DL Design

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How many of you professionals can relate to this story about value, service and experience?

https://www.dl-design.co.uk/graphic-design-blog/value-service-and-experience

Value, service and experience. — DL Design Associates How many of you professionals can relate to this story about value, service and experience?

Are you happy with your brand?

You work hard to build your brand and create a positive impression. Tactics that have worked well for one marketing channel may not work across all platforms.

A cohesive strategy and a clear brand message will help avoid bombarding consumers with mixed messages.

Consider some of the brands we know such as Coca-Cola and Nike. These brands have had ups and downs and still can evoke emotion.

They have gained the trust of consumers by providing them with clear consistent messaging for many years.

Coca-Cola does an excellent job of creating a consistent brand experience as it focuses less on the actual product but takes more of a lifestyle approach to their advertising creating an emotional connection between consumers and their product.

Branding is just as important for a small business as a large one. Many business owners that I meet already understand that branding is important, but they don’t always know why.

They understand there is a link between a successful business and a strong brand and importantly they understand that branding is not just a logo alone.

❓Are you happy with your brand?

⬇️ Share your comments in the comments below! ⬇️

Car manufacturers Dacia and Kia have rebranded.

https://www.dl-design.co.uk/graphic-design-blog/car-manufacturers-dacia-and-kia-have-rebranded

Car manufacturers Dacia and Kia have rebranded. — DL Design Associates I’ve mentioned in other posts that car logos are being streamlined or simplified to enable them to work across digital media and it got me thinking about rebranded car manufacturers.

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Now and then famous brands rebrand, sometimes it’s a major overhaul and other times it may be so subtle you may not even notice.

https://www.dl-design.co.uk/graphic-design-blog/famous-brands-that-have-rebranded

Famous brands that have rebranded. — DL Design Associates Now and then famous brands rebrand, sometimes it’s a major overhaul and other times it may be so subtle you may not even notice.

The Buick logo design happened by accident.

🚙 Back in spring 2022 car-maker Buick revealed a new logo which it has to be said confused a lot of people.

🦷 Fans of the brand were confused by the new design, with some thinking the new logo represented teeth, claws and even a beard trimmer!

😬 It now turns out the rebrand happened by mistake.

😁 The design manager for Buick was quoted as saying that the new logo was a "happy accident."

✍🏻 The initial sketch by artist Geoffrey Richmond was an early concept featuring rough lines designed to be filled in later to more closely resemble the old design with its circular border.

The traditional Buick badge had not yet been placed on the sketch, which was the intention.

👀 General Motors President Mark Reuss spotted it and liked it.

This is how it ended up a bolder and more minimal representation of the previous logo.

There is no ring around the three shields, and the diagonal line has been replaced with a curved line.

❓Is the new logo worthy of a car brand or more suited to a nail salon?

⬇️ Share your comments in the comments below! ⬇️

In the current marketplace, there are now more platforms than ever to convey your brand message, making it even more difficult to achieve brand consistency.

https://www.dl-design.co.uk/graphic-design-blog/brand-consistency-on-and-offline

Brand consistency on and offline. — DL Design Associates In the current marketplace, there are now more platforms than ever to convey your brand message, making it even more difficult to achieve brand consistency.

A familiar name that is actually a brand name.

Have you heard a name you recognise from everyday use but didn’t know the brand name was owned by a specific company?

If you have, then it may surprise you how many there are. So for today here are ten examples of brand names owned by a specific company:

Airfix – originally owned by Humbrol, today it’s a Hornby brand name, any other brand is a plastic injection moulded model kit.

Band-Aid – is owned by Johnson & Johnson, anything else is an adhesive bandage.

Biro – a French-owned trademark for the production of the ballpoint pen.

Bubble wrap – how we all love to pop it to relieve stress. The brand was originally called Air Cap, but today should only be used by one company, Sealed Air Corporation.

Cashpoint – we use the ‘hole in the wall’ however Cashpoint is a branded term owned by Lloyds Bank.

Chap Stick – really a lip balm. The term Chap Stick was originally owned by Pfizer but now owned by GlaxoSmithKline.

Filofax – the 1980s icon is a brand owned by The Letts Filiofax Group, any other product should be called a personal organiser.

PowerPoint – is owned by Microsoft, any other software is a presentation and graphics program.
Sharpie – the permanent marker was invented in 1956, but the Sharpie wasn’t introduced until 1964. Today, the products are almost synonymous with one another.

Velcro – George de Mastreal invented Velcro when he discovered that burrs stuck to matted dog fur. It’s a blend of two French words, ‘velour’ meaning velvet and ‘crochet’ meaning hook. Today, it is the world’s most prominent brand of hook and loop fasteners.

Can you think of any more?

⬇️ Share your comments in the comments below! ⬇️

7UP, Cadbury and Toblerone have rebranded.

These are three different examples of a rebrand.
https://www.dl-design.co.uk/graphic-design-blog/7up-cadbury-and-toblerone-have-rebranded

7UP, Cadbury and Toblerone have rebranded. — DL Design Associates These are three different examples of a rebrand. It’s been over seven years since 7UP’s last revamp and at first glance, it looks familiar. 

What is the rule of thirds?

It's dividing your page or document into 3 equal sections both vertically and horizontally thereby creating a 3 by 3 grid.

Once you have this grid you’re able to create a balance throughout your design.

In photography, the rule of thirds is used to balance the picture while still creating an interesting focal point for the eye.

It can also be used to make a traditional-looking image stand out and draw the viewer’s eye in a specific direction. We also apply this idea to graphic design.

Graphic designers are familiar with balance and composition and aim to create a balanced design but it doesn’t have to always be symmetrical, as we notice asymmetrical things.

If you want to create visually interesting designs that are well-balanced with good composition the rule of thirds will help you.

Moving the key elements left or right of the grid will give you a balanced asymmetrical design.

Use the grid as a guide only, you don’t have to align every element to one side or the other, you are better off aligning the main elements towards the left or right of the grid.

How well-balanced is the design work you have?

⬇️ Share your comments in the comments below! ⬇️

Why don’t you just do it yourself?

As professionals, we often recognise our strengths and weaknesses.

For instance, when my car needs fixing, I head straight to the garage because, honestly, I'm clueless under the bonnet.

This got me thinking—have you ever attempted a task beyond your skill set to save a few pounds?

Recently, I attended a business expo where a photographer offered headshots for social media, websites, and marketing.

I paused and questioned, "Why pay for a photographer when I have an iPhone with a decent camera?”

But then I realised, that expertise matters. Just as I wouldn't want my design clients to DIY their projects, relying solely on basic software, it's not just about having the right tools.

It's about the years of training and experience that professionals bring to the table.

As Red Adair famously said, "If you think it's expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Have you ever DIYed marketing materials and achieved success?

⬇️ Share your experiences in the comments below! ⬇️

Commissioning a professional graphic designer.

Did you know that when you commission a new logo you’re not just buying a design that looks nice and colourful?

https://www.dl-design.co.uk/graphic-design-blog/commissioning-a-professional-graphic-designer

Commissioning a professional graphic designer. — DL Design Associates Did you know that when you commission a new logo you’re not just buying a design that looks nice and colourful? You’re investing in one of the most important elements of your brand.

My days before the Apple Mac.

I’m Darren and as I’ve been in the print and design business for some time I’d give you an insight into how we used to work before the Apple Macs.

https://www.dl-design.co.uk/graphic-design-blog/my-days-before-the-apple-mac

My days before the Apple Mac. — DL Design Associates I’m Darren and because I’ve been in the print and design business some time I’d give you an insight about how we used to work before the Apple Mac came along.

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PayPal has introduced a bold new logo redesign.

The new design marks its most significant brand evolution in twenty-five years.

Designed by global firm Pentagram, this fresh identity brings a modern twist to a classic look, reflecting PayPal's status as a leader in digital payments.

The new logo features a sleeker, more refined aesthetic while maintaining key elements of the original design, such as the iconic layered 'P', now sharpened for a more contemporary appeal.

The wordmark has also been refreshed, using a custom typeface, PayPal Pro, which is based on LL Supreme – a modern take on the legendary Futura font.

This blend of typographic heritage with a unique contemporary flair gives the logo a timeless yet forward-looking identity.

By refining its colour palette and introducing a crisper design, PayPal’s new visual identity feels both authoritative and accessible, perfectly balancing corporate sophistication with a fresh, user-friendly vibe.

This redesign is more than just an aesthetic upgrade—it reflects PayPal’s ongoing commitment to innovation and its role as a universal financial tool. The result is a thoughtful, elevated brand identity that preserves the essence of PayPal’s heritage while looking firmly to the future.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments.

I would like to announce that our new website is live!

www.dl-design.co.uk

There will be lots more content added over the coming weeks so do come back and visit.

The Smile 2 poster has horror fans buzzing with excitement!

Paying homage to The Shining, the eerie design features Ray Nicholson, son of Jack Nicholson, delivering the same unsettling grin that terrified audiences in 1980.

The monochromatic colour scheme, accented with splashes of red, sets a haunting tone, while the tagline, "It's the last thing you'll see," promises a spine-chilling experience.

This poster is a modern horror masterpiece, blending classic influences with a contemporary twist. The minimalist yet striking visuals amplify the creep factor, capturing the essence of what makes great horror film posters.

Fans are obsessed, with one describing it as "unsettling," while another pointed out the clever design, noting how it looks like a "laughing demon" when you squint.

With Smile 2 already generating buzz, it's clear that this poster is hitting all the right notes for horror enthusiasts. Ray Nicholson is stepping into his father’s footsteps, bringing a new level of terror to a whole new generation. If the poster is anything to go by, this sequel is set to deliver a terrifying ride.

Is horror your genre? let me know in the comments below.

We're so pleased to receive this review.

Have you noticed the new Duolingo logo?

If you're a language enthusiast like me, you might find it unsettling.

Duo, the cheerful owl mascot, seems to have taken a dramatic turn, sporting red-rimmed eyes and a runny nose—quite a departure from its usual vibrant self.

This graphic redesign has sparked concern among users, including myself, who are accustomed to Duo's usual spirited appearance. While Duolingo occasionally updates its logo, this one seems particularly vivid and, dare I say, unsettling.

According to Duolingo, this sickly version of Duo reflects how exhausted the owl is from constantly reminding users to complete their lessons.

While the brand is known for its playful, even intense, marketing, this visual guilt trip might be taking things a step too far.

Let's hope Duo's "sick day" is short-lived, and we soon see the return of its familiar, lively look. After all, learning languages should be inspiring, not alarming!

Do you play Duolingo and if so what’s your streak?

The meaning of the Paralympic Games logo.

As the Paralympic Games follow the excitement of Paris 2024, let's uncover the significance behind their distinctive logo. Unlike the iconic Olympic rings, the Paralympic emblem known as the Agitos carries its powerful symbolism.

Derived from Latin, "Agitos" translates to "I move," reflecting the dynamic spirit of athletes worldwide.

The logo's red, blue, and green colours mirror those found in many national flags, emphasising unity amid diversity. Its three shapes symbolise the athletes' motion and embody Paralympic values: courage, determination, inspiration, and equality.

This emblem signifies the Paralympic Movement's role in uniting athletes globally, showcasing their unwavering dedication and ability to inspire.

Originally featuring a Korean motif, the logo evolved over the years, culminating in a modern design refresh in 2020 for enhanced consistency and visual impact alongside the Olympic rings.

Together, these symbols stand as a testament to equality and shared sporting excellence, inspiring us all to move forward, no matter the challenges.

Did you know the meaning behind the logo? let me know in the comments below.

The Wombles rebrand delivers a heartwarming wave of nostalgia.

Created by the talented team at How&How, this new visual identity breathes fresh life into the beloved eco-warriors while staying true to their 1970s roots. The rebrand captures the playful, nature-loving spirit of the Wombles, but with a modern twist, making it a masterclass in balancing the past with the present.

How&How transformed the Wombles’ iconic legacy with a comprehensive visual and verbal toolkit that empowers brands to align with the Wombles’ sustainability message.

The design includes charming character illustrations, bespoke fabric textures, and nostalgic icons that connect with a new generation while maintaining the warmth and familiarity of the originals.

But this rebrand is about more than just a trip down memory lane. It’s a thoughtful reimagining that keeps sustainability at its core, in keeping with the Wombles’ enduring message of making "good use of bad rubbish."

The playful illustrations, dynamic patterns, and upbeat messaging empower brand partners to spread the Wombles' environmental ethos, making this design project not only visually delightful but also meaningful.

This delicate balance shines through in the character illustrations, where every detail, from the droop of a nose to the position of an eye, was carefully crafted to capture the "essence of Womble." Each character has its bespoke toolkit filled with playful textures, creating a whimsical, yet structured, design system.

The Wombles rebrand is a fantastic example of how thoughtful graphic design can harness the power of nostalgia to create something both familiar and forward-thinking.

It's a reimagining that spreads joy and sustainability, proving that great design can be as enduring as the beloved characters it represents.

What do you think? let me know in the comments below.

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