Why Trends, Crowdsoucing and Logo Design Contests Are Creating So Much Controversy?

Trends and crowdsourcing are two most controversial areas of logo design business. A logo should have some contemporary elements, but that does not mean you can constantly follow trends in every logo design. Hundreds of designers follow the same trends frequently and the chances of accidental design similarity are very high.

Crowdsourcing has its negative aspects as well. In fact, crowdsourcing and logo designing contests are creating ethical controversy among logo designers.

What Is the Fuss About Logo Design Trends? – A good logo should be distinctive, meaningful and usable. If your logo has all these qualities, then don’t worry about trends. In fact, “trendy logo” is an oxymoron. Every designer says he wants to design a timeless logo, but trends are temporary. So, how can you design a timeless, yet trendy logo?

If you design a trendy logo, then after a few years it will go out of fashion and you have to redesign it. Trends are not bad, but you should study them for inspiration, not for replication.

When you design a logo, think about the client and try to fulfill his expectations. Generally, every client gives a design brief and you should follow his guidelines.

However, some clients may say you that he needs an “eco-friendly” logo for his business. In that case, you should take a look at the “eco-friendly” trend and sort out the elements that you can use in his business logo design.

Following a trend can be harmful for your client’s corporate identity as well. Trends are generally popularized by famous brands such as Nike (Swoosh), Audi (Olympic circles) etc. Therefore, when you use those elements in your client’s logo, viewers think that your client is following Nike or Audi. Those companies can also file a copyright infringement complaint against you.

Crowdsourcing, Contests and Marketplaces- Crowdsourcing may seem relevantly cheap, but in reality you get what you paid for. Still, crowdsoucing is a good option for those companies who have budget limitations.

Design contest is probably the worst option for a brand logo design. Normally, novice designers take part in logo design contest and they don’t maintain quality in their designs. Some designers submit the same design in multiple contests and therefore, the chances of plagiarism are extremely high.

Marketplace type sites are however not that bad. They offer all in one branding packages at an affordable rate. Small companies can buy those packages and establish their brand identity without burning a hole in their pocket.

A custom logo design can only be successful if the designer has an original idea and uses his skills to shape that idea into a recognizable graphical symbol. Trends may help you in the process of designing, but finally, you have to apply your own concept.