redesign a logo assignment

15 Best Logo Redesign Examples That You Can Learn From

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Your logo isn’t just a visual element; it’s the beating heart of your brand identity. A thoughtfully designed logo does more than just look good; it serves as a powerful tool for brand recall and communicates essential messages to your audience. Consider the Nike swoosh – a simple yet powerful emblem that triggers instant brand recognition, or the iconic golden arches of McDonald’s that etch brand awareness into our collective consciousness.

However, not every company gets it right from the start and maintains its logo’s timeless appeal. Over time, logos can become outdated, losing their relevance in a constantly evolving market. That’s where logo redesign steps in.

But what exactly is a logo redesign? Why might your brand need one, and how should you approach this transformative process? Don’t worry. This blog is your guide to understanding logo redesign, determining when it’s needed, and mastering the art of logo redesign with 15 inspiring examples to reinforce your brand’s identity and recall.

What is a Logo Redesign?

A logo redesign is the process of giving your existing logo a fresh look while retaining its core identity. It involves making strategic changes to the logo’s design elements, such as colors, fonts, shapes, or overall style, to align it better with your brand’s evolving goals, values, or audience preferences.

A well-executed logo redesign maintains the logo’s recognizability and heritage while injecting new life into it. This helps your brand stay relevant, adapt to changing market trends, and effectively communicate its message. Logo redesigns can range from subtle tweaks to a complete overhaul, depending on the specific needs and objectives of your brand.

Logo Refresh Vs. Logo Redesign

Although these two terms are deeply involved in reworking a brand logo, here’s how they differ:

Logo Refresh

A logo refresh is a gentle makeover for your existing logo, aimed at modernizing and refining its appearance while preserving its core identity. The primary objective of a refresh is to retain the essential elements of the logo, such as its primary colors, key shapes, and overall concept, to ensure its recognition remains intact.

The changes made during a refresh typically focus on details like typography, color shades, or minor design elements. These subtle updates bring the logo up to date without fundamentally altering its look.

A logo refresh is an effective way to adapt your brand’s visual identity to current design trends and evolving audience preferences, akin to giving your logo a stylish haircut to keep it in vogue. Since the changes are subtle, customers often notice an updated look without feeling a significant shift in their brand’s identity.

Logo Redesign

On the other hand, a logo redesign involves a more significant transformation. It’s akin to giving your logo a complete wardrobe makeover and a fresh outlook on life. During a redesign, the logo undergoes substantial changes, which might include a complete reimagining of elements like colors, shapes, or the overall concept to better align with your brand’s new direction.

Logo redesigns are often necessary when your brand undergoes a major shift in values, target audience, or product offerings. They serve as a way to signal a significant change to the world and provide an opportunity to break free from any outdated associations the old logo might have carried.

While a redesign can be a bold move, it’s essential to ensure that the new logo still resonates with your audience and carries forward the essence of your brand. In essence, a logo redesign represents a fresh start for your brand’s visual identity.

Why is Logo Redesign Important?

Logo redesign is important for several key reasons, as it can have a profound impact on your brand’s image and success. Here’s why logo redesign matters:

1. Staying Relevant

Markets and consumer preferences evolve over time. A logo that once resonated with your audience may now feel outdated. Redesigning your logo allows your brand to adapt and remain relevant in a changing landscape.

2. Reflecting Brand Evolution

Businesses grow and evolve. If your brand’s values, products, or target audience have shifted, your logo should reflect these changes. A redesigned logo communicates your brand’s current identity and goals.

3. Competing Effectively

In a competitive market, a fresh and modern logo can help you stand out. It can capture the attention of potential customers and give your brand an edge over competitors with outdated or stagnant branding.

4. Enhancing First Impressions

Your logo is often the first point of contact between your brand and potential customers. A well-designed logo creates a positive first impression, conveying professionalism and credibility.

5. Building Trust

Consistency in branding fosters trust. If your logo design looks outdated or inconsistent across different platforms, it can erode trust in your brand. A redesign ensures a cohesive and trustworthy image.

6. Adapting to Digital Spaces

With the increasing presence of brands in digital spaces, logos need to be versatile and legible across various screen sizes and devices. A redesign can optimize your logo for digital use, ensuring it looks great on websites, social media, and mobile apps.

7. Targeting New Audiences

If your brand aims to reach a different demographic or expand into new markets, a logo redesign can help tailor your visual identity to resonate with the preferences and expectations of those audiences.

8. Correcting Flaws

Over time, you may identify flaws or limitations in your current logo, such as poor scalability, complex details, or outdated design elements. A redesign allows you to address these issues for better functionality.

9. Rebranding Initiatives

When undergoing a larger rebranding effort, a logo redesign is often a central component. It serves as a visual anchor for the new brand identity and communicates the changes to both internal and external stakeholders.

10. Maintaining Excitement

A logo redesign can generate excitement and buzz around your brand. It provides an opportunity to reintroduce your brand to your audience and rekindle interest.

Logo redesign is not merely a cosmetic change; it’s a strategic decision that can impact your brand’s perception, competitiveness, and ability to connect with your target audience. When executed thoughtfully and purposefully, logo redesign can be a powerful tool for brand growth and success.

When Should You Consider a Redesign?

Deciding when to consider a logo redesign is a crucial decision for any brand. Here are key scenarios and signals that suggest it might be time for a logo makeover:

1. Outdated Design: If your logo design feels stuck in a time warp, it’s a clear indication that a refresh is due. Styles change, and what was once trendy may now appear out of touch with contemporary design trends.

2. Evolving Brand Identity: As your brand’s identity, values, or products evolve, your logo should evolve with them. An outdated logo that doesn’t align with your current brand narrative can confuse customers.

3. Mergers and Acquisitions: In cases of mergers or acquisitions, a logo redesign often becomes necessary to reflect the new entity’s combined values and vision. It helps to convey unity and a fresh beginning.

4. Repositioning in the Market: If your brand is shifting its position in the market, whether from budget to luxury or from traditional to innovative, a logo redesign can signal this transformation to your audience.

5. Expanding Target Audience: When you aim to attract a different or wider audience, your logo should cater to their preferences and expectations. A logo that resonates with a new demographic is essential.

