If you are looking for logo that uses the best of modern logo design concepts, the first step is to know exactly what ‘modern’ is this year. From eighties retro to layers, the logo trends of 2009 are as diverse as can be. Here are the ten top trends in logo design this year along with why they are so perfect for our time.

1. Waves

Flexibility is a popular trait right now. With the economy in a global upheaval, we all want to do business with a company that goes with the flow. A wave shape portrays that a company is fluid, flexible, and on the move. The feeling of fluidity is further enhanced by the color change, which fades between several sunset-like colors. One drawback to waves is that they are one of the more difficult logo design concepts to work with. However, a graphic design professional will be able to make the process smooth sailing.

2. Layered Transparent Shapes

If you look at the Chicago 2016 Olympics logo, you will notice that the rectangular shapes in the background appear to be layered. This gives the impression that the entity the logo represents is both complex and open. The way the color fades at the top makes it appear that the logo is radiating out and growing. Layered shapes that are partially transparent have been one of the hottest logo design concepts for several years and likely will be in the future. This trend is still a long way from tired.

3. Leaves

The green movement is huge, and it is showing itself to be just as huge when it comes to graphic design concepts. Everywhere you look there is a logo with leaves, and not just in industries that deal with gardens or the environment. Leaves are fresh, organic, and natural—and wouldn’t we all rather be outside, anyway? If you want to give your company that same natural appeal, why not infuse your logo with a little green charm by adding a leafy edge. There are a variety of ways to add leave to your logo.

4. 80’s Retro

The bright blocky charm of the eighties is back, and the London 2012 logo only confirms it. There are a few elements that make a logo fit in this category. First, the colors must be day-glow bright, and the more bright colors, the better. Shapes must be abstract, but just barely legible. These logos are a little shocking, but that is part of what makes them so effective and memorable. The danger with this and other flash logo design concepts is to appear overly done or even tacky. However, a logo design professional will be able to give you that retro edge without going over the top.

5. Mosaic

This logo is the perfect example of mosaic logo design concepts that are rapidly gaining in popularity. A mosaic gives the image of several small pieces making a cohesive and attractive whole, which is a positive message for prospective customers. Color choice is very important with mosaic logos. In our example, the company is a garden specialist, which is shown through the rich, earthy colors. This is a good example of a logo trend being made fresh and unique.

6. Circles

Do you think there are too many circular logos as it is? The Mindshare logo is a good example of the way circles are being used in fresh, new ways. As you can see, the two circles fit together in a way that suggests they are sharing, as the company name suggests. Circles suggest both a complete whole and inclusiveness, which are both messages that can attract customers looking for a company that understands their needs. However, circles don’t have to be limited to boring orbs; there is an almost endless list of logo design concepts waiting to be used and explored, as this logo shows perfectly.

7. 3-D Shapes

Using shapes in logos is a long tradition, but 2009 has brought a new twist. New computer software can create a variety of 3-D shapes in a professional and realistic manner. Logos using these elements are at an advantage because it allows you to use the symbolism of shapes—in this case, the strong, masculine square is shown prominently—without falling into old, clichéd patterns. 3D logo design also can be more interesting and attractive in black and white than a normal shape would be.

8. Hidden images

As the millions of children who read ‘Where’s Waldo’ books can attest, finding a hidden image is fun. Hiding an image can be just as fun, especially when it is appropriate to your company. When used in logo design concepts, hidden images add a touch of fun and a sophisticated flair while allowing you to highlight several aspects of your company culture. In this case, the logo design concepts include the woman doing yoga along with the shape of Australia in her bent leg.

9. Wordplay

This is perhaps the most difficult type of logo to design, but it is well worth the effort. A logo that effectively manipulates text to get a story across is clever and memorable. People will remember it and even tell others about it. It is even better when the words can portray something about the company, as in our example. In this case, a company called Upside Down Productions has a logo that features several upside down letters. The logo is well-designed enough that all of the letters are still legible and clear enough to appear professional. An experienced logo design artist can create a similar logo for your company as well.

10. Origami

Anyone who thinks there are no new logo ideas need only look at this one for inspiration. Origami, the Japanese art of folding paper, has become one of the hottest logo design concepts. Origami is known for its precision and perfection, so it makes a fitting logo for a company that pursues excellence.

If the logo is the face of a company, these logo design concepts are the celebrities of the logo world. Although these are all extremely trendy logos, don’t be afraid to use them. These logos may be en vogue, but they are far from overused. An experienced logo design artist can make these trendy elements both new and classic for your company.

For many companies the idea of a logo will mean a graphic or icon next to the name. A classic layout that works for many companies in various industries. There are times however, when the text alone is ideal for brand identity. As a designer the text based logo can be much more energy and time consuming then even the most illustrated icon. Because essentially the look and feel of the entire company has to be reflected in just the name. There are a variety of styles and representations of how a text based design works. They can include a graphic that has been substitute for a specific letter to the whole name it self taking on the form of an image.

