Good logo design is a craft that does not require years of experience and tons of knowledge. A good hold of the design tools along with a spark of creativity would do just well. Hence, if you are of the belief that amateurs cannot come up with a great logo, you are so wrong!
For decades companies have been striving to make their logo designs unique in nature. The world has seen McDonald’s, Starbucks, KFC, and Adidas been recognized as a result of their logos. No other brand could dare flaunt a logo close to theirs. Why is that so? Because the brand management teams of these outstanding brands do not prefer losing their uniqueness to any new entrant in the market. For them, their logos are the ultimate source of their exclusivity, which they wish not to destroy.
Considering that these superior brands are spending a fortune on their logos, one might deem over the significance a unique logo holds in the success of a brand. However; there are still several brands in the market that have been showcasing logos containing elements that are pretty clichéd. These elements vary appropriately help strip the uniqueness of the brand while making the brand appear as old or an imitation of its competitors. Let’s have a look at the 5 most common logo design trends that are clichéd and hence, should be avoided.
SEE ALSO: Latest Logo Design Trends
Logos Containing an Arc
An arc is a very common element used in logos that are meant to reflect the idea of prosperity, success, and progress. Though it appropriately highlights the idea of soaring high, an arc is extremely clichéd when it comes to logo designing. You will find tons of logos, on the internet, containing an arc. Hence, if you are planning to differentiate yourself using this element, trust me you’re going nowhere.
The idea of the arc being clichéd does not suggest that it is strictly prohibited for use. An arc can be used in a different context or probably in a different manner for the sake of making the logo appear unique. Also, a company can use a different symbol to represent growth, which could match well with the essence of the brand.
Typography Using Helvetica
No wonder Helvetica is a font avoided by several companies in their logos. It was a famous font once, however; has been quite over-used by now. Hence, using Helvetica in your logo may make it appear attractive but not distinct.
We do not deny the fact that Helvetica is a clean and versatile typeface. However; considering it for a business is not a choice you’d wish to make because of the fact that the font has worn-out now due to being used by numerous players. Still, if you believe that Helvetica is the only font that can fulfill the demands of your brand, go for it while adding a distinct visual to support the logo’s inimitability.
Typography Using Papyrus
It is not just Helvetica that a designer should refrain from using. Papyrus too has made it to the list of fonts one should avoid. The reason behind is the same as for Helvetica. In fact, the unoriginality of Papyrus is, as a matter of fact, twice as that of Helvetica, making its avoidance inevitable.
Using Colored Dots
Colored dots in logo designs are as outdated as cassette players. If you see it being used in a recent logo, you know it has to be the work of a lazy designer trying to get rid of the design task. Though these colored dots serve well in highlighting diversity, nevertheless; this has been an old symbol that by no means reflects uniqueness. Being a pretty generic idea, the colored dots do not create the pull that a brand requires. Hence, next time you come across a logo containing colored dots, either it has to be old or it is meant to be ignored!
Using Chat Bubbles
Chat bubbles are quite common in logos of social media sites. They stress encouraging communication and dialogue. Though it’s a good symbol for social media since it emphasizes a core feature of it, however; it’s as passé as all other elements mentioned above. It is a good option to use a different symbol for the depiction of the same idea as that of a chat bubble while being unique and attractive.
Using Overlapping Double Letters
These kinds of logos were considered unique decades ago, however; now aren’t as praised and appreciated as in the past. There is nothing left in these logos to attract customers, making it an undesirable feature in logo designing. Overlapping an ‘L’ on an’L’ or a ‘T’ on a ‘T’ is the most common design idea one could come up with. And as it is said ‘what’s obvious, can never be unique’ therefore; double letter overlaps can never help a brand gain the edge it requires.
Complex or Simple?
Uniqueness does not come with the logo being complicated. Yes, intricate logos are difficult to copy, however; this intricacy sure doesn’t mean that the design would remain exclusive. A simple design can also be distinctive in nature if it contains the elements that the customers believe are matchless.
It is only by avoiding the above-mentioned elements that a brand can make its logo stand out while enhancing its recognition and recall.