How to Reimagine Your Logo with a Nylon-Inspired Rebrand

Introduction

In the world of fashion and lifestyle media, Nylon is an iconic brand that has stayed culturally relevant since its founding in 1999. But even well-known brands need to reinvigorate their image over time. That's why Nylon made the bold decision in 2022 to completely redesign their logo and overall brand identity.

This logo rebrand captured the fashion world's attention for its fresh, stylish look that still honored Nylon's heritage. As a result, Nylon's rebrand provides great inspiration for how to thoughtfully evolve your own company's logo and visual identity. By studying their strategic approach, you can recreate Nylon's success and give your brand an exciting reboot.

In this post, we'll break down the key lessons you can take from Nylon's rebrand to guide your own logo redesign project. With a mix of evolution, not revolution, and capturing your brand's unique essence like Nylon did, you can craft a logo that feels current yet still distinctly you.

Understand Your Current Brand Identity

Before diving into a redesign, take stock of what currently defines your brand at its core. A logo refresh is not just about the logo alone - it requires reexamining your entire visual identity and what sentiments your brand aims to evoke.

Look at More Than Just the Logo

While the symbol itself is important, also look at the supporting elements like color palette, typography, messaging, imagery, and more. Analyze how all these components work together to create your overall aesthetic. What is the unified mood or personality your brand projects across these touchpoints?

Identify What to Keep and Change

Next, assess the aspects of your brand identity that feel dated or no longer match your intended brand vision going forward. This could include certain stylistic choices, your tagline, website layout, etc. But also recognize the existing equity and awareness you have in your current logo. Are there foundational elements you want to retain? Know what to change and what to keep for consistency.

Study Nylon’s Rebrand Approach

Now examine Nylon's rebrand more closely to glean design ideas and strategies for evolving your identity.

Evolution Not Revolution

Nylon did not completely abandon all brand recognition in their new logo. Rather, they modernized incrementally, opting for evolution not total revolution. This approach meant establishing continuity from their early logo while signaling change and maturity.

Your logo redesign also does not have to be a 180-degree shift if your existing logo already has strong awareness. Find ways to provide a new twist on familiar elements from your logo heritage.

Nod to Brand Heritage

Notice how Nylon's new wordmark retains a similar tall, skinny typography as their original logo. This subtle nod pays homage to the old logo while updating the styling. Look for creative ways like this to honor your brand history in your redesign.

Capture Brand Essence

Most importantly, Nylon's new branding perfectly encapsulates their core identity - fashionable, bold, creative, energetic. Every brand has an intangible spirit at its heart. Be sure your logo redesign process distills this down and translates it visually in your new logo.

Craft Your Own Distinctive Logo

With inspiration from Nylon's rebrand approach, now start crafting your own logo. Focus on choices that make your logo stand out while supporting your brand vision.

Select Style Elements Purposefully

Carefully determine what fonts, color palette, shapes, orientation, etc. you use. Consider what mood each element conveys and how they come together as one cohesive aesthetic. Align your styling with your brand personality.

Keep it Simple and Iconic

Like Nylon's, your new logo should be quickly comprehensible and memorable even at small sizes. Have some iconic element, like Nylon's angled "N", that becomes your defining visual identity. Avoid overly detailed or complex designs.

Make it Timeless

Trends come and go. Choose versatile design elements aligned with your brand's future direction, not just current fads. Use classic color combos and fonts with staying power. Your logo should resonate for years to come.

Conclusion

Nylon's expertly executed logo redesign demonstrates how brands can craft evolutions that feel relevant yet familiar. By taking inventory of your current identity, studying their strategic approach, and making choices true to your brand essence, you too can create an iconic and enduring logo. Allow yourself to see your logo with fresh eyes, like Nylon did, to craft a rebrand that reignites customer interest and propels your company forward into its next chapter.

FAQ

What other brands have successful logo redesigns?

Some other good examples of logo redesigns include Airbnb, Instagram, McDonald's, Netflix, Spotify, and Google.

How much should a logo redesign cost?

The cost can range quite a bit based on the scope and complexity of the redesign, but expect to invest at least a few thousand dollars. Most experts recommend budgeting between $5,000-$15,000 for a thorough logo redesign process.

How long does the rebrand process take?

Plan for a timeline of 2-6 months. There are many stages like research, brainstorming, initial concepts, testing, revisions, and rollout. Rushing through diminishes the final outcome.

How can we explain changes to long-time customers?

When introducing a new logo, communicate openly with customers about why the rebrand was necessary and how the new identity better represents who your brand is today. Show how you still honor your legacy while evolving.