Overused Logo Design Concepts – Revealed!

In my previous post regarding overused logo design concepts, I discussed why using them can be a bad move for designers and a big hassle for the client, in case there is a trademark issue. In today’s post, I will highlight some commonly used examples of overused logo design concepts and images for designers so that they can refrain from using them in their future projects. Keep in mind we are not talking about whether these design elements are good or bad. The issue is that they are extremely common and are vulnerable to trademark issues.

1. Stars and Symbols

We have all seen them before, some of us more than we’d like to. Stars or images with a star-like effect are way too common. They may look good for a specific logo or website but they don’t make the bold impact they used to.

2. Overused Swishes

While initially a very creative idea, swishy designs have been used constantly and no longer catch the viewer’s attention. They can be molded into different shapes but the fact remains, they are still swishy.

3. Family and Kids

These design patterns are used to signify love, family, unity and care. They are one of the most widely used concepts in the logo design industry today because the viewers instantly recognize the meaning. However this type of graphic lacks uniqueness and creativity. They can be seen everywhere, on thousands of family and child-related logos, and they no longer stand out.

4. Abstract Logo Concepts

Brands like Adidas and Nike have brought the concept of abstract logos into the spot light. But after their innovation, others copied the idea endlessly. Once a design concept is overused, it no longer has visual interest, and it ceases to impress companies and small business owners. Designers also make the mistake of creating complex abstract logos in an effort to make them look good forgetting the fact that complex designs are an acquired taste.

5. Geometric Angles and Triangles

Almost everyone who has ever surfed the internet has come across at least one logo that uses geometric shapes, objects and icons. Their huge versatility and widespread use in almost every industry makes them common.

6. Sports and Health Related Imagery

Even sports logos can suffer from overused logo design concepts. Since they are constantly in the spotlight, trademark infringement issues are instantly noticed. So if you are designing a sports logo, make sure your design is completely unique.

7. Real Estate and Business

This is yet another overused logo design concept that has been endlessly copied. There are thousands of images of building structures and homes over the internet available for free. This entices designers to use them and they end up falling into a design trap.

8. Going Green Concepts

The “going green” craze was a phenomenon and all designers jumped on it in order to cash in. However, this led to an over use of the color green and now almost every logo that promotes the green concept uses it.

Sometimes showing designers what NOT to do will give them insight on what they should be doing – creating unique, creative, and fresh logo designs. All must realize that cutting and pasting will not get a designer very far, especially in today’s market where there is no shortage of talent. Creativity and uniqueness are the only two vital tools a good logo designer should possess. Designs reflecting these attributes will speak for the designers themselves.