LOGO DESIGN BLOG   LOGO DESIGN REVIEW

Out with the NEW and in with the OLD; that’s the trend right now with some of the top U.S. brands, according to an article on Reuters.com. In an attempt to tap into consumer nostalgia, many companies, including Kellogg’s Inc, Playboy, Anheuser-Busch and Disney are resurrecting old mascots, logo designs, packaging and slogans.

By reaching back to their roots, these large companies are striking a chord by bringing back the tradition and nostagia that made the brands popular in the first place.

After a ten year hiatus, for example, the Jolly Green Giant has returned, and so has Burger King’s 30-year old slogan: Have it your way.

Anheuser-Busch has come out with a line of retro cans for their Budweiser line of beer, and Disney has partnered with high-end retailer Fred Segal to sell retro Mickey shirts and other clothing.

The desicion to go retro may also help long-time loyal consumers feel a stronger connection to their favorite brands, and it will probably generate more sales, which is always the motivating force.

(Source: http://yahoo.reuters.com/financeQuoteCompanyNewsArticle.jhtml?duid=mtfh99051_2005-12-15_23-42-46_n15263635_newsml)

Just as corporations face the challenge of updating their logo from time to time to keep up-to-date and in touch with consumers, governments around the globe are facing the same challenge. Many municipalities are finding they need to add branding to their list of civic duties. Increasingly, national, state and local governments are adopting or updating logos to give an added sense of unity, direction and purpose to a city or country.

Bahrain, a small island off the coast of Saudi Arabia and the current home of pop star Michael Jackson, is currently passing through such a debate. Bahrain’s updated national logo will have to be approved by the Prime Minister, Parliament, and His Majesty King Hamad prior to implementation. The country has opted to stay with a traditional crest design, probably to maintain formality and symbolism in the design.

Apparently, crests are the preferred logo format among governments in the UK as well. In Driffield, England, a town Northeast of Liverpool, citizens are outraged by the possibility of losing their historic crest logo for a sans crest logo design. The change was proposed to attract more tourists and appeal to a younger demographic, but public outrage at the thought of altering tradition has put the proposal on hold until the next fiscal year.

The necessary increase in taxes to cover costs of the $1,000 logo has also caused concern among citizens. The current logo (below) does seem a bit antiquated if proud.

This is the classic struggle between tradition & heritage, and adaptation & progress. Time will tell whether “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” or “Survival of the fittest” reigns in Driffield.

(Sources: Bahrain logo: http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=129732&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=28268;
Driffield: http://www.driffieldtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=736&ArticleID=1283162;
Driffield Logo: http://www.driffield.co.uk/index.htm)

The only thing better than a funny logo is a funny logo that dances.

Flash logos show moving logos. They can introduce a website, convey an emotion or put an interesting spin on a logo. Some websites use a Flash as an introduction to a website. Other Flash logos are in constant motion, repeating a theme of sorts. Specifically, a Flash logo is an attention-getter that portrays an emotion in a way regular logos cannot.

The flare in a Flash might spark an interest with potential customers, but make sure you aren’t overdoing it. Just as color adds excitement to a website, a Flash logo gives life to a product or service. Too many colors are confusing and too much Flash actually detracts viewers. Your Flash logo should be appropriate and attractive, so choose with caution.

Keep your Flash logo short and simple if possible. A long Flash logo can be annoying, and can actually detract viewers. For lengthy Flash movies it may be a good idea to have a stop button allowing users to stop it if they want. This is really important if your Flash file is playing music. A Flash logo should never be overbearing or tacky.

You want your viewers to have positive memories of your Flash logo. If you aren’t sure if a Flash logo is appropriate, consider the message you are trying to send. What are you offering and does your Flash logo reflect it? Also, your animated logo should be complimentary to your message, so do not rely on your Flash to carry your entire message. The purpose of a website is to inform viewers about your company or service. Does your Flash logo aid in informing? Even a funny Flash logo can be a positive tool. With a Flash logo, you have the unique opportunity to animate a message. Take advantage of this by bringing to life the best possible aspect of your service.