The message contemporary logos bring is that every company/organization must distinguish from the rest and be refreshingly different at whatever cost. From an identity point of view, web 2.0 logos failed miserably. They haven't stay around for too long to show all their potential. An even though imitated websites may still appear and work, when it comes to identities, designers have to work hard and use all their creativity.

Nowadays, designers have become far more aware and sensitive to design history movements and styles than they were in previous years. They are looking for ways to make logos reflect their own roots.

A particular style can not emerge from the nothing and expect to become a leader immediately. Developments in logo design indicate that most trends have a short life cycle, and that only few of them manage to offer something truly remarkable and memorable.

In this post, we'd like to generalize the logo design trends that dominated in 2009. These are the 10th most remarkable trends that have managed to set new standards for creativity and uniqueness. All of them are discerning but what unifies them is their genuine sense of originality and artistic. 2009 will be remembered as the year of logo experimentations. Clear visibility and strong passion are the main dominant teams in designers’ work.

Psychedelic Pop Backgrounds

Numerous colours and shapes catch the attention even if the logo concept as a whole suggests a decrease in complexity. Logos, designed in this new trend are result of an extraordinary combination between the 60s typical Psychedelic patterns, the opportunities of technological revolution and the colours of romantic culture. What is created by this funky mixture, are some really nice backgrounds. The intriguing combination between these funky backgrounds and the clean contemporary shapes creates unique postmodern logos.

Logos designed in Psychedelic Pop trend invited the viewer to decode the hidden messages – the first one suggest the 60s psychedelic experience; the other suggests a visual illusion. This approach is fueled by mood and emotion. Psychedelic pop background logos are reminiscent of the flowers and tenderness and they go beyond the limits of ultra-modern and non-orthodox mindset. They are unpretentious and democratic. No arrogance or snobbery can be found in them.

Origami

The desire to go back to basics is reflected in the Origami theme. Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper to create complex but delicate figures. Origami art is fragile, light and subtle and the digital process of creating origami figures requires just the same tenderness and talent. The number of designers that wish they have real objects to work with when executing on their projects is increasing. This trend closely resembles minimal geometrical forms that are used in Psychedelic Pop trend. Unfortunately this trend won’t last for too long for the simple reason that the results are a bit too similar. Still, origami logo design trend has its advantages and of them is the creation of “small but beautiful” logos. Origami-inspired logos are a good choice for corporate monograms.

Tactile Logos

What sensations are triggered when you see letter installations crafted out of a variety of materials? Do you characterized them as “cool”? Or as “sensual”? Tactile means relating to touch or invoking the sense of touch. Logo designers who like to experiment with tactile logos want to change common textures in the real world. Creating tactile logos, they use some smart maneuvers that make tactile logos influence viewers at more than the "touch" level. The texture and quality of the idea have to transcend the feeling of touch.

The process is a huge challenge even for the most experienced graphic designers. Creating type from real materials is a unique experience. The possibilities are endless. More over type installations are supposed to create a special mood and atmosphere. The results evoque craftmanship and tangibility not often seen in logo or type design.

Great talent of using colours and patterns is required for creating a unique logo.

Arabesque

Designing a corporate identity using a beautiful and exotic tool like Arabic calligraphy may lead to impressing results. Logos designed in this style embodies the beautiful soul of the Middle East. The Arabesque is synonymous to majestic strokes that have to be delicately adapted to the desired corporate image.

This trend goes hand in hand with the revival of the figurative pattern that designers and non-designers have observed in the last few years: complex patterns forming perfect illustrations that express passion both on print and digital format. The Arabesque trend is the answer to a designer's desire for uniqueness. The harmonious blend of ancient calligraphy and modern sans serif fonts works for creating charming logos.

Logo designers who use the Arabesque style often have to be sensitive to one of the defining characteristics of Arab calligraphy: thick downstrokes and thin upstrokes with in-between gradations. There must be a fluid transition that communicates the designer's hand. No wonder then that Arabic calligraphy is considered a true art form.

To be continued...