Vote: The best new brand mark of 2008.

Five companies updated their brand marks. Take our quick poll to weigh in on which you think is the most successful update.

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Oh my. Sometimes I find it very funny when you get a request to use a “Real World” metaphor for a software application or website. Here’s a great interpretation of what Photoshop would look like if it really was made up of scissors, tape, paint brushes and rulers …

It’s been a little over a year since Apple released the iPhone. I still don’t have one, nor do I want or see the need to have one (it’s just not practical for me and I’m not that plugged-in). I always thought I was that person though, the one who had to run out and get the latest, greatest, newest gadget to hit the market.

Now that I’m a little older, I realize I wasn’t that person.

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I like sports. Ok, I like sports a lot and I also like following the trends of design in sports. I especially look forward to seeing which teams change or update their brands, logos, uniforms or colors at the beginning of every new season. These changes can range from the complex — logos, uniforms, colors, etc., to the minute — piping on the numbers. It’s apparent that, no matter the change, teams are always looking for ways to stay current while still maintaining their brand equity. This can be a tricky road to navigate, especially for teams that have been around for awhile and have a loyal, passionate fan base. What I find most intriguing are the teams that have recently returned to the more traditional, classic designs from their past.

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First, I need to say that I am a huge Burton fan. Here comes the but, and I mean that literally. I am pretty disappointed that they felt the need to produce a line of mens snowboards with designs of naked Playboy centerfolds on them.

The Burton Love Series of snowboards is a collaboration with Playboy that will hit the slopes this winter. As a designer, I think I have an open mind. And I get that, design can/should push the boundaries.

Seriously though, naked women on snowboards? Is this really necessary? Have you hit the slopes lately?

They’re filled with kids. And, check out all the girls riding. Maybe snowboarding has become too mainstream, and this was Burton’s way of shaking it up. I’m sure the controversy over these boards is going to help Burton more than hurts it. I don’t think you can say the same for the dude who’s riding on one. I doubt he’ll be getting much LOVE from the chics.

“Inspire Me, Now!”

Polish IA guru Szymon Blaszczyk has a fantastic Tumblog of Imagery. Not much commentary, just marvelous items to spark creativity, discussion and wonder.

Let’s face it, change can be scary.

Especially when it comes to a company’s brand mark. It is the single most visible aspect of a brand. It appears on everything — stationery, signage, marketing collateral, packaging, websites and more.

One of the single biggest concerns about changing a brand mark is the impact the change will have on existing brand equity. Make no mistake about it, changing a company’s brand mark will most definitely have an impact on brand equity. But that’s the point really, because the motivation behind a well thought-out and expertly executed brand mark update or change is to build brand equity. 

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I am always torn between total fascination (tinged with a wee bit of envy) and complete irritation when I run across websites that have very unique or unusual navigation schemes. This website, from Normann Design in Copenhagen, skitters along that knife edge of wonderful/irritating. The glorious design and products tip me over into the happy side.