DC Ent Reveals New Logo Identity
When I first looked at the new logo design my first reaction was, oh it’s a peeled back fold over the letter C? But then when I read the thinking behind the actual process and how this identity may be used in website and mobile form it totally makes sense. It’s a fantastic example of the way things should be designed.
“We didn’t want a static logo, but a living identity that could capture the power of our characters and storytelling,” says Amit Desai, senior vice president of franchise management. “What is special about DC content is the notion of a dual identity. When you think about our DC Comics superheroes, there’s a secret identity. When you think about Vertigo, it’s this notion of good vs. evil in many of the stories. And so, in addition to flexibility, the new logo communicates this idea of dual identity: There’s more than meets the eye. You have to take a closer look to understand the richness of our characters and stories.”
Hence, the reveal aspect of the corporate mark.
The “DC” logo reads as a “D”-shaped page that pulls back to reveal a “C” that could either be an obvious letter or infused with elements of a property or character. Digital devices (computers, tablets, smartphones, touch-screen displays, gaming consoles) will enable users to peel back the “D” to expose a character, image, or story. The “C” can be customized to the colors and qualities of the property it’s promoting: silver and gray for the corporation, blue for DC Comics, or—as suggested by the graphic below—sparks for The Flash, green for Green Lantern, or a mist for Batman. All are unified by a common font—the serendipitously named Gotham Bold.
The logo’s adaptability will facilitate a fresh and innovative way to reflect ongoing corporate and creative initiatives. “The peel element can tie back to the storytelling content or character we’re showcasing, and leverage those colors,“ says Desai. “The ‘C’ can be a vessel to showcase stories and character. It’s unexpected, requires a little thnking and some storytelling behind that mark.”
Seli Greek Water Branding
Nothing out of the ordinary here but I do like the colours used and the sans-serif font type.
Microsoft Homepage: How Microsoft Can Improve It’s Branding
(Note: All images are edited and do not reflect the original website)
I came across an article yesterday by Cory Watilo called ‘Why Microsoft has an image problem’ where he compares Microsoft.com to Apple.com. He makes the point that Microsoft is still very much stuck in their ways by continuously cramming loads of unnecessary elements on one page and using too much colour which distracts the user from focusing their attention on the important things. — I agree with most of what he says but let’s be honest, Microsoft is never going to be like Apple so they shouldn’t try to be like them but they could learn a great deal in their presentation and how they display information.
I’ve always noticed this problem so wanted to see if Microsoft maybe aren’t bad at marketing and design, they just lack in direction. I’m beginning to think I am right and that’s precisely their problem.
Microsoft Homepage Redesigned
The photo above (click to view larger version) was created using elements all found on Microsoft’s own websites (www.zune.net, www.microsoft.com/uk, www.microsoft.com/uk/wave/home.aspx)
If the images are not showing fullsize, use these links: for home, for work
Microsoft homepage when user navigates to the work section.
Conclusion:
Microsoft is well aware that they have perhaps grown old and were in need of a re-branding to revitalise their consumer image. Their problem lies with trying to manage so many complex deep-link pages (mostly unnecessary) and product micro-sites that there is a disconnect between the design which confuses people A LOT!.
There needs to be one or two universal design templates that follows through out every single page and site. This template must make use of screen real estate and support wide-screen viewing. This means using clearer heavier fonts, using HTML5, using less banner ads, using more subtle colours in your branding (not bright blue or orange) and finally force people to use your site (don’t spam your page with links to items of less importance.)
Interview with CreativeNerdsUK Co-founder Dirujan Sabesan
I have never been a fan of commercial music and the cliché design elements that have become so popular in today’s culture (compare what MTV use to be in the early 90’s to what it has become now, you’ll see what I mean), but leaving my opinions aside it’s interesting to read how such a young person armed with dedication and enthusiasm turned his hobby into what will become a healthy growing business. — just leaves me wondering why all those years ago I didn’t pursue my aspirations as much as I should have…