6. Competitive Edge: In a competitive market, staying ahead often requires a logo that stands out. A modern, unique design can capture attention and give your brand a competitive edge.

7. Legal Issues: If your current logo infringes on another brand’s trademark or copyright, a redesign is essential to avoid legal disputes.

8. Complex or Outdated Elements: Logos with intricate or outdated design elements can hinder versatility and scalability. Simplifying and modernizing the logo can make it more adaptable to various media and screen sizes.

9. Consistency Issues: Inconsistency in branding, such as variations in logo colors or design elements across different platforms, can dilute brand recognition. A redesign ensures brand consistency.

10. Poor Scalability: A logo should look good in various sizes, from large billboards to small social media icons. If your logo becomes distorted or illegible when scaled, it’s time for a redesign.

11. Feedback and Data: Pay attention to customer feedback, market research, and performance data. If these sources consistently suggest that your logo is a point of concern or confusion, it may be time for change.

12. Brand Reputation: If your logo has become associated with negative events or controversies, a fresh start with a new design can help rebuild your brand’s reputation.

In essence, the timing of a logo redesign depends on various factors, including your brand’s growth, changing market dynamics, and evolving audience expectations. It’s essential to approach the decision with a strategic mindset, ensuring that a redesign aligns with your brand’s long-term goals and values.

5 Crucial Questions To Ask Before Redesigning Your Company Logo Design

When contemplating a logo redesign for your company, it’s essential to ask some crucial questions to ensure the process is well-informed and aligns with your brand’s goals and vision. Here are five key questions to consider before embarking on a major logo redesign:

1. Why Redesign the Logo?

Begin by identifying the primary motivations behind the logo redesign. Is it to stay current with design trends, reflect a brand evolution, or adapt to a changing audience? Understanding the “why” sets the foundation for the entire redesign process.

2. What Are Your Brand Values and Identity?

Revisit your brand’s core values, mission, and identity. The logo should be a visual representation of these elements. Ask if the current logo effectively communicates your brand’s personality and resonates with your target audience.

3. What Do You Want to Achieve with the Redesign?

Clarify the specific goals of the redesign. Are you looking to increase brand recognition, improve scalability, or enhance your visual appeal? Clearly defining these objectives will guide the design process and help measure its success.

4. What Elements Should Be Retained or Changed?

Evaluate the existing logo’s elements. Decide which aspects should be retained to maintain brand recognition and which ones need modification. Elements to consider include colors, fonts, shapes, and overall style.

5. How Will the Redesign Impact Your Audience?

Consider your target audience’s expectations and preferences. Will the redesign enhance their connection to your brand? Seek feedback from your audience, if possible, to ensure that the new logo aligns with their perceptions and values.

By addressing these questions, you can approach your logo redesign with a clear vision and strategic intent. This process helps ensure that the redesigned logo is not just visually appealing but also a powerful asset in conveying your brand’s message and connecting with your audience.

Logo Redesign Process

The logo redesign process is a meticulous journey that involves creativity, strategy, and attention to detail. Here’s a simplified walkthrough of the steps involved:

1. Initial Assessment

Start by evaluating your existing logo. What works, and what doesn’t? Understand the reasons behind the redesign. Is it to modernize, adapt to change, or better reflect your brand identity?

2. Define Objectives

Clearly outline the goals of the redesign. Are you looking for improved brand recognition, better scalability, or alignment with a new brand narrative? Defining these objectives will guide the entire process.

3. Market Research

Research your industry, competitors, and current design trends. This insight helps you understand the design landscape and find opportunities to stand out.

4. Concept Development

Brainstorm and sketch various design concepts. These ideas should align with your brand’s identity and objectives. Explore different colors, fonts, and shapes.

5. Design Iterations

Transform your concepts into digital designs. Create several iterations to see how each concept evolves in a digital format. This stage involves refining and experimenting.

6. Feedback and Revisions

Seek feedback from key stakeholders, team members, and, if possible, your target audience. Collect their input and make necessary revisions to the designs.

7. Test for Versatility

Ensure your logo looks good and is legible across various applications, from billboards to mobile screens. Versatility is key in the digital age.

8. Final Design Selection

Based on feedback and revisions, choose the final logo design that best aligns with your brand’s goals and identity.

9. Color Selection

Select a color palette that complements the logo. Ensure that these colors resonate with your brand’s values and messaging.

10. Typography

Choose fonts that are legible and reflect your brand’s personality. Typography should harmonize with your logo and overall branding.

11. Brand Guidelines

Create brand guidelines that include logo usage rules, color codes, fonts, and spacing. These guidelines ensure consistency in branding across various platforms.

12. Launch and Promotion

Introduce your new logo to your audience with a compelling launch campaign. Explain the reasons behind the redesign and how it benefits your brand and customers.

13. Feedback and Adaptation

After the launch, continue to gather feedback and adapt to any unexpected challenges or issues. A successful logo redesign is an ongoing process.

The logo redesign process requires a balance of creativity and strategy to create a design that not only looks great but also effectively communicates your brand’s identity and objectives. It’s a journey that, when executed thoughtfully, can breathe new life into your brand and enhance its connection with your audience.

Here are 15 compelling and successful logo redesigns that offer valuable lessons for businesses considering a logo makeover:

Airbnb ‘s new logo, the “Bélo,” represents both a heart and the letter ‘A,’ symbolizing the brand’s mission to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere.

2. Mastercard

Mastercard simplified its iconic original logo with interlocking circles, maintaining brand recognition while achieving a more modern and versatile design.

Slack ‘s new logo transformed the hashtag symbol into a more cohesive, colorful, and dynamic design, reflecting the platform’s collaborative nature.

Google refined its logo, opting for a cleaner, sans-serif font of the company name. This change conveyed a modern and user-friendly image.

5. Instagram

Instagram ‘s redesign retained the camera icon but simplified its details. The result was a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing logo.

Pepsi ‘s logo evolved over time, becoming a more simplified, minimalist version that adapts well to digital applications.

Dropbox redesigned its logo, choosing a bolder, simplified version that’s more versatile and suitable for various screen sizes.