Often, all that is needed to created a distinctive text based logo is a simple alteration to a pre existing font. From these examples it’s easy to see how the style and adjustments can create two very distinctive directions. The client “NOOR” came to us looking for an elegant text based  design that showcased a very regal and upscale look. A very thin serif font was utilized as the foundation to build the logo on. The sweeping lines that stretch upward from the base of the “O”’s were first added to reflect the unique characteristics of the “N”. Afterward simple leaves were added to give the text a floral look. The end result is a very simple design that reflects a very luxurious style.

The second design for Field Associates was taken in a completely different direction. The client need a much more modern looking design. The text needed to reflect a technologically advanced company at the leading edge of their industry. Using a bold yet curved font the letters were extended into each other to create the illusion of a fluid line. The “I” and “E” were kept separate to avoid getting confused with a “T” or “L”. It is very important when designing to makes sure the legibility of the text is still clear. Although giving your market the credit to fill in some of the blanks is a good idea, they should also be able to read you company name.

The most distinctive and unique element in this minimalist design would where the “L” and “D” are joined. The way the letters seem to loop around and down lead the eye to the bottom line of “ASSOCIATES” completing the name. Even though the overall design is very simple, the logo is successful in creating a mood or look that reflects the modern, tech-savvy style.

Creating a text based logo can also mean utilizing the shape of the name itself to create an image. This is especially true when it comes to athletic sports teams mascots. When it came to the design of the Angels logo, the client needed an image that would convey the angelic theme but it had to also reflect the aggressive, competitiveness of a sports team. By using a strong font as the base, small angel wings were incorporated into the letter “A” and “S”. As an afterthought a simple halo graphic was placed above the text giving the design a completed look. By carefully choosing where the distinctive elements go, the emphasis on name can be increased to give the maximum amount of clarity and impact.

Under different circumstances the text for the logo can be used to create the context for the companies image. For Cyco Xtreme a very fluid look was utilized to create the visual representation of speed and energy. The use of flames act almost as an extension of the “X” which helps draw the eye back down to the text keeping the focus on the name. Using very simple gradients really give the overall design that extra bit of excitement and “pop”. To give that extra bit of dimension a smaller gradient from white to blue was added to just the tip of the “X” to convey the illusion the fire reflecting off the text. It is easy to see that from the name combined with the style and direction of the design that company is likely not an insurance company or real estate logos agency. This is completely due to the style of the text design.

Another way to approach the idea of text based logo is through the incorporation of graphics to either replace a letter or help showcase a specific section of the text. For our client Victory International University, a unique and representative graphic was placed dead center and replaced the letter “T”. The concept of victory in relation to the design had very spiritual and religious meaning to the client. The combination of a sword with golden wings seemed like an ideal visual image that perfectly fit the shape of the letter. When we are designing an icon to fit the letter, how close to the shape of the letter is graphic can be is really up to spelling of the word. For example is quite common for text based logos with numbers in the name to be spelled out using a combination of the number and letters. Ie. 4OUR, 8EIGHT, 7EVEN etc..

The other route that is commonly used is when a graphic is located behind or integrated in such a way as to highlight certain letters. The client, 53 Desires runs a high end photography company as well as other businesses that all carry the number 53 in the name. As such, it seemed only natural that the distinctive use of the 53 should become the focal point of the name. The romantic nature of the name was also emphasized with the use of a 3D logo graphic which was ultimately used as a backdrop for the 53. Rather then use a font that fir perfectly in the icon a flowing scripted text was chosen to create a more organic integration with the icon. The overall design is a very relaxing, yet professional design that has both a high visual impact as well as significant meaning to the client.

When creating a logo for a client that needs to express very high class theme, it most often the more minimalist designs that really capture the prestige and luxury of the company. For our client Sonja Dee, this feeling of elegance and class was created with the addition of just one extra line. The extension of the “A” is really just a single line that flows off into an elegantly scripted graphic. Because of the classic and prestigious feeling the line creates for the viewer, what was a very simple text based design suddenly feeling very rich and classy. To further enhance this emotional response the design utilizes a white on silver color scheme which adds a unique and elegant distinction of designs that sit on plain white backgrounds.

The extension of the letter can also flow into a graphic which utilizes a bit of every type of f ont based design. For the design of the Patriotic Mind logo a combination of several text based design style were utilized. The overall design is very simple and regal utilizing a very high end and professional layout. The initial “P” shapes and forms with the background graphic which helps define the logo creating a context. The initial is also extended into a very free flowing scripted letter helping to complete the thought and add balance to the graphic. The patriotic theme is very common and used in just about every industry, for this design the orginial concept of American patriots was used as the foundation for the design. The concept of using the quill and inkwell to create the “P” reflects the core of United States which is the Declaration of Independence. Using this classic historical reference along with a traditional color scheme the overall design conveys the unmistakable message that company is proudly American in a way that is both unique and highly effective.

Enclosed logos can be categorized as several different kinds of corporate identity styles. Essentially enclosed logos consist of combined designs where all the element, text and graphics come together in one complete package. Anything from labels to signage to badges and seals would fall into this style. For many companies this type of design is a fantastic showcase what the brand is all about while at the same time are able to serve a practical purpose.

