What is a minimalist logo anyways?
A minimalist logo eliminates superfluous colors and decorations to produce a mark that is at least as powerful as a complex design. Don't mistake minimalism for an unfinished or bare appearance. Although simple, minimalist logos are not simplistic.
Not all minimalism consists of one-cup kitchens and zen gardens.
The approach is used in various visual mediums, from architecture to music to literature; thus, it is no new trend. By emphasizing necessity, true minimalism only maximizes simplicity.
As simple as it may appear to remove unnecessary items from a room, selecting the right things to remove is a thorough process.
Although the process follows the adage "less is more," the focus is on restraint to have a more significant impact. The logo, which serves as a brand's guiding emblem, is where minimalism gets its strength.
Young businesspeople and designers alike make the error of considering logo design to be an art form. It most definitely is not.
A logo is a functional component of a company that expresses who they are distinctively through a wordmark, icon, or image. The most well-known logos in the world are made up of a few basic shapes. Three circles can sum up even Mickey Mouse's entire persona. Think of the Nike check or the Apple emblem.
Businesses aim for an instantly recognizable, easily understood, and ageless logo. Complex logos do not meet these goals.
Here's why a straightforward minimalist logo is the best choice.
Instant Recognition Is a Strength of Minimalist Logos
Original "N" ribbon animation from Netflix
The old and new Netflix logos
Wordmarks that stand on their own attract attention and have a strength that excessive imagery lacks. This design approach produces a contemporary aesthetic that can develop and expand with the business by strictly using text and large fonts.
Brands may change some wordmark elements to produce an exciting focal point to add excitement or individuality to the text.
The Netflix logo is the ideal illustration of a minimalist style.
The trademark has always been associated with its arcing letterform. It has changed from the three-color, triangular, and shadowed Netflix logo. They changed from using three colors to only red on black.
The company's updated logo is simple to recognize and even more adaptable as it transitions from physical DVD rentals to the largest movie streaming service in the world.
Christopher Bettig, the leader of YouTube's art department, updated the YouTube logo.
Humans are claustrophobic creatures by nature. We detest cramped quarters and the feeling of being confined. When was the last time you yelled, "Finally, more cars!" when stuck in a traffic jam?
Visual congestion can result when several lines and forms are added to a logo. A designer who adds things to provide a more considered design may instead be erasing the customer's imagination or, worse, confusing.
The old and new YouTube logos
For the first time since the company's founding, YouTube redesigned its logo in 2017. The transformation, which brought about an evolution rather than a revolution, was subtle but significant.
In contrast to the original "Tube"-within-a-tube design, which was brighter in concept than execution- the Play button has come to represent the brand unofficially. The refresh was a positive step.
Simple type-based logos, like the redesigned YouTube logo, are easy to understand.
Customers are less inclined to trust a brand if the messaging is crowded. Lack of concentration indicates insufficient knowledge, which fosters mistrust of the good or service.
With the redesigned YouTube wordmark and symbol, the design is more adaptable and looks better on various screens. No details are lost as the logo scales, no matter how big or little.
Versatile Minimalist Logo Designs
Internal designers have updated Google's logo.
"Can you enlarge it?"
Every designer dreads hearing these comments from a client after submitting a logo for evaluation. It is, however, understandable. Even clients with no background in professional design know that their brand must be adaptable to fit numerous layouts and sizes.
Business cards, letterheads, T-shirts, and even billboards all feature logos. No matter where it is viewed, it must leave the same impression.
Simple logos serve a purpose. Understanding is improved by reducing complexity.
Sticking to neutral hues and avoiding pointless gradients help a logo scale better and facilitate direct printing.
Google goods and applications
In 2015, Google underwent a significant restructure that overhauled its brand. While maintaining fidelity to the trademark colors and using a sans serif style, the new logo is similar to the old wordmark.
One crucial requirement for Google's new logo launch was compatibility with the company's other products and applications (Google Search, Google Chrome, Google Maps, etc.). They must all feel like they are a part of the same family.
Minimalist Logos create stronger Associations.
Chermayeff, Geismar, and Haviv designed it.
A brand is more likely to become synonymous with itself by choosing just one hue because color plays a significant role in logo design.
Most of us are familiar with the National Geographic logo, which consists of a rectangular box in a vivid yellow. National Geographic is written there in a sans-serif font.
The corporation has constantly employed the same recognizable color and shape to embed the brand in customers' minds. People are more likely to become accustomed to a hue when it is an integral component of the design, which makes it easier to recall.
While a complicated design with numerous colors and shapes may appear spectacular, it will be more difficult for customers to recognize. Even the most straightforward logos can be identified with just a glance because they successfully imprint themselves in our memory.
When creating a logo, remember that while it serves as a company symbol, it should in no way encompass the entire narrative. A logo should give the viewer an idea of a company or product. This method of approaching logo design should make it simpler to maintain simplicity.
