The logo is simply a symbol or a design. It helps to identify or differentiate between many things. If we talk about the modern concept of a logo. Then it is the face of your brand and your company's identity. Whenever a person recalls a brand, the first thing that will come to their mind is the logo of that brand. 

However, let us talk about some old-fashioned thoughts. Even before this modern era of websites and graphic designing. People always use some kind of symbol or emblem to mark their property or belongings.  Like everything else, the evolution of logos took place throughout the years. It is a fact that the evolution of logos affects their designs and trends. On the contrary, the main concept of logos remained the same. To identify.

History Behind The Concept of Logo

The logo is not something new. The concept of a logo is something from ancient times. Even when people were illiterate, they used seals and symbols to mark their animals and belongings.

How did Logo Design Start?

The concept of logo designing starts all the way back to the Egyptian people. Egyptian people were not only good with symbols. But they are quite prolific artists as well. It all started with coins when they used to put symbols on them.

Craftsmen at that time used to create pottery and sculptures. They put their own symbol on it to show ownership. Even goldsmiths and blacksmiths put their emblems on their belongings for publicity.

Egyptians also introduce a writing system. However, it consisted of symbols as words.  They used images and symbols to showcase their ideas. Even if you look at their language now, it only contains symbols.

Egyptian writing system gave the design its proper grid system. They followed ratio and proportion in symbols and maintained the golden ratio. We can say that they are the ones who gave us the basics of design. Each of their symbols contains a different idea. It's just pure art!

Helping The Illiterate

Symbols are something that does not require literacy to understand. Even a layman with zero knowledge can understand a symbol or, we can say, a logo. This simple fact is the most important one behind the success of the concept of the logo.

Taking a leap forward to medieval Europe, the legacy of the logo remained the same, to identify. However, the symbols and designs may vary due to the evolution of design. In the medieval ages, a set of symbols was used to represent certain families.

Symbols are also used to differentiate between friendly and enemy at war. Because as we mentioned that any layman could identify the symbol or a mark. There is no doubt that these elements helped people identify their favourites.

With time, this trend became more and more common. People started to hang signs about the products they were selling. They placed images of their goods on poles at the roadside. This was the time when the logo became something more than just identification. It became a means of publicity, branding, and awareness.

Before 2005

The printed media was introduced in the 1400s. Well, how cool is that fact! But you must be thinking that how it is related to logo designing. When print media was invented in the 1400s and became a source of mass communication in the 1800s. Then it brought a revolution to the design industry.

Did the Industrial Revolution Play a Role in The Evolution of Logos?

The answer is yes! In the early 19th Century, the newspaper was the major source of information and communication. The most important thing in a newspaper for a businessman is advertisements.

The industrial revolution gave middle-class owners of shops a chance to publish their ads. Even the old cobbler can now show his presence by publishing ads. When the trend of advertisements was growing. Then, of course, it also included logo designs. Shop or business owners used symbols to own their ads.

In the 19th century, the concept of business evolved. People became more aware of branding and brand identity. They knew that its important to do something to capture the target audience. As startups were established, logo designs evolved.

What Begins The Modern Era of Logo Design?

In the late 19th and early 20th century, owners realized that the logo was more than just a symbol. They understood the fact that a logo is something that represents your company in the first place. Moreover, it leaves an impression behind in consumers’ minds. That is what the logo is.

A renowned digital agency, The Online Corp, has highlighted a transformative moment in the history of logo design. They said that If one have to pick a single logo that brought the revolution to logo designing. Then it should be; it must be; it had to be the logo of Coca-Cola by Frank Mason Robinson in 1885. Even then, he designed the logo from a branding perspective. He made sure that whenever a thirsty person walked by, they must buy a Coca-Cola. Such a smart move to make coca cola what it is today.

The logo of the Olympics was introduced in the early 19th century. It also played a major role in logo design. It reminded people of the basics of logos. That logo is not only a tool for branding. But, it is also a cultural mark with a lot of emotions with it.

Trends Between 2005 to 2010

In the early 2000s, Adobe introduced its graphic designing software. This software enables people to create sophisticated logo designs with proper proportions. With this introduction of software, the thoughtful and creative era of logo designing begins.

With the rise of Web 2.0 in the early 2000s, there was a little shift. While this phrase essentially alludes to a change in how websites were produced and the technologies they employed, it also evolved into a visual movement. The Web 2.0 logo quickly became recognisable, with its rounded letters, vivid colours, and multiple gradients (usually with a clearly delineated line through the middle of the wordmark).

Trends Worth Discussing

Trend. A word that shocks every designer in the world. Trends are something that can change even after a day. Or it can last over a decade. So, it's quite impossible to keep track of all the trends. Here we will discuss some major trends that help evolve the logo design. And will discuss them in contrast.

1. CMYK

Cyan, magenta, yellow and black were the colour systems designers used then. In the early 2000s, Web 2.0 was less popular. Logos were designed for print media like banners, newspapers, pamphlets, and many others. So when we talk about print media, the CMYK colour system is always used.

As time passed by, printers even became cheaper than ink itself. Moreover, web 2.0 has become more popular than ever before. Designers started using RGB colours so they could use their top logos even on the screen.

2. Blur

Some people also name this trend the ghost trend. The concept behind this trend was to make people look twice and catch their attention. Frankly speaking, they were just messing around with your focus. Designers also use this trend to give their logos a sense of motion and animation.

The trend did not last long enough, and it is totally gone now. Because now, there is no need to give a fake sense of motion when you can actually animate the logo itself with the help of the latest tools.

3. Eco-Friendly

This trend started becoming popular in 2007. We know that everybody wants a sustainable and green environment. Every company follows that guideline. On the contrary, using this theme in a logo is a very smart move.

This trend is still a very effective one. This is a very tactical branding. Look, everybody loves to take part in a better environment. While buying their product, people feel comfortable due to the on-point branding. Another trend of 2007 is Flora, and it also has the same purpose.

4. Wallpaper

This trend became popular in 2009. At that time, designers became tired of using the same monochromatic themes. And following those conventional principles. They start putting a bunch of colours in their logos. And, of course, the thought was right who lives in a one-colour theme anymore?

But it is a fact that seeing that fancy thing again and again was just so irritating for people. Due to that fact, this trend took longer to vanish.

5. Pixels

Pixels are simply the building blocks of our laptop or mobile screen. These logos consist of blocks or boxes that are joined together to form a shape or a design. It also gives a geometric feel to the logo. And a sense of digital art.

The trend is less popular now. But we can not say that it has completely vanished. This logo can be extremely effective if these small tools can be used effectively enough.

Logo Design Evolution Between 2011 to 2020

The 2010s mark the start of the minimalistic era of logos. It is a fact that some people adopted this trend early and others acted late. The concept behind the minimalistic approach is to avoid any kind of distraction. And design a neat and clean, simple but effective logo. In this decade, designers started thinking out of the box. And implementing a great thought process before starting to design.

Some of their thoughts become trends. Some of these trends are still effective, and others have just vanished away.

1. 3D Logos

When web 2.0 was newly introduced, all the designers were trying to apply as many 3D elements as they can in logo design. As time passed by, people became more familiar with digital technologies, it became unnecessary to recreate a 3D space in a 2D world. Flat 2D designs look neat and clean in digital space.

Besides the fact that trends have changed, 3D logos have not completely vanished. At present times, some companies are there which are comfortable using 3D logo designs.

2. Cousin Series

Cousin series or you can say a variant of a logo, are the same things. This is a very effective and useful trend. This trend enables companies to use the same logo with different colour schemes. This really helps to put your logo on various backgrounds.

This can also increase the longevity of your logo. If you want to use your logo on a website, then you can change the colour scheme of your logo according to the web page. This cousin series can also help you with packaging.

3. Concentric

These are patterns of lines that blend together and form an engaging design. The loop formation of lines gives it a rhythmic look. If you are a viewer, then there is no chance that you are not engaged by it. It also gives your logo a modern look.

This trend is going nowhere soon. It is being renewed due to the love it is getting. However, when it comes to printing advertisements, this logo will give you a hard time.

4. Highlights

Highlighting something to catch others’ attention is a very old concept. While designers introduced this trend in 2019. They highlight their logo in such a way that it is camouflaged by design. It is a very clever move to capture viewers’ attention.

This trend needed to be kept up longer. Because highlighting something in the logo will be going to disturb its design.

These are some key trends of the 2010s decade. The beginning of the minimalistic era changed the perspective of design in people’s minds. Less is more. Simple is better. These lines make a great impact on logo design. It especially played an important role in logo evolution.

Another thing that this decade has taught us is to keep up your logos with time. Those days are gone when a logo can remain unchanged for 15-20 years. It does not mean that you change your logos completely. But make required subtle changes from time to time to follow the trends.

5. What Are The Current Trends in Logo Design?

While living in 2022, branding nowadays is all about logo design. People are aware of all the things. Furthermore, they judge your products by seeing the logo. A good logo that follows the latest trends proves the credibility of your business.

The trends we are about to discuss will make you feel how far we have from those ancient time symbols. But not far enough because the logo's main purpose remains the same: to identify. That is what the evolution of a logo is all about.

6. Typography

We mentioned the minimalistic approach above, right? It has gotten so far that nowadays, you can just write your company name or abbreviation in suitable fonts. And guess what? You have got your logo. The font, in this case, is very important. The font you will choose for your logo will be the first impression of your company. So, make a wise decision.

This trend has been popular since the start of 2021. This trend does not require a thought process. But believe me, syncing design with typefaces is also not a piece of cake. This trend is going to be around for a while.

7. Animation

This trend is one of the most followed ones in recent times. Nowadays, every business owner wants their logo to be in motion. Due to Youtube and Facebook ads, Animation in logos has become important. It looks catchy and pleasing to the eyes.

The word animation relates to storytelling. It makes your brand look more credible and authentic. Moreover, it will give you an edge over logos with static designs. This trend will only be effective if your animation is good. Otherwise, if it will be irritating and distracting then people will remember you. But in a very bad way.

8. Black & White

You must listen to the saying that trends repeat themselves time and time again. Black & white is the most subtle, simple, and minimalistic combination for the best logo of all time. B&W is that evergreen combination that can never become out of fashion. All the trends came and went, but B&W has its own charm.

We know that this trend is not going anywhere. Furthermore, we will see it in the 2024 logos. The aesthetics of this trend is irreplaceable.

9. Hand Drawn Sketches

This is the most creative trend. Just like your signature, you have all the freedom in the world to design the logo the way you want it to be. It gives your logo a raw and organic feel. Moreover, it helps in the authenticity and credibility of your business.

People interacting with your hand-drawn logo gives them a personal sense of attachment. They attract your product. And this is what the main function of a logo is.

These trends are the most popular ones in 2022. There are many other trends too, but they are not as effective or followed. Trends can change, or maybe they won’t. Well, we can not exactly tell the future. But we are pretty sure that we can predict it.

Do You Want To Know About The Future?

If you compare the trends of the 20th century with 2022, then you can clearly observe the contrast. But, living in 2022 and seeing thousands of designs daily on social media. One can predict what trends are going to stand out in 2024. Here are some trends that will enter the logo design industry next year.

1. Glitch Effect

We have already seen this trend on and off. But experts suggest that in 2024 this trend will take its place again. The glitch effect makes your logo look fresh and up-to-date. The glitch effect is typically great to attract youngsters.

TikTok, a famous entertainment application, is also following this trend. And recently gained a lot of popularity. You can apply the glitch effect on letters, words, and even on symbols. Just make sure that your logo looks different from a cluster.

2. Geometric Patterns

Geometric patterns make your logo look so much more sophisticated, neat, and clean. Expert designers play with different angles, geometric shapes, and ratios to design the best logo. Geometric patterns help you to use the negative space wisely. A proper geometric logo with a suitable colour scheme looks exquisite.

This trend is going to rule in 2024. And it will continue ruling till 2025 as people become aware of geometric shapes.

3. Lettermark Icons

These types of logos focus more on brand names. You can take the initials of the business and sync them with design or symbols. In this way, you can design a proper icon for business. This trend has huge potential.

As a result, experts believe that keeping everything in mind; people will use letter marks and graphics in their logos in the following year.

You can successfully attract the attention of a broader audience by employing a combination of letter marks and icons as your brand logo. Furthermore, by focusing on your beliefs and values, you will position your business as a promising and trustworthy company.

To Wrap Up

In this blog, we have discussed ancient Egypt to the modern digital era. Maybe you still have that question in mind in all of this, did logo designing evolved? The answer is simply yes! Logo designing has come a long way, with all the changing trends, and different uses at different times. But one common agenda is to differentiate and identify. The contrast in the comparison of logos throughout these years is just out of this world. A thing, a symbol that is used for cultural goods, is now the major source of branding.

Trends do change. You never know that about 50 years later. We again repeat those trends of the 19th century. That's the beauty of design; it never gets old. That is the fascinating thing about art. People who understand the evolution of logos gave the logo its importance. They know that it is not just a mark.

It is more than just a symbol. It is more than just identification. IT IS A LEGACY.

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Company Name: The Online Corp
Contact Person: Ashley Walter
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Country: United States
Website: https://theonlinecorp.com/