8. Starbucks

Starbucks modified its logo by removing the text around the iconic siren, creating a cleaner, more recognizable mark.

eBay refreshed its logo with a modern, streamlined design, aligning it with its tech-focused marketplace.

10. Microsoft

Microsoft ‘s logo redesign involved a cleaner, more minimalistic look, emphasizing its shift towards modern, user-friendly products.

11. Spotify

Spotify introduced a simplified, neater logo that fits better across various platforms and marketing materials compared to its previous logo design.

Apple ‘s logo has undergone various tweaks but consistently prioritizes simplicity and recognizability.

13. Burger King

Burger King ‘s redesign revived a vintage logo, which was more nostalgic and resonated with long-time customers.

CNN introduced a sleeker, more contemporary logo that conveys a sense of trust and professionalism.

15. Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. redesigned its iconic “WB” shield, retaining the legacy while embracing a more modern, streamlined look.

These examples showcase how a well-executed logo redesign can rejuvenate a brand’s image, enhance recognition, and adapt to contemporary design trends. The key takeaway is that while change is important, it should retain the essence of your brand and effectively communicate your identity to your audience.

5 Tips for Marketing Your New Logo

Marketing your new logo is a critical step in ensuring a successful transition and getting your audience to embrace the change. Here are five valuable tips to effectively market your new logo:

1. Tell a Compelling Brand Story

Start by explaining why you redesigned your logo. Share the story behind the change, whether it’s to reflect an evolving brand identity, reach a new audience, or adapt to modern design trends. This narrative adds depth and authenticity to the transition.

2. Showcase the Evolution

Highlight the differences between the old and new logos to help your audience understand the transformation. Visual comparisons can be powerful in illustrating positive changes.

3. Launch Campaign

Plan a launch campaign to introduce the new logo. Use multiple channels, including social media, email newsletters, press releases, and your website, to create anticipation and excitement. Teasers and countdowns can build anticipation.

4. Engage Your Audience

Involve your audience in the transition. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings about the new logo. Address concerns and questions, and consider running contests or giveaways to incentivize engagement.

5. Consistent Application

Ensure your new logo is consistently applied across all brand touchpoints, from your website to social media profiles, business cards, and marketing materials. Consistency reinforces recognition.

Remember, a successful logo transition is not just about aesthetics; it’s about effectively communicating your brand’s growth and evolution. By crafting a compelling story, actively engaging your audience, and ensuring consistent application, you can pave the way for a smooth and well-received logo change.

How Can All Time Design Help With Redesign Your Brand’s Logo

All Time Design is your trusted partner in revitalizing your brand’s logo. With a team of skilled designers and strategists, we combine creative flair with market insights to craft logos that captivate your audience. Our process starts by understanding your brand’s unique identity and objectives.

We meticulously plan the redesign, ensuring that it aligns with your growth and brand evolution. Our expertise lies in creating logos that are not only visually appealing but also effective in communicating your brand message. Whether it’s a subtle refresh or a complete overhaul, we’re dedicated to helping your logo reflect your brand’s contemporary vision and aspirations. Check here to explore our creative opportunities.

Get in touch  with us today to get your own design!

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How to Design a Logo [Step-by-Step Guide]

Updated: March 06, 2024

Published: March 25, 2015

A great logo is instantly recognizable, memorable, and closely connected to your brand’s core values and ideas. Just sit back and think about it, what logos are simply unforgettable? The first that comes to mind for me are iconic logos like Apple, Coca-Cola, and Nike. Logos like these are simple and elegant yet bold enough to leave a lasting impression.

When designing your logo, you can make a powerful impact on how your brand is perceived. Designing a timeless logo is challenging, I'm here to help. To get your logo right, you’ll need to have a firm grasp of your market, buyer personas, and your company’s ethos.

Ready to dive in?

Read on for logo design best practices, helpful tools, and a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect logo.

Table of Contents

What is a logo?

How to design a logo, types of logos, logo design best practices, logo design tools.

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A logo is a visual symbol or mark that represents a company or organization, often used to identify and distinguish a brand from competitors. It typically consists of unique colors, shapes, and typography that convey the company's identity and values.

Designing a logo that embodies your brand can help you grow better, but doing it right is just as important. Here’s how to design the perfect logo, step-by-step.

• Understand your brand.
• Brainstorm words that describe your brand.
• Sketch ideas based on these words.
• Test your top sketches with your buyer persona.
• Refine your chosen sketch.
• Develop your logo's layout on a free design platform.
• Pick versatile color options.
• Choose a font.
• Ensure scalability.

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1. Understand your brand.

The first step to designing your logo is understanding your brand. Before you think about opening Canva or starting a sketch, you must pinpoint your brand’s story and the specific values and emotions you want to synthesize in your logo.

This process involves the exploration of your target audience, your buyer personas, and, most importantly, how you want people to feel when they perceive your logo.

“It’s through mistakes that you actually can grow. You have to get bad in order to get good.” – Paula Scher

Graphic design icon Paula Scher hits the nail on the head with the above quote.

Distilling your brand story into a logo will be a challenge, and you should expect mistakes along the way. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore when conceiving a logo that matches your brand.

2. Brainstorm words that describe your brand.

Use tools like Thesaurus.com to discover synonyms and other words that describe your brand’s central theme. Aim to choose five to ten words that best describe your brand’s ethos and use them to guide your logo design.

For example, if you‘re in the clothing industry, you might simply type in “clothing.” You’d be surprised by how descriptive the synonyms are that appear.

ou can even click these results to start new searches and dig deeper as you zero in on the words that best capture your brand.

3. Create some sketches.

Now is the time to create some rough sketches. Allow your brand story and keywords to guide you and make some initial logo ideas.

Remember, these are your first drafts. The important thing is to get the ideas out of your head and onto the paper, so trust the process and just let the ideas flow. You’ll have the opportunity to refine your ideas later.

“The beauty of a first draft lies in its imperfections; it’s the starting point for refining ideas and finding the perfect balance.” – David Airey

Logo designer David Airey knows a thing or two about sketching . Embrace the imperfections of your first drafts and let your creativity flow!

