Minimalism has been all the rage for the past few years, but it looks like things are about to change. I have seen a cosmic shift in branding trends and for 2023 we are moving away from minimalism and focusing on bold branding.
This shift is being driven by a number of factors, including the saturation of digital media and the need for businesses to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
So if you're in the process of rebranding your business or designing a new logo, now is the time to think outside the box and get creative!
What's behind the shift?
There are a few factors driving the shift away from minimalism in branding. Firstly, there's been a saturation of digital media in recent years. With more and more businesses moving online, there's an increasing need for brands to stand out from the competition.
Additionally, i'm seeing a move away from corporate culture and towards individualism. Consumers are becoming more interested in supporting businesses that have personality and uniqueness, rather than those that conform to traditional norms.
Finally, there's been a shift in design trends overall; after years of clean, minimalist designs being en vogue, i'm now beginning to see a return to bolder, more colourful aesthetics.
How to go bold with your brand
1. Make a statement with colour.
In an increasingly digital world, we yearn for experiences that are stimulating and visually captivating. That's why one of the best ways to make your brand stand out is by using colour. But beware, with great power comes great responsibility. Use too many colours and you'll end up looking like a toddlers finger painting; use too few and you'll blend into the background. The key is to find a balance that speaks to your brand personality and business goals.
2. Think outside the logo.
Your logo is an important part of your brand identity, but it's not the be-all-end-all. In fact, some of the most successful brands don't even have logos! What they do have is a strong visual identity that is consistent across all touchpoints. So if you're looking to make a bold statement with your brand, think about ways to reinforce your message through design, typography, photography, and even video.
3. Be fearless with your messaging.
Bold brands are unafraid to take risks with their messaging. They're not afraid to challenge convention or push boundaries. So if you want your brand to make waves, don't be afraid to get creative with your copywriting. Take some risks and see where it takes you—you might be surprised at the results!
Other emerging branding trends i'm seeing...
1. Experiential Marketing
With minimalism saturating the market, businesses are starting to focus more on experiential marketing to make a lasting impression on consumers. Experiential marketing is all about creating an intimacy between the consumer and the brand through unique and memorable experiences.
This could manifest itself in the form of pop-up shops, branded events, or even just interactive displays in retail stores. Whatever the case may be, brands that can create a memorable experience for their consumers will be one step ahead in 2023.
2. Personalisation
Another big trend i'm seeing is personalisation, now this isn't a new trend, but it is something that is becoming more attainable for smaller brands with the likes of Klaviyo and Shopify making personalisation easy to implement.
In a world where consumers are bombarded with marketing messages from every direction, brands need to find ways to cut through the noise and speak directly to their target audience. One way of doing this is by personalising communications with consumers based on things like their location, age, gender, interests, etc. This could be as simple as tailoring your email marketing campaigns or social media posts to specific demographics.
3. Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) is another area of branding that's starting to gain traction and I think it will only continue to grow in popularity in 2023. AR allows brands to create immersive experiences for their consumers by overlaying digital content on top of the real world. For example, Poplar Studio – Powering virtual commerce offers virtual try ons with L'Oréal to take their experience to another level = gamification and convenience.
I think AR will continue to be used in innovative ways by brands to give consumers a more personal experience.
The future of branding is looking bright—literally! If you're thinking about rebranding your business or launching a new venture, now is the time to go bold! Use colour to make a statement, think outside the logo, and be fearless with your messaging. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a brand that will turn heads and stop scrollers in their tracks.
Get in touch with me (Sarah!) at sarah@bemorefox.co to see what we can create together.