Cool eye graphic

Hot brand identity trends for 2023

Mayya Geo
5 min readFeb 9, 2023

In today’s world, it’s important to keep up with the times, or risk being left behind like someone still using a flip phone. With the increasing popularity of AI, web3, blockchain, and other digital technologies, the way in which brands communicate with their customers has changed dramatically over the last year. In 2023, we will see many visual ways of using the latest trends, but also creating a connection with brand storytelling. Because let’s be real, no one wants to be stuck with a website that looks like it was designed in the early 90s.

From authenticity to the embracing different digital techniques, these trends will help brands to create deeper connections with their customers. Let’s explore how we can use them to build a strong brand identity that will help to succeed in the long term.

8 Hot Trends:

1. Embracing the current era and digital tools

2. More, more, more color!

3. Statement typography

4. Animated logos

5. Personalized and niche branding

6. Icons instead of letters

7. Purpose-driven branding

8. Adaptable logos

1. Embracing the current era and digital tools

One way in which digital technologies impact brand identity is through AI-generated visuals. In 2023 we are going to see AI-generated brand visuals that can take many forms, including logos, graphics, and animations. They can be used to create a sense of movement and dynamic in the brand identity, which can be particularly effective for engaging with customers. If done right AI-generated visuals can create unique and memorable designs that are tailored to specific brand values, mission, and expressing the unique personality.

Another visual style that we will see more of in 2023 is the use of 3D and other immersive technologies. AR and VR allow brands to create fully immersive and interactive experiences. These experiences can include virtual product demonstrations, metaverse experience, 3D product tours, and even VR-based stores.

Colorful Forms

2. More, more, more color!

We will see a lot of the vivid Pantone color of 2023, Viva Magenta. Also, last year’s trend of brand identities with bright color combinations will still be relevant. Color communicates emotion, and let’s be honest — it’s fun!

Another visual style that we will see more of in 2023 is the use of 3D and other immersive technologies. AR and VR allow brands to create fully immersive and interactive experiences. These experiences can include virtual product demonstrations, metaverse experience, 3D product tours, and even VR-based stores.

Typography example quoting “discover your passion”.

3. Statement typography

It’s a unique, powerful, and iconic tool — statement typography is used to create a strong and distinct brand identity. The term refers any image that is dominated by typographic elements instead of other graphic components. This trend could even suggest a typeface-based brand identity that focused on brand messaging emphasis.

Animated logo example.

4. Animated logos

In 2023 animated logos are going to be even more popular in the world of branding. These dynamic designs add an extra layer of movement to a company’s identity and attract a great deal of viewers’ attention. This trend is driven by the rise of digital media and the increasing importance of online presence for businesses.

With more and more people consuming content on their devices, it’s crucial that logos look great on screens of any size. Animated logos are the perfect solution to this problem. They are highly adaptable and engage audiences no matter where they are displayed.

Cool graphic showcasing personalisation in branding.

5. Personalized and niche branding

Personalized brand identities are becoming more and more popular. This trend is driven by the ubiquity of social media and the growing need for businesses to find a niche and answer very specific needs of customers. This kind of visual identity is tailored to the specific target audience while reflecting the unique values of the business. A personalized brand identity is most successful when using consistent visual language that tells a unique story which is relatable to the target group.

Typeface showcasing usage of icons instead of letters.

6. Icons instead of letters

This approach is rooted in the idea that visual communication can be more impactful and memorable and support the text-based communication. Icons and images are often easier to recognize and recall than words, making them an ideal choice for branding purposes! Additionally, icons can convey complex ideas and concepts with a single image, making them ideal for branding in a global marketplace where language barriers exist.

Beautiful purple plants, showcasing purpose-driven brands.

7. Purpose-driven branding

As consumers become more socially and environmentally conscious, they are looking to support brands that match their values and contribute to the greater good. Purpose-driven branding refers to the practice of aligning a brand’s identity and message with a particular social or environmental cause. This can be reflected in the visual brand style. Specific colors and imagery are a means to communicate the purpose of the company.

Example of adaptable logos — GEOBO’s logo.

8. Adaptable logos

An adaptable logo gives consistency to a brand identity. This type of logo is designed to be flexible and versatile, allowing for easy adaptation to different contexts, media, devices, and sizes. It’s different from a traditional logo or one-logo composition which may be more limited in its usage.

An adaptable logo is typically made of a core symbol or icon that can be combined with different typography or imagery, depending on the given context.

Conclusion

The brand identity trends for 2023 are shaping up to be dynamic and exciting! They are reflecting the growing importance of digital media and the need for businesses to creatively utilize it in both concept and visual form.

One thing is for sure, the future of branding is bright and human-centred, despite the concerns about human agency being overpowered by AI. Embrace the abundant opportunities of the digital sphere and unleash your creativity.

Thank you for reading! 💜

This article was originally written by GEOBO. We are a design studio that guides fashion companies build their brand using our 6-step ICONIC brand process.

--

--

Mayya Geo

Transforming brands into icons at @www.geobo.studio | Branding & User interface design