As you’re sketching the concepts for your logo, keep these tips in mind:

• Keep the shape simple. You’re in good shape if you can sketch the most symbolic components in seven seconds or less .
• Avoid any popular clip-art artwork or generic symbols like a globe, star, or similar icons that people too quickly identify from other places.
• Be strategic about your use of color . Consider today’s color trends as well as popular colors in your industry. As a general rule, don’t choose more than three colors . Choose a color or group of colors that will make you stand out from your competition, but please, for the love of marketing, don’t use the whole rainbow!

4. Choose a sketch and refine it.

Now that you have some sketches, pick the one that speaks to you most and put on your thinking cap.

“Design is thinking made visual.” – Saul Bass

Make a deep effort to reflect on your brainstorming words and brand story and visualize your thoughts. Use your mental efforts to refine your logo sketch into a meaningful, deep, relatable design that ties back to your brand’s core values.

Easier said than done, but this is where the heavy lifting comes in.

5. Develop your logo’s layout on a free design platform.

If you’ve been working on paper until now, now is the time to bring your design to the computer and create a layout. Your logo layout is how individual elements of your logo are organized and positioned in relation to each other.

Here are some free tools you can use to scan your sketch and start creating a layout:

• Appy Pie’s Logo Maker
• DesignMantic
• GraphicSprings

Proper alignment of your logo is the key here. Your logo doesn’t need to be perfectly symmetrical, but it should appear visually balanced.

“Whitespace is like air: it is necessary for design to breathe.” – Wojciech Zieliński

The whitespace between different elements of your logo is the unsung hero of your design and the secret you must uncover in this step of the process.

Strive for a crisp, balanced logo where everything feels like it’s in the right place. If your design looks great in black and white, then you know you have a well-balanced logo.

6. Choose your colors.

The color palette you choose for your logo says a lot about your brand.

For example, blue communicates trustworthiness and maturity , while red shows passion and excitement. Consider your brand story and the keywords you brainstormed earlier when choosing your logo colors.

“When you choose a new color palette, 60% of the palette should be dedicated to one color (usually, it’s a neutral color), another (complementary) color makes up 30% of the palette, and a third color (accent) is used for the remaining 10% of the design.” - Nick Babich

Product designer Nick Babich drops some wisdom about the three-color rule in design. You don’t need to choose multiple colors for your logo, but if you decide to go the multicolor route, keep everything harmonious by following this design principle.

7. Choose a font.

Now it’s time to combine text with imagery.

Consider the typeface this text will carry if your company name ever stands without your logo. If you decide on a wordmark or lettermark logo as opposed to a symbol, your font choice is even more crucial.

Believe it or not, your font choice can say a lot about your business. You can choose a font that’s either serif (with stems on each letter) or sans serif (no stems) — also known as classic or modern, respectively.

Stay away from generic fonts that come standard on every word processor. Some examples of generic fonts are Times New Roman , Lucida Handwriting , and Comic Sans . These fonts will only work against you and your company by making you less memorable.

“Display type is a visual voice. Without reading, it imparts its message.” - Laura Worthington

Designer and typography guru Laura Worthington hits the nail on the head regarding the importance of font selection. Your font choice goes beyond just conveying information as text; it is a crucial aspect of your design.

8. Ensure scalability.

Logos are meant to represent your company on multiple platforms — in print, on your website , on each of your social media business pages, and across the internet as your business grows.

You want a logo that can be blown up super large for a billboard or scaled down for screening onto the side of a pen.

Every part of your logo should be legible, regardless of the logo’s size.

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9. Get feedback.

“There are three responses to a piece of design — yes, no, and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for.” – Milton Glaser

Once you feel your logo design is ready, consider sharing it with others and seeking constructive feedback.

Of course, you can seek input at any point in the process, but it is precious to get people’s reactions to your realized vision and reiterate from there.

Whew — still with us? We know this might seem a little overwhelming, but take it slow and don’t rush yourself.

It’s better to follow the process through to completion and end with a remarkable logo than to start over a few months later due to a design error or change of heart.

Once you’ve completed your logo, how can you tell if you scored a winner? Easy: Use our Logo Grader to assess the sustainability and effectiveness of your new logo.

Pictorial Marks (or Logo Symbols)

Wordmarks (or logotypes), monogram logos (or lettermarks).

• Abstract Logo Marks

Mascot Logos

Combination marks.

With millions of logos worldwide, you may be surprised that they all fit into one of seven main categories.

Each logo type has its characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses, so choose the variety that best aligns with your brand values and goals when designing your logo.

An emblem is a logo incorporating text within a symbol for a cohesive image, often conveying formality and tradition. It is strong and impactful, yet challenging to separate for integration and may not reproduce well in small sizes.

Pictorial marks, also known as logo symbols, are logo types that rely on a single image to represent a brand. These logos can be iconic and memorable and are effective at conveying a brand without text, yet may pose challenges in establishing brand recognition and connecting to the brand's purpose without words.

Wordmarks are text-based logos that use typography to turn the brand name into a logo, ideal for companies with unique names. They offer simplicity and integration ease, but may struggle to stand out or suit longer, less distinctive names.

Monogram logos, also called lettermarks, use initials to create a concise logo suitable for companies with longer names. They are easy to remember and scale, but may require displaying the full brand name initially for recognition and could be confused with other brands if the initials are similar.

Abstract Logomarks

Abstract logos, such as the Pepsi logo, are unique representations of brands using geometric forms and colors instead of real-life images. They are inherently unique and capable of communicating complex ideas through simple shapes and colors but may be open to misinterpretation due to their abstract nature and unclear meaning for unestablished brands.

Mascot logos feature illustrated characters to personify a brand with a fun and friendly image, ideal for brands seeking a light-hearted and family-friendly appeal. They offer an inviting and controllable brand storytelling approach but may not suit serious or corporate brands, and their complex design can pose challenges for reproduction at smaller sizes.

A combination mark integrates text with an icon, offering versatility by combining a brand name with a memorable symbol. This type of logo provides clarity in brand messaging but may become overly busy if not carefully designed and could face challenges in scaling down for smaller applications.

