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Brand Identity

Updated: 2 days ago


2025 design trends

What Will 2025 Bring To The World Of Branding And Visual Design?

Spoiler alert: it’s shaping up to be bold, immersive, and even a bit rebellious.


From fonts that speak your brand’s language to visuals that bring depth and dimension, the trends we’re seeing on the horizon promise a fresh new era of branding. Let’s dive into the top design trends set to shape 2025—and how they’ll help your brand stand out in a crowded marketplace.


Custom Typography: The Font-tastic Age of Branding


In 2025, fonts are doing more than just looking pretty on a page—they’re becoming brand icons. Custom typography has taken center stage, with brands investing in unique fonts that are as distinctive as they are memorable. Why? Because in a world packed with noise, a one-of-a-kind typeface is a surefire way to stand out.


Picture this: a font that captures your brand’s edgy personality or one that exudes understated elegance. Custom typography goes beyond mere aesthetics; it’s about giving your brand a voice that’s all its own. So, if your brand hasn’t yet explored custom type, now’s the time to get your type right and watch the impressions roll in.


Hyperrealism Meets Minimalism: When Texture & Simplicity Go on a Date


Imagine intricate textures meeting clean, minimal lines. This trend is the ultimate pairing of high-impact visuