{"id":15394,"date":"2012-08-30T07:34:00","date_gmt":"2012-08-30T07:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zilliondesigns.com\/blog\/?p=15394"},"modified":"2026-04-13T06:27:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T06:27:15","slug":"overused-derivative-logos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zilliondesigns.com\/blog\/overused-derivative-logos\/","title":{"rendered":"The Difference Between Overused And Derivative Logos"},"content":{"rendered":"

Given the very nature of my job, I go through dozens of logo designs every day, the things I see too much of are derivative and overused logos. Upon further investigation and discussions with other designers, I’ve learned that generally people confuse the two terms. Many designers and project holders think the two terms are one in the same. They are not.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s shed some light on both terms to distinguish one from the other. This post will give you a good understanding of each term as well as where and when they should be used.<\/p>\n

Overused Logos \u2013 Common and Clich\u00e9d<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Overused logos are exactly that, overused. These are clich\u00e9d design concepts<\/u> that have been used so often that they portray a dull feel when used. There are symbols for every industry that have been overused by designers through ages. They\u2019ve been used so much that they cannot help a business stand out in today\u2019s market<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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\nImage Source: StefanIlic\/iStock.com<\/center><\/p>\n

When people look at overused symbols in logos they instantly make a connection with something they\u2019ve already seen. For example, the symbols of a scale in a law firm logo or rooftops in real estate logos are just a few examples of overused symbols.<\/p>\n