1. Keep it simple.

Simplicity is key in logo design. Aim for a clean, uncluttered design that communicates your brand identity as straightforwardly as possible. The goal is for viewers to recognize and understand your logo instantly.

Take Nike’s logo, for example. Its simplicity makes it iconic. There’s a reason they haven’t updated it since 1995.

2. Prioritize versatility.

Your logo should be versatile enough to work across various backgrounds and colors. Test your logo against multiple backgrounds and mediums to ensure legibility and clarity in all possible scenarios.

That means you should have alternate color palettes and logo orientations to suit any situation.

3. Design for your audience.

Your logo design should be consistent with how you perceive your brand and how your customers already perceive it.

You must consider your target audience’s buyer persona by researching their demographics and interests. Only then can you serve their expectations and needs in your design.

4. Be original.

Standing out from the pack is essential. Today, almost every market is saturated with competition and options. The design of your logo is as vital to carving out your niche as creating a unique value proposition.

Avoid generic logo designs and cliché symbols that are easily spotted elsewhere. For example, globe-based logos are a dime a dozen:

5. Be timeless.

Your logo should be iconic and timeless. Easy enough, right? Epochal logos like Coca-Cola’s are as rare as they are significant, but that doesn’t mean you can’t aim for a timeless logo as well.

A timeless logo means that it will never go out of style.

One way to ensure that is to steer clear of today’s hottest design trends (which will go out of style sooner or later). Instead, opt for a simple, classic design that would be comfortable representing your brand for years to come.

1. HubSpot Logo Maker

Get started with HubSpot's Logo Maker

Our logo maker can assist you in designing and customizing the ideal logo for your brand, offering a wide range of professionally designed templates that eliminate the need to start from scratch. By simply providing your industry, company name, and slogan, the tool will offer personalized recommendations tailored to your needs.

Canva is an all-in-one, web-based graphic design tool that you can use to design anything you can think of, including logos. Anybody can use Canva’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface and extensive library of templates and design assets.

In my opinion, Canva is one of the most accessible logo generators, as I have been using the platform for years, making professional graphics without a formal degree or training in design. And my favorite aspect is that you can use pre-existing colorways to create a more visually appealing and aesthetic logo.

Best for: Beginner designers and small business owners who desire a hands-on approach to logo creation.

Pricing: Free plans are available. Canva Pro costs $14.99 monthly. Canva for Teams costs $9.99 monthly for up to three users.

3. Adobe Illustrator

Illustrator is the industry-leading, vector-based graphics software from Adobe, the maker of other popular tools like Photoshop, Lightroom, and InDesign.

Illustrator is a staple for many professional design groups and can be used to create professional logos and limitless other designs.

Illustrator is vector-based, meaning graphics are made of points, lines, shapes, and curves based on mathematical formulas rather than a set amount of pixels.

Accordingly, an Illustrator logo can be scaled up or down while maintaining image quality.

Best for: Experienced design professionals and agencies that require powerful features and ultimate customization and control.

Pricing: Plans start at $22.99 monthly.

4. Hatchful

Hatchful is a fast and easy-to-use logo-maker tool from Shopify. The tool will ask you questions about your company’s industry, preferred visual style, brand name, and where you expect to use the logo (print, digital, etc.).

Using the provided information, Hatchful will automatically generate a slew of logo options, which you can select and further customize.

Best for: Entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to create a high-quality logo with minimal design effort quickly.

Pricing: Free.

5. Squarespace Logo Creator

Squarespace’s logo creator tool lets you quickly generate a clean-looking logo for your business. The logos that this tool empowers you to create are consistent with the modern and minimal aesthetic that Squarespace is known for.

Input your business name, and Squarespace allows you to serve it up in a beautiful font alongside an icon of your choice. The tool has thousands of vectorized icons and a curated selection of high-quality fonts.

Best for: Entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to quickly create a clean, minimal logo.

Anyone can design a logo using Looka’s AI-powered logo creation engine. Input your brand name and industry, select your favorite colors, and pick some example logos that speak to you.

Based on your input data, Looka will generate an AI-curated selection of logos. Choose one and customize it to your heart’s content.

Best for: Entrepreneurs and small business owners without design experience who won’t compromise on the quality of their logo.

Pricing: A basic logo package costs $20 for a one-time purchase. A premium logo package is a $65 one-time purchase

7. CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is a fully loaded, desktop-based vector design program that runs on Windows and macOS.

CorelDRAW is an alternative to Adobe Illustrator that offers nearly all the same functionality and allows you to transform sketches and ideas into fully-fledged logos.

Since you can purchase CorelDRAW outright instead of as a subscription, it can be a more budget-friendly choice than Adobe.

Best for: Professionals and experienced designers who require a complete design toolkit.

Pricing: Plans cost $22.42 monthly or $549 for a one-time purchase.

8. Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is another fully-featured desktop alternative to Adobe Illustrator that runs on macOS, Windows, and iPad.

It is considerably more budget-friendly than alternatives. It features a slick, dark UI, fast performance, and all the features a professional designer needs to create logos and other design assets.

Best for: Professional designers and agencies looking for a fully featured, budget-friendly alternative to Adobe.

Pricing: Affinity Designer is a $69.99 one-time payment.

Designing a Logo for Your Brand

Now that you know about the types of logos, the process for creating one, best practices, and some tools you can use, get started crafting the perfect logo for your brand.

Create a logo that captures your audience’s attention, communicates your brand values, and makes you stand out from the crowd.

Editor's note: This article was originally published in October 2023 and has since been updated for comprehensiveness.

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Logo redesign: How to update your most important symbol.

While it would be wonderful to launch your company with a logo that perfectly represents your brand in perpetuity, it’s not likely that you’ll get these results the first time around. Even the best brands and graphic designers recognize that, over time, a company’s original logo can become outdated due to internal influences, external influences, or both and in need of a logo redesign. If you’re questioning whether it’s time to give your logo a logo refresh or a full-blown overhaul and want to know how to do either one easily and for free, keep reading.

Why consider a logo redesign?

Image: 1000 Logos

There are tons of reasons to consider a new logo design, and not necessarily because your old one is tired. Here are some common motivations businesses have for refreshing their logo:

You’re changing your brand name.

