Design Trends: Be Very Careful When Embracing Trends for Your Brand!

Have you ever used that gorgeous, free Canva template (the one that costs you absolutely nothing) as the face of your brand? It’s crucial to know that this choice may inadvertently be impoverishing your brand, leading potential customers to perceive your business as "cheap" or inferior.

The Nuance of Using a "Trending" Color

When I initially considered incorporating a blend of Rose Quartz and Peach into A Casa de Lilith's visual identity, I was well aware these colors were trendy. However, my primary goal was to convey sobriety and delicacy.

Hence, I relegated them to a secondary palette. My main colors remained: grey, white, black, and brown—classic, sober shades that aligned with my personality and the initial ethos of the studio.

But as the studio grew, I realized these colors no longer truly reflected my authentic style and personality.

I was being too sober and restrained, which simply doesn't match my dramatic, modern, and fashion-forward design aesthetic. I thrive on dark and strong colors!

So, I decided to pivot towards something more modern and colorful, adopting a "minimalist" approach only in terms of fonts and text presentation. In essence, I utilized the design trend to adapt what best fit my mission.

The takeaway? 

Change is not the problem, nor is using a trendy color. The key is understanding your brand's context and discerning what doesn't harmonize with the message you intend to convey.

Can I Use "The Color of the Moment"?

There is fundamentally nothing wrong with leveraging certain design trends or the current Pantone color.

The real issue arises when everyone uses that color, and worse—when it's applied to standardized logos lacking any genuine distinction.

Not to mention, that hyped color might be entirely unsuitable for your business. You know precisely what I mean—no visual examples are even necessary!

If your intention is to achieve distinction through a unique brand identity, copying an existing or overused aesthetic makes absolutely no sense, does it?

Before selecting a color palette, extensive research into color psychology, your specific business type, and the intended impact is paramount.

I often see many small businesses and ateliers using palettes with rosé gold, and candidly, I struggle to identify what that specific atelier does.

This is problematic, as it signals your prospective client won't understand either. The only thought that comes to mind is: more of the same. Zero differentiation.

 My Advice on Design Trends

If you genuinely aspire to stand out in the market and create a significant impact relative to your competitors: do not replicate your competitors.

While it is certainly valuable to observe what works and what doesn't for your major competitors, you must prioritize your unique image.

When someone glances at your work, they should instantaneously know that it is yours.

This is especially true for ateliers, where the immediate association is "unique piece" or "handmade."

If your pieces are meticulously crafted by hand—and truly, is there anything more beautiful than something made with profound care?—no two pieces will ever be identical!

Your visual identity should reflect this! Seek a design that celebrates the "handmade" with a more cursive font, or through color—in short, convey a feeling!

That is why I emphasize the importance of having your visual identity crafted by a trusted designer.

It doesn't have to be with us (though we'd be delighted! 😉 Don't hesitate to reach out here and request a non-binding quote), but please seek a recommendation for someone competent, who delivers on time, and makes your vision a reality.

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out the others I write here!

They are all dedicated to entrepreneurs and freelancers who have chosen not to be just another number in this world, but to be a distinction! We are all unique, and we must celebrate that difference.

Until the next post! I’ll see you soon!