Brand strategist Ken Steele sums up the results of his global survey of 105 higher ed brand identity redesigns completed over the past 24 months, from May 2015 until May 2017. Examples from the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia -- and ultimately, there are 10 clear trends.
We identify the most popular recent colours, shapes, and imagery for universities, community colleges, religious colleges, and arts institutes, and we look more closely at several examples:
Emily Carr University of Art + Design University of Georgia Oregon State University University of Nebraska SUNY Buffalo University of Kentucky University of New Mexico Bradley University University of Detroit Mercy Tennessee Tech Upper Iowa University Michigan Technological University Maricopa Community College System Tel Aviv University University of Findlay Winston-Salem State University Augusta University Otis College of Art and Design Manor College Emmanuel College Wycliffe College The King's University Calvin College Whitworth University Emmaus Bible College Dominican College College of Saint Elizabeth Feather River College College of the Rockies East Stroudsburg University Sierra College Northern Michigan University Allegany College of Maryland University of Greenwich
We also look at several logo approaches that seem to be falling OUT of favour, from circular seals and blocks of colour to explicitly religious imagery. And self-confessed "typography geek" Ken also spends a few minutes discussing trends in typeface selection among the four different categories of institution.
Videos excerpted:
uFindlay - https://youtu.be/ax_cUVMhMnI Winston Salem State U - https://youtu.be/fu0K1_VfKHs Otis College - https://youtu.be/3e5taaIV028
Coming up: we'll develop 4 "committee-proof" logos, look in depth at the top ten rebrands of the past 2 years, and look at 12 branding misfires that caused campus outrage.