Brands evolve and change all the time, sometimes to the point that there’s no trace of their original logo or brand identity in their current iteration. Case in point: If you weren’t a loyal customer of Pete’s Super Submarines when it launched in the mid-1960s, you probably don’t know that it became Subway a few years later and rolled out a new brand logo to match. Or that it’s had four subtle logo refreshes since then. But of course, it makes sense that if your company gets a new name, you’ll need to update your logo.

You’re repositioning or rebranding your company.

Repositioning your brand is intentionally rebranding your business in order to change the way it’s perceived in the marketplace.

A company rebrand can be the result of a company merger, change in offerings or brand values, evolution of brand identity, an effort to rebound from sinking profits, weak branding, growing competition, or the need to attract a new target audience or meet the changing needs of consumers.

Regardless of the reason, an important part of remedial marketing strategies is rethinking your visual identity, especially in regards to your logo.

Lots of companies have done this successfully, including CVS Health (previously CVS Pharmacy) and Dunkin’ (Dunkin’ Donuts until recently) .

Even ever-successful Google has conducted a rebranding; its logo update in 2015 was in response to an evolution of its brand identity . Side by side, the old logo and new logo are obviously different. Yet they’re close enough to allow us to easily make the transition without having to retrain our brains to recognize the brand.

Your competition is gaining market share.

In a hot marketplace, your brand needs to appear current and on-point. What captured attention a few years ago may not be as effective if you’ve got a lot of new players vying for market share. Another threat to your brand stability is if your competitors have a wider or more in-demand set of offerings than you do. In such cases, you need more than a logo redesign; you also need to evaluate your value proposition and determine whether you need to expand it to meet consumer needs and stay competitive.

We can look at Dunkin’ as an example. With Krispy Kreme gaining traction as the doughnut darling, Dunkin’ Donuts took its age-old doughnut shop brand and turned it into a hip lifestyle brand that’s better equipped to contend with more than just doughnut shops but also fast-breakfast chains like Starbucks and Peet’s. Now it’s promoting fancy coffees, breakfast sandwiches, bottled beverages, and entertaining social media and branding. Losing the “Donuts” from their brand name allowed them to expand their offerings.

If you’ve been around a while and competitors are entering your space and getting attention, it may be time to raise your brand above the noise with a marketing strategy that includes a logo update.

Your design is tired.

If you’re fortunate enough to be in business for a long time, it’s likely you will come to a point when your logo needs a brand refresh simply because it looks out of date. And that’s totally okay. In the same way that the best music of your school years will ultimately become the next generation of greatest hits on an “oldies” station, graphic design trends that once looked contemporary can ultimately become nods to the past.

But this doesn’t mean you need to throw out your existing logo and start over. It’s not uncommon for brands to do a logo refresh through subtle adjustments to one or more of their design elements.

Sometimes something as simple as a change in typography, a color scheme update, or even a modification of graphics can make your company’s logo appear more contemporary and fresh to your target market.

In such cases, where the brand is established and has a strong visual identity, the best logo redesigns are intentional and subtle enough that the new logo is still instantly recognizable.

Market changes are occurring.

Consumer perception, trends, government, supply and demand, contemporary tastes and needs, social climates, a fluctuating customer base—all of these elements and more can impact the market and the perception of your brand.

Just think about the recent global pandemic. Many businesses had to pivot quickly to acclimate to the conditions and stay afloat, often changing the core of their business model to do so. Dunkin’ was also obviously influenced by market changes when they decided to expand their brand and evolve their image.

In cases when market changes are occurring, it’s time to review your logo and change it if it no longer reflects your brand.

Strategic companies flex with the market changes both in their business and their branding so they can continue to attract their target market—or find new ones.

Things to consider during your logo redesign.

Whether you use Adobe software , Adobe Express’s logo maker , or hire a graphic design studio to redesign your logo, it's important to approach any redesign with intention.

Successful logos are designed with business goals and the psychology of shapes and colors (how they affect us emotionally) in mind. As you begin conceptualizing your new logo, try these short exercises to help you refine your logo goals:

• Outline the reasons you want to update your logo.
• Determine what works about your current logo and what you would like to keep.
• Note what doesn’t work for you in your current logo so you can remove or edit it.
• Identify what you want your new logomark to convey that your existing logo does not.
• Decide whether your logo resonates with your existing target market and your intended target market.
• Explore more about the psychology of shapes in relation to logo design .
• Explore a free custom color palette generator to see what complementary colors work with your existing logo colors.

The results of this exercise should help you and your design team understand what you want to achieve with your new logo, what you want to change, and what should always remain core to your logo design, if anything. Use this information to guide you as you move into the redesign process and work your way to a successful logo redesign, being sure to take customer feedback into account as well. If your customers express a universal dislike for your current design or a new design, take them seriously.

How to easily redesign a logo.

Now, the fun part. It used to be that you had to hire a graphic designer to create a logo for you. But now that there are free online logo maker tools , you can easily do it yourself.

Adobe Express allows you to make a new design and customize existing templates based on your business, or give your current logo a new look by uploading it and then customizing surrounding elements, such as typeface, color, and graphics.

Quickly and easily make stunning, customized logos from thousands of beautiful templates with Adobe Express. To get started, tap on any of the free logo templates below to see how it works.

Once you go through this exercise for the first time, it will be easier to consider future iterations down the road. But more immediately, once you’ve updated your logo, you can move on to updating other brand assets, such as your business cards , social media banners , company letterhead , and more—all for free with easy-to-use online tools.

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Article: The Essential Guide for a Seamless Logo Redesign Process

The Essential Guide for a Seamless Logo Redesign Process

Created by: Ahmed Rumon  |  https://dribbble.com/shots/19253273-Metaverse-Infinity-logo-Virtual-Reality-Logo-Web3-Logo

In the dynamic world of branding, a logo often stands as a company's visual cornerstone. This emblematic representation not only conveys the essence of a brand but also connects emotionally with audiences. However, as markets shift, consumer behaviors evolve, and brand visions realign, there emerges a palpable need for a logo redesign. A strategic and well-executed logo redesign can breathe new life into a brand, ensuring its relevancy in contemporary times while preserving its core values.

