Comments on: The lack of common sense in following logo design trends

By: Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Mokokoma Mokhonoana — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:09:46 +0000

Phanuel, Like I said, I share the same points of view as Andrew. Luckily, I've just published this writing which I think explains the correlation between graphic design and branding. I also tried to articulate how graphic design that isn't backed by a branding strategy is futile in todays' overcrowded markets.

By: Phanuel

Phanuel — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:10:44 +0000

I disagree with Andrew graphic design doesn’t need brands. Design is as important as a building of a company.

By: Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Mokokoma Mokhonoana — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:53:32 +0000

Andrew Sabatier,

I share the same sentiments, graphic design is just one portion of the numerous disciplines that exist to help articulate a brand.

By: Andrew Sabatier

Andrew Sabatier — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:32:25 +0000

Mokokoma Mokhonoana,

Without branding graphic design is useless. Every aspect of design should be concerned with what meaning is being directed. Making things look good will only get designers so far.

Brands are a way to direct meaning effectively. It doesn’t matter whether you’re designing a flyer, an annual report or advertising campaign, in each instance an identity is being defined. A brand is the total experience of a particular identity.

Ultimately everything is subject to branding, not just graphic design. Graphic design can only assist in articulating a brand.

By: Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Mokokoma Mokhonoana — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:11:56 +0000

Andrew Sabatier,

I think the root of the problem is that very few graphic designers, newbies and experienced alike, have a thorough knowledge and understanding of branding.

It is one topic that’s not touched at all, even in its basic form, in most graphic design institutions.

The sad part being that graphic design in a way exists to serve branding.

Graphic designers have been obsessed with the technicality and the beauty of their artworks that they forget the brand idea, brand image or brand message to be sold or communicated.

By: Andrew Sabatier

Andrew Sabatier — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:17:54 +0000

Trying to identify logo trends is a waste of time. A brandmark reflects the ideas that drive the brand.

There may be trends in brands that are then reflected in the brandmark but these trends are unlikely to be identified by studying brandmarks alone. The whole brand needs to be engaged and the idea properly identified to appreciate why a brandmark looks as it does.

A logo is superficial and decorative, like lipstick on a pig whereas a brandmark leads an entire brand experience, inside and out.

By: Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Mokokoma Mokhonoana — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:20:48 +0000

Simon,

Let me first start by tackling “the perfect logo” — Oxford Dictionary defines perfect as; having all required or desirable elements, qualities or characteristics or anything that is free from flaw.

So depending on the context, perfection can exist in a logo design.

While I agree with you that simplicity is key to a good logo design, I think a simple logo that is not memorable is unlikely to realize its full potential.

Since logos mainly exist to identify and evoke associations to a brand, I think a logo has to be memorable.

Thank you very much for sharing your views.

By: Simon

Simon — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:26:11 +0000

The perfect logo, which can not exist because nothing can be perfect, would have all the positive elements such as being memorable, unique and convey the “feeling” of the company it belongs to. Designers are tasked with finding this balance, and to not go over the top or stay to simple is the key to a good logo.