10 Logos Dubbed ‘Dull’ This Spring

Have you ever passed a brand over because nothing caught your eye about it? A company logo designs is supposed to not only represent a company brand, it is meant to be eye candy that can attract new customers! After seeing what some companies did with their logos, I’m scratching my head in confusion.

This spring we have seen many big brands release new or updated logos to stay current in today’s market. I couldn’t keep my mouth shut. As the audience, here’s why these designs don’t work for me! Maybe you will feel the same as I do once you get to know what’s missing from these redesigned logos.

1. Fandango

Utterly generic, this new logo redesign does nothing to improve the brand. The full logo has odd typography with rounded edge and it’s inconsistent! Consistency is basic typography 101.

What I liked about the original logo was that it looked like a ripped ticket stub with the ticket cut “c” edge and the “F” being the ripped half. The new one lacks the rip and kept the “c”, and I’m not sure why they thought it was going to look good.

2. Netflix

The purpose of redesigning this logo had been for an easier branding of their new original content, and the ability to add a simple trademark on the bottom of the screen. The logo didn’t need an update, and the update doesn’t change the Netflix brand. The change has continued with the flat design trend by getting rid of the extra shadows and changing the background color.

3. Indiegogo

The one positive thing about this new logo is the ability to showcase a client’s project in the new window, and this is also its downside because there are more companies out there that follow the same window theme. To me, because it has windows that peek into the project with a snapshot, it says more “indie” film than “indie” in general.

4. National Park Foundation

I prefer the original logo and its clever use of the road leading into the mountains and a hat. This new one seems straight up boring with its Native American arrowhead. I find it lazy that all they do is change the background color for the Foundation and the Park service too.

5. Reebok

It’s not a logo, it’s a symbol! Sorry, the extra stressing by Reebok in their press release about this change has given me the compulsion to say that. The other logo wasn’t one to remember, although I can see why they wanted a symbol to compete with a label like Nike. It can easily be put on their apparel. I do find it odd that their new brand has no real relation to the other logo, it seems like Reebok is trying to distance the brand from the past.

6. Brut

Shedding the old-time look to the more modern, clean-cut is a good move, but the “R” bothers me. It’s not an “R”, it’s a “P” with a second leg! The shape of the shield is odd as well with the pointed tip at the top line.

7. Upland Brewing Co

I love the idea of the logo, but I hate how it looks like a sticker on the packaging! The logo sticks out too much and that cheapens the look. I also find it odd that the slope is on the left side of the text. The right side makes more sense. Currently the typography looks like a down slope which disconnects from the “Up” in the name. I think this idea needs work and better execution.

8. Lipton

I will say that this is an improvement compared to the previous logo, and covering the lens flares up was a smart decision. The colors and the layout choice seem too much like the Lays potato chip logo! For that, I’m marking it down. I shouldn’t instantly associate to another brand logo when I see your company logo. The one feature I like is the sharper font typography!

9. Wunderground

Maybe I’m alone thinking that there are too many colors on this logo. Did the designer try one color and test it in black and white? I think it would be fine without the rainbow. The choice of typeface is not appealing either—looks like a comic sans font from a distance.

10. The New York Times: Video Logo

This is a clever and interesting concept, and I understand they wanted a more modern update to their design. It isn’t a big change, although what they did change made me consider it a dud. The triangle of the play button arrow doesn’t follow the same angle of the rest of the arrow. Basic design layout issues-be consistent!

 

What redesigns have you seen lately that you found boring? Did I miss the mark on any I discussed? Let me know in the comments below or tweet @zilliondesigns!