Case Study: Modern Logos & Branding
This is my thought process for developing the iVoteIndie brand and logo. Rather than spend lots of money on something that will likely change a few times, I decided to focus on some of the iconic brands and found what I think is they best role model for iVoteIndie. The PDF Version, which contains graphics, is located here.
Case Study: Modern Logos and Branding
There are some amazing brands out there, but I’ve picked one that’s relatively new, instantly recognizable, and now one of the most iconic logos of our modern times. It’s not McDonalds, Starbucks, Apple, or Coca Cola. It’s Bitcoin. Why? Its origins are virtual. And it’s perfect.
The original Bitcoin logo was created by Satoshi Nakamoto and first appeared in 2008. There were multiple versions along the way but ultimately, the Bitcoin community settled on something that looked like the Mastercard and Visa logos. Why? They needed to create a ‘confidence-inspiring’ logo for a new, unknown, unheard-of, unbelievable idea.
Bitboy, who developed the Bitcoin logo said, ‘I’m no fan of credit cards, but it’s all about perception when it comes to consumer confidence and behavior.’
Disruptive technology finding its credibility in an established business that everyone relies on. This is a good way to hack a brand and logo. Nailed it!
Like Bitboy on credit cards, I’m not a fan of what existing political parties have become but it’s all about perception when it comes to confidence and engagement. So, I’m going to leverage the power of their ‘spirit animals’ and come up with my own logo that hopefully accomplishes the same thing.
The key design elements of the iVoteIndie logo should inspire confidence and trust. While the Republicans and Democrats haven’t done a good job ‘inspiring confidence and trust,’ the design philosophies of their logos are strong.
The iVoteIndie brand should be professional and modern with a focus on minimalist design elements, contrasting colors, and have the same kind of appeal as the ‘Donkey and Elephant.’ It should also be simple, flexible, and scalable so it looks great on smartphones, web sites, and even buses and billboards.
Apparently, ‘Good design is hard. Great, simple design is almost impossible.’ You need a clear, distinct vision to create something that is simple, instantly recognizable, and conveys information without making you read anything.
That’s what the McDonald’s arches do, that’s what Apple’s logo does, and that’s what we need to do.