On the contrary, failing to adapt can render even iconic logos obsolete or misaligned with the brand's current direction. This essential guide dives deep into the intricacies of the logo redesign process, shedding light on why it's crucial, the steps involved, and best practices to ensure a seamless transition. Whether you're a brand manager considering a change or a designer looking to understand the nuances of modernizing logos, this exploration will provide valuable insights into the transformative power of logo redesign in today's fast-paced business landscape.

Recognizing the Need for a Logo Redesign

In the ever-evolving realm of branding and design, recognizing when it's time for a logo redesign can be as vital as the redesign itself. The logo, being the visual ambassador of a brand, often shoulders the responsibility of communicating a company's values, ethos, and evolution to its target audience. However, how do you discern the telltale signs indicating the necessity of such a transformation?

Firstly, consider the evolution of your brand values and messaging. As businesses grow and industries change, a company's mission, vision, and values can undergo significant shifts. If your current logo no longer encapsulates or aligns with these transformations, it may be signaling a need for a redesign. For instance, a brand that began with eco-friendly products might have expanded its horizons to broader sustainability initiatives. If the existing logo does not encapsulate this broader vision, a logo redesign can help in repositioning the brand in the marketplace.

Next, assess the relevance of your logo in today's design landscape. Design trends, much like fashion, change with time. What seemed avant-garde a decade ago might now appear outdated or clichéd. A logo redesign can offer a fresh perspective, ensuring that the brand doesn't get lost in the vast sea of competitors but instead stands out as modern and relevant. This doesn't mean chasing every fleeting trend; it's about striking a balance between timelessness and contemporaneity.

Additionally, a logo redesign can be a strategic move to address any negative brand perceptions that may have accrued over time. Past controversies, shifts in leadership, or changes in business directions can lead to a need to rejuvenate the brand's image. In such scenarios, a redesigned logo can symbolize a fresh start, a renewal of commitment, or a positive change in direction.

Lastly, consider the adaptability of your logo. With the surge of digital platforms and diverse mediums—from mobile apps to billboards—a versatile logo is indispensable. If your current design doesn't scale well, lacks clarity in various resolutions, or seems out of place in newer platforms, it's a clear indicator of the need for a more adaptable logo redesign.

Recognizing the need for a logo redesign is a multifaceted process. It requires a keen understanding of one's brand evolution, an eye on the ever-shifting design landscape, and a finger on the pulse of audience perceptions. When these elements align, the path becomes clear: it's time to embark on the transformative journey of a logo redesign.

Created by: Josh Warren  |  https://dribbble.com/shots/17433899-Array-Labs

Key principles of an effective logo redesign.

Embarking on the journey of a logo redesign is not just about updating visuals; it's about strategic evolution, ensuring your brand remains impactful and relevant in an ever-changing marketplace. While the reasons to undertake a logo redesign might vary, adhering to certain core principles can guide the process to yield results that resonate with audiences and solidify brand positioning. Here are the key principles to ensure an effective logo redesign:

Balancing Legacy with Modernity

One of the most challenging aspects of a logo redesign is maintaining a connection to the brand's history while updating its appearance for the present era. It's essential to identify and preserve elements that are emblematic of your brand's legacy. This provides a sense of familiarity to loyal customers, ensuring the new design doesn't alienate them but rather welcomes them into the brand's next chapter.

Simplicity and Clarity in Design

In the digital age, where logos will appear on varied platforms and sizes, simplicity is key. A complex logo can lose its essence when scaled down on devices or social media icons. Prioritize clarity and recognizability. The goal of a logo redesign should be to distill the brand's essence into its purest, most memorable form.

Ensuring Adaptability across Platforms and Mediums: Logos today need to be versatile. They should be equally effective on a business card as they are on a billboard or a website's favicon. When undertaking a logo redesign, it's crucial to consider how the logo will look in black and white, in different sizes, and across various platforms. This ensures consistent brand representation, regardless of where your audience encounters it.

Resonating with the Target Audience

While it's essential to have a logo that's aesthetically pleasing, it's equally important that it resonates with the intended audience. A logo redesign should factor in audience demographics, preferences, and behaviors. It must speak to them, reflecting not just the brand's identity but also its audience's aspirations and values.

Incorporating Feedback and Iterative Design

A logo redesign shouldn't be a one-off effort. Instead, it should be an iterative process that incorporates feedback from stakeholders, including employees, loyal customers, and even the general public. This approach ensures a design that's both fresh and in alignment with brand objectives.

An effective logo redesign is both an art and a science. It requires a delicate balance of honoring the past, embracing the present, and anticipating the future. By adhering to these key principles, brands can ensure a redesign that not only looks great but also amplifies their presence in a competitive landscape.

This section emphasizes the foundational principles that guide the logo redesign process, ensuring that the new logo effectively communicates the brand's essence while meeting modern design requirements.

Created by: Dmitry Zmiy  |  https://dribbble.com/shots/16640219-Sperta

Steps to undertake a seamless logo redesign process.

Embarking on the transformative journey of a logo redesign requires a methodical approach. A successful redesign is not merely about creating a visually appealing logo but about crafting an emblem that encapsulates a brand's ethos, vision, and evolution. By following a structured process, brands can navigate the challenges of logo redesign and arrive at an outcome that truly resonates. Here's a step-by-step guide to a seamless logo redesign process:

Research and Analysis

Begin with a deep dive into your brand's current strengths and weaknesses. Understand the reasons driving the need for a logo redesign. Examine your brand's historical evolution, its current marketplace position, and future aspirations. Concurrently, analyze your competitors. A comprehensive competitive landscape analysis can offer invaluable insights into market trends, helping in differentiating your brand effectively.

Engaging Stakeholders and Gathering Feedback

Before sketching out designs, it's imperative to engage with key stakeholders. This includes company leaders, employees, and even loyal customers. Their perspectives can offer a goldmine of insights into what the logo should communicate. Utilize tools like surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one interviews to gather this invaluable feedback.

Drafting, Prototyping, and Refining

With a clear understanding of the brand's objectives and stakeholder feedback, start the design phase. Draft initial concepts, create prototypes, and iterate based on feedback. Remember, a logo redesign is an evolving process. Don't be afraid to refine and modify based on insights and new realizations.

Testing the New Design

Before finalizing the logo, it's essential to test it. This can be done through A/B testing on digital platforms or by seeking feedback on various design options from a select group of your target audience. Analyze how the redesigned logo performs in real-world scenarios, from digital screens to print materials.

Final Rollout and Brand Integration

Once satisfied with the logo redesign, prepare for its integration across all brand touchpoints. This includes updating company stationery, digital platforms, marketing materials, and even physical spaces like offices or retail outlets. Consider launching a marketing campaign to introduce the new logo to your audience, explaining the rationale behind the change and reinforcing the brand's renewed vision.

A logo redesign is a meticulous journey of introspection, creativity, and strategy. By following these structured steps, brands can ensure a smooth transition, ushering in a new era of brand identity while retaining the trust and recognition they've cultivated over the years.

Created by: Wesley Marc Bancroft  |  https://dribbble.com/shots/19142595-Jia-Brand

Pitfalls to avoid in a logo redesign.

Navigating the intricate path of a logo redesign is riddled with both opportunities and challenges. While the right approach can elevate a brand's perception and market presence, certain missteps can derail the process, leading to less than desirable outcomes. As brands consider the transformative journey of a logo redesign, it's essential to be cognizant of potential pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to sidestep:

Overcomplicating the Design

Simplicity is often the hallmark of memorable logos. In the quest to convey multiple brand facets, some designers might add excessive elements, colors, or typography variations. An overcomplicated logo can confuse audiences and diminish brand recall. During the logo redesign process, aim for clarity and immediate recognizability.

Drifting Too Far from Brand Roots

While modernization is a driving factor for many redesigns, completely abandoning core brand elements can alienate loyal customers. The challenge is to strike a balance – to evolve without losing the essence that audiences have come to know and trust.

Neglecting Audience and Stakeholder Feedback

A logo redesign should be a collaborative endeavor. Excluding key stakeholders or neglecting audience feedback can lead to designs that miss the mark. Engaging with diverse perspectives throughout the redesign process ensures a logo that resonates widely.

Chasing Design Trends Blindly

While staying updated with design trends is vital, it's equally important not to be overly influenced by them. Trends are transient, and a logo redesign based solely on current fads might soon appear outdated. Focus on creating a timeless design that aligns with your brand's core values.

Inadequate Testing

Launching a new logo without adequate testing can lead to unforeseen challenges. Whether it's legibility issues at smaller sizes or color inconsistencies across different mediums, testing is crucial to iron out such kinks. Always ensure your logo redesign is rigorously tested across platforms before a full-scale rollout.

Underestimating the Rollout Process

A new logo isn't just about changing an emblem on the company website. It requires a holistic integration across all brand touchpoints. Underestimating the time, resources, or communication needed for this rollout can lead to inconsistencies and confusion.

Not Communicating the Change

A sudden logo change without proper communication can puzzle or even upset loyal customers. Brands should consider a strategic communication plan, detailing the rationale behind the redesign and celebrating the new identity.

While a logo redesign offers an opportunity for brands to rejuvenate and reposition themselves, it's a delicate process. By being aware of potential pitfalls and proactively addressing them, brands can navigate the challenges and unveil a logo that truly encapsulates their evolving identity.

Created by: Elif Kameşoğlu  |  https://dribbble.com/shots/16295229-Roctop-Logo-Design

Successful logo redesign case studies.

In the dynamic world of branding, numerous companies have taken the bold step of reimagining their logos to better reflect their evolving brand stories. These changes, driven by various factors, have sometimes met with skepticism initially, only to be embraced and lauded in the long run. Here are a few successful logo redesign case studies that highlight the power of strategic brand evolution:

Perhaps one of the most iconic logo evolutions, Apple moved from its initial rainbow-striped apple emblem to a minimalist monochrome design. This logo redesign wasn't merely a shift in aesthetics but represented Apple's commitment to sleek, modern design and innovation. The simplified apple silhouette has since become synonymous with cutting-edge technology and elegance.

Starbucks underwent a significant logo redesign when it opted to drop the “Starbucks Coffee” text surrounding its famous mermaid figure. This move reflected the brand's global recognition – it no longer needed to spell out its name to be identified. Simplifying its logo, Starbucks showcased the power of brand ubiquity and the freedom it offers in design choices.

The shift from a bubbly, typographic logo to the universally recognized 'Bélo' symbol, representing belonging, marked Airbnb's transformation. While initially met with mixed reactions, the symbol is now a testament to the company's ethos of inclusivity, trust, and sharing. This logo redesign encapsulated Airbnb's transition from a mere lodging service to a global community.

Over the decades, Pepsi has undergone numerous logo redesigns. Its most recent shift, though subtle, tilted the white wave in its iconic globe, giving it a more dynamic, contemporary feel. This redesign showcases how even slight changes, rooted in strategy and design principles, can rejuvenate a brand's image.

MasterCard's logo redesign was a lesson in simplification. The brand retained its iconic interlocking circles but opted for a cleaner, type-free design. By dropping the stripes over the circles and moving its name below them, MasterCard achieved a more digital-friendly and versatile logo, apt for the modern age of transactions.

Each of these brands approached their logo redesign with unique objectives and challenges. Yet, a common thread among them was an adherence to their core brand values while embracing change. These successful transformations not only bolstered brand identities but also strengthened their connections with global audiences.

In the evolving landscape of branding, a logo redesign is more than just an aesthetic overhaul; it's a reflection of a brand's journey, adapting to changing times and audience preferences. As we've explored, this process, when approached strategically, can significantly enhance brand perception and market presence. However, success lies in understanding the brand's core essence, actively engaging stakeholders, and remaining cognizant of potential pitfalls. In essence, a logo redesign is a potent tool in a brand's arsenal, paving the way for renewed connections and fresh narratives in the marketplace.

Let Us Know What You Think!

These fantastic logo design articles are written and curated by Kreafolk 's team. We hope you enjoy our information and remember to leave us a comment below. Cheers!

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