, resulting in a mix of surrealistic aesthetics and old-fashioned design.
This trend often incorporates cosmic elements, such as stars, into the design, along with faded bright colors and often cyber-inspired typography.
This trend is great for evoking a sense of nostalgia and it works currently well on social media for example, or for seasonal campaigns.
Examples of Retro Futurism in logo design can be seen in the rebranding of CNET and Paddle.
“Candy Colors” is a trend in logo design that features a bright and bold color palette.
These colors are often reminiscent of candy or sweets, such as bright pinks, purples, blues, and greens.
This trend is often used to create a playful and fun aesthetic and is popular in industries such as food and beverage, children's products, and entertainment.
However, any company can use this trend as long as it fits the strategy, here’s an example of an internet provider company from Malaysia, Time.
The use of candy colors in logo design has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more companies are looking to stand out and make a bold statement with their branding.
This trend is often paired with clean, simple typography to create a modern and minimalist look.
Overall, the use of candy-like colors in your brand identity can help your company stand out and create a playful and fun brand image.
Examples of “Candy Colors” in logo and identity design include the rebranding of Girl Scouts and Time.
The "Flared Serifs" trend in logo design refers to the use of serif fonts with exaggerated or flared serifs.
A great example of that trend would be the recent rebrand of Canada Dry done by Wedge.
Or basically any other experimental serif type with some whimsical, playful style like the example above.
Serif fonts are typefaces that have small lines or flourishes at the end of each stroke, while flared serifs are serifs that have been extended or widened.
This trend is characterized by the use of bold, striking serifs that draw attention and add a sense of elegance and sophistication to the logo.
Flared serifs are often used in traditional or classic designs, and can be seen in logos for luxury brands, high-end fashion, and upscale restaurants and hotels.
The use of flared serifs in logo design can add a sense of timelessness and elegance, and can help a company establish itself as a reputable and high-end brand.
Overall, it’s a great trend/style for conveying a sense of sophistication and luxury in your branding.
Examples of Flared Serifs in logo design can be seen in the rebranding of Canada Dry and Hazel.
The "Motion Logo" trend in logo design refers to the use of animation or movement in a logo design.
Video credit: Gretel NY.
BTW—Most of my portfolio work includes examples of animated logos.
This can mean putting in motion the elements of your logo—such as rotating, flipping, or sliding to create a dynamic and engaging experience.
Animating static logos has become a trend as companies are looking for ways to create better digital content and more memorable experience.
Video credit: Wolf Ollins.
Putting your logo (or its elements) in motion can be a great way of capturing people’s attention and intriguing the viewers.
Examples include the rebranding of PayPal and Instacart.
When you look at these examples of current trends in logo design, you might be asking yourself:
Which trend should I use in my next logo design project?
Don’t try to force these trends onto your next project, use them only when it makes sense for the company (when it’s aligned with the brief).
Remember that your logo should be timeless, so do not follow these trends blindly.
They should be used only when they make sense for the project at hand.
Your ultimate goal as a logo designer is to create something that effectively communicates the desired message and aligns with the client's brief.
Also check out my other article, where I walk you through my logo design process, step-by-step.
It's also worth checking out other trends that I might have missed in my analysis.
Also, check out the list of graphic design trends for 2023 by CreativeBoom.
I hope that my list of logo trends will inspire you in your next logo design project.
Looking to hire a branding expert?—Schedule your free consultation.
