Design Aesthetics vs. Branding: What’s the Trend?

Being ahead of the game when it comes to business means being the trendsetter. But it’s not always easy to know what those trends are. Often times customers want something slightly different while knowing they are still going to get what they love. This is not an easy feat for most companies to predict. That’s why we are looking at two very important parts of a company. The design aesthetics that catch the eye and the overall branding and messaging behind a company.

Design Aesthetics vs. Branding What is It?

Design aesthetics technically is a part of a company’s branding, but the two are still different. 

• Your design aesthetics is what the customer will see with their visual eye. It’s an important part because it’s the customer’s first judgment.
• Your company’s branding is the overall messaging, theme, and persona of the brand. This is what will convert audiences into loyal customers or turn them away.

Trends for 2023 That Are Going to Be a Big Hit

Let’s organize this in a way where it makes sense to have the brand come first, then the design element to tie it in.

Branding: Nostalgic Eras

Have you noticed on social platforms that the 90s and 80s are coming back? One of the biggest trends for branding campaigns is transporting their clients back into a different time. For new generations, it makes them feel cool and like an old soul. For older generations, that are reminiscent of certain times and things they loved.

Design Aesthetics: Retro Comic Colors and Animation

Bringing back the 90s and 80s is fun from a graphic design point of view. Big colors, 3D animations, and idyllic artwork. But it can completely mirror a totally different decade. Part of the branding comes from visually being reminded of an era.

Branding: Social Awareness

One of the trends that are likely here to stay is brands that are socially aware. For starters, announcing your environmental impact is important to lots of consumers. They want to know that the products they buy aren’t causing a negative impact on the environment.

Design Aesthetics: Limitless Dreaming

The thing that’s cool about design is that your imagination is limitless. Dreamy, fun-to-look-at designs that offer a world we want to live in are a great way to bring social awareness and positive messaging together. These are usually colors that make us feel light and happy instead of dark and gloomy. Symbols that represent joy and happiness.

Branding: Minimalism and Simplicity

People love organization and feeling free of clutter. That’s why we see so many hair and shampoo brands winning fans over in Target for their minimal branding. They may just have a pretty color and their company title on the product and a few ingredient requirements on the back. This can be done with any kind of business, from blogs and magazines to the product itself.

Design Aesthetics: Pastels and Neutrals

A color scheme is the easiest way to approach this. Pick your neutrals or a few color pastels that match your branding. If you run a chic blog, feminine colors may make the most sense. On the contrary, a site designed for kids may not go well with this kind of theme. They may do better with the next suggestion.

Branding: Loud and Noisy

Have you noticed on social platforms that the 90s and 80s are coming back? One of the biggest trends for branding campaigns is transporting their clients back into a different time. For new generations, it makes them feel cool and like an old soul. For older generations, that are reminiscent of certain times and things they loved.

Design Aesthetics: Abstract Shapes and Colors Galore

Bringing loud and fun energy can sometimes be the right message if that aligns with your brand. Rainbow, neon, and bold are all great places to get started. Think funky shapes and designs. The idea is to stay out of the box and the opposite of minimalism.

Staying True to Yourself or Needing a Change Up

This is one of the biggest questions a brand can ask itself. For those that find themselves having a lot of successful feedback from their customers, continue on. No need to reinvent the wheel. Small tweaks will keep things new while the underlying brand remains intact.

The flip side is when things seem to be stagnant and trending downward. Then it’s time for a makeover. You can incorporate these trends in big or small ways depending on what your brand needs at that time.

Keep in mind that you can have the right campaign, but if your message is in the wrong space, it won’t matter.