2009 Rebrand 100 Global Award Winners Announced

The 2009 Rebrand 100 Global Award Winners have been announced.  If you want some inspiration on your own branding efforts and rebranding creative, take a look at the winners by following the link above.  There are 100 companies listed with links to see the before and after of each company’s rebranding efforts — and not just logos.  You can see websites, collateral, signage, logo guidelines, and more.  It’s a great collection.

One of my favorites is the rebranding of Australia Post, the mail service in Australia.  Take a look at the before and after photos from Rebrand.com showing the outside of the Australia Post retail stores.  What a difference!  The new look is less “airport news stand” and more modern.  The creative was done by Interbrand, and it shows.

Australia Post Before

Australia Post After (concept)

Which rebranding efforts do you like the most from the 2009 Rebrand 100 Global Award Winners?

Hat tip to the Brand New for this post.

5 Elements of Logo Design to Build a Powerful Brand Icon

Creating a logo to represent your business and brand image can be an important aspect of your overall business plan, and as such, a great deal of consideration should go into selecting the best graphical interpretation of your brand’s value and promise.  Following are five of the most important factors to consider when choosing your brand’s logo.

1. Image

If you develop your brand effectively, over time, your logo will become the most recognizable icon of your business and product.  It’s important to choose a graphic that appropriately demonstrates your brand’s image and values.  Make sure no part of your logo could be considered offensive, and if your company is global or could become global in the future, make sure it’s not offensive in other countries.  Try not to be too trendy.  Select a design that can be timeless.  Creating a new logo in a few years can be expensive and requires a rebranding investment that you may not be able to take on in the near future. 

2. Color

The colors used in your logo are important not only in terms of production (see “Printability” below), but also in terms of how logos are perceived psychologically.  Do some research about the meanings behind colors, and take a close look at your competitors’ logos.  You want your logo to be appealing aesthetically, and you want it to help differentiate you from the competition. [Read more]