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+44 (0) 1534 734508The Danger of Genericness: Brands and Evolving Logos
In the wake of the Johnson & Johnson logo change, it's time to talk about the danger of genericness.
Logos have long been a powerful tool for establishing brand identity and recognition. Major brands like Johnson & Johnson have traditionally been associated with distinctive and iconic logos. However, in recent years, a curious trend has emerged where some of these iconic brands are ditching their traditional logos in favour of generic fonts. While this may seem like an attempt to modernise and connect with a broader audience, it carries a risk of diluting their originality and uniqueness, potentially causing damage to their brand equity.
Let's look at some major fashion houses as an example...
Historically, fashion houses like Jimmy Choo have prided themselves on their iconic logos. These symbols are not merely identifiers; they are emblems of luxury and craftsmanship. For many, these logos are an essential part of the brand's allure, encapsulating decades, if not centuries, of heritage.
In the quest for modernity, some major fashion houses have decided to discard their unique logos in favour of generic, easily readable fonts. This shift towards minimalism and simplicity is often seen as an attempt to resonate with younger, more digitally-savvy consumers who appreciate clean, uncluttered aesthetics.
Fashion brands have historically thrived on their ability to stand out from the crowd, offering something distinct and aspirational. A generic font, on the other hand, blends in with the sea of similarly styled logos, making it difficult for consumers to differentiate one brand from another.
The same can be said for the Johnson & Johnson logo change. When a brand replaces its signature logo with a sans serif font, it risks alienating its core audience and eroding the sense of exclusivity that has been carefully cultivated over the years.
The danger of alienating loyal customers cannot be underestimated. These consumers have formed emotional connections with the brand's heritage and unique identity, and the sudden shift to generic fonts may leave them feeling disconnected and disheartened.
Sometimes, it can be the right move to change an old logo to a new one. For instance, if the logos has gradients or looks cartoonish, then it's a good idea to change to a new design. But iconic logos have the power to evoke a sense of trust, quality, and authenticity, and when replaced with generic fonts when there's no need for it, this association can be weakened or even lost entirely. The brand may become less appealing to its traditional audience, while the attempt to attract a new demographic may not yield the desired results.
While the motivation behind these changes is often rooted in a desire for modernisation and broader appeal, the risks to originality, uniqueness, consumer loyalty, and brand equity should not be overlooked.
While change is necessary for growth, it should be executed thoughtfully, preserving the essence and heritage that make these brands iconic in the first place.
Brands must tread carefully; the allure of the sans-serif font may come at the cost of the very qualities that have made them legendary.
Reach out to us if you have any branding or design concerns or need some advice.