When it come to restaurants, an enclosed logo design style is an ideal choice. The structured  and compacted nature save on space needed for signage, while the distinct traditional appeal of the design convey a sense of experience and establishment. For our client The Tin Duck Tavern, this kind style seemed to perfectly fit with the traditional English pub theme they needed. Utilizing very traditional elements such as simple a banner and simple filigree, a distinctive duck icon was also created to sit a top the design. The overall design is successful in being able to carry across a hand made wood-cut look while maintaining a clean and professional appearance. Separating the text into different sections helps give the design sense of dimension while at the same time emphasizing on the most important wording.

Using the same of traditional style, Antonios Italian Bakery and Deli also came to us looking for design that could capture the old world feel but style portray modern design elements. Using different simple geometric shapes a kind of layered effect was created. Enclosed in the center is the text which brings the focus on the name Antonios. The addition of the chef’s hat and grains was also created to bring a sense of context to the image. The symmetry of the graphics, along with the geometric elements really capture the spirit of the company and create a successful design.

Often utilizing the shape and style of design from various points in history can really help to make and emotional connection to a companies market. By reinventing a classic design the brand itself will become distinctive from competitors who utilize the same cliched ideas. When the Africa Trading Company came to us, they were thinking about creating a modern style design to better match what they had seen as a trend in their industry. When we showed them what could be using the theme of 19th century labels it was clear that the identity would work very well. Using a style that reflected the kind of branding one would see in history books evokes images of steamships and steamer trunks loaded with exotic goods from around the world. Because the company was importing goods from Africa this was an ideal “hook” that would grab the intended market and create interest.

For Marquee films, the quest was to capture the same kind of emotional appeal and nostalgia while at the same time coming across a modern company. The name of the company alone invokes images of old theater signs lit up, without needing any imagery at all. Buy playing on the signage theme and enclosed logo design was a perfect fit. Using references to various theater Marques from the 1920s – 1940s a unique logo design was created. By keeping the elements simple and clean the overall design also showcases that the company is modern but recognizes the classic appeal of the golden age of film.

Besides creating enclosed logos that match sign and labels another very common use for the style is with circular logos. They can be called badges or seals by generally they follow a similar  structure, a centered iconic image with the text usually wrapped around. The biggest appeal from a practical standpoint is that circular designs are usually even in terms of height and width. Unlike the more common horizontal or vertical designs, a logo that can essential fit in a square shape is much more versatile as they create more design possibilities in areas like stationary and packaging.

When we created the concept for Pediatric we tried several different places for the text after we creates the unique building block graphic. The circular layout was an instant favorite because it really shows off the bright icon in the center while maintaining a professional and completed look. By utilizing the idea of splitting the circle in half and using two colors, the focus on the name could be maximized. It also enhances the visual impact of the design and adds a unique visual interest.

Circular “badge” logos can also act a way to convey the idea of being an authority or official without infringing on any legal issues. Often government agencies and departments will utilize circular designs or crests and as such the look of a circular enclosed logo can generate that same feeling. Solomon Kennel is a client that deals exclusively with pit bull breeding and training. Breeding that specific type of dog requires a lot of experience and know how. By utilizing a design that reflects the kind of professionalism and knowledge associated with the industry a sense of authority and experience is carried across to the viewer. The image itself is quite simple, using brush stroke style lines a dramatic icon of a pit bull face was created. The wide, bold font that wraps around the image and creates the enclosed design completes the design and enhances the impression of strength and stability. The overall design works well and is effective because all the elements perfectly match the kind of image that is associated with that industry while still keeping the design unique and original.

Enclosed logos are not always about creating a shape to fit around the text. For many enclosed designs the text is almost secondary to the imagery and is utilized in a way where the  name is fitted into an iconic image creating the enclosed design. A good example of this is the design for our client Fire Services Ltd. The traditional fire-fighters shield and banner are the immediate focal point while the inclusion of the name completes the design. Using a combination of bold reds and blacks a sense of depth was created. The effectiveness of the design come from the ability to form and instant relation in the mind of the viewer. The classic symbol instantly brings forth ideas of fire safety which grabs the attention of the viewer and draws them into the name.

Other times, the main imagery can be used to create the illusion of perspective. By carefully  adapting the text to fit that perspective a high visual impact can be created which enhance the interest of the design. When ever text is skewed and adjusted to fit into a shape the most important issue is the legibility. Often times trying to retain a 100% accuracy with regard to perspective will have to sacrificed in order to improve on the overall legibility of the logo. When creating a 3D logo design reminiscent of and old neon motel sign for our client of Rockin Fares it was important the a balance between accuracy and legibility was especially important because the design was going to be reproduces at a smaller scale on the internet. The overall theme of the design reflected a 1950’s rock ‘n roll feeling and utilizing a 3D shape helped greatly to create a unique design in an other wise heavily populated style. The company itself was in the travel industry and this is reflect with distinctive arrow shape of the image. The starburst shapes that surround the logo further enhance then theme and keep with the nostalgic style of the design.