7 Logo Design Trends that will be Hot in 2018
2017 has been a great year for design and has pleased us with bold, creative, fun trends. With 2018 on the move, we're taking a look at which logo design trends will rise to the top in the new year. Whether you want to ride the waves of popularity and build a social media friendly brand, or be punk and move in the opposite direction, this information will help inform your logo design choices in the year of the dog. Let's face it, the design world is always changing. So should you.
1. Logos Based on a Context
Up until recently, quality logo design was defined by guidelines which existed in a mere hypothetical space. Unfortunately, this way of thinking never acknowledged the dynamic world in which logos are actually applied. In 2018, attention is being given to how posters, business cards, signs, advertisements and packaging can inform the design of a logo. In a nutshell, the quality of a logo is actually relative to the logo's surroundings. Seems obvious? It is!
Logo designed to work well for a company which exists as an online store, via A Friend of Mine.
Simple "J" logo with a heavy weight to work well on ephemera, via Savvy.
2. Embodying Architecture and Space
While we're on the subject of surroundings, you should also take note of architectural inspiration in logo design as the year unfolds. Physical space has always been important in branding – despite every Apple store existing in a different building and space, they all "feel" the same. Recently, logo designers are finding ways to bring that "feel" into the logo. That's right, logos are not only capable of capturing the look of a physical place, but embodying the feelings and concepts behind it as well.
Logo based on architectural elements of hotel, via Fabio Ongarato.
Logo based on monolithic contemporary arts center in Melbourne, via Fabio Ongarato.
3. Setting the Mood with Fun Logos
Don't act surprised if you see a bunch of fun, wacky, silly and goofy designs pop up this year. While fun has always existed in logo design, the concept of fun has recently been unleashed into the design world to keep a smile on everyone's faces through hard economic times. Fun is hard to resist. Whether it's bright colours or cute characters, fun will keep the good vibes rollin' in 2018.
Bright colors make this logo fun, via Föda.
Fun sparkles, via A Friend of Mine.
4. Deeper Exploration of Metaphorical Logos
The creative exploration in logo design reaches further each year. Based on recent designs, we can say that this year the sights for advancement are firmly set on metaphorical design. Designers are seeking out all the ways in which a thoughtful or clever metaphor can give more depth to a logo than visuals can alone. There's no better time than now to get in touch with your metaphorical side.
Visual metaphor based on the telegraph machine, expressing the exchange of information, via Mast.
Metaphorical logo capturing the idea of surprises as well as concepts from Japanese culture, via Föda.
5. Snapping to The Grid
Since Josef Müller-Brockmann developed the fundamental theories on grid-based graphic design in 1981, grids have provided a backbone for countless works. Like any trend In logo design, grids have a tendency to rise and fall in popularity. With that said, due to their fundamental nature, they will never go away. This year expect to see a return to the basics and a healthy dose of grid-based logo design.
via Föda.
via Bēhance.
6. Influx of Handmade Design
2017 saw a huge withdrawal from a digital-consumed design landscape. During the come-down, the friendly and inviting warmth of hand-drawn design welcomed us once again. Hand drawn design is an important tool for businesses aiming to avert the cold corporate edge, and let's face it – in 2018 that includes most businesses. If you want to get on a client's friendly side this year, try offering them a hand-drawn design concept.
via InHouse.
via A Friend Of Mine.
7. Typography with 3D Modeling
A wonderful addition to all the trends listed above is 3D modelling in typography. Given that this technique was never possible prior to the advancement of computer software, it's an entirely new frontier for graphic design. How exciting! As software proficiency increases among logo designers, we will naturally see an increase in this style of design. If you're looking to stay on trend this year, don't hesitate to dive into some modelling software.
via Bēhance
via Bēhance
Now that you know which design approaches might rule the world of logo design in 2018, make sure to step back from these trends and see how they can inspire you and help your brand keep a modern look. Keep in mind that your logo has to be lasting and distinct. If you're in need of a logo, 99designs can help you create one that's timeless and relevant for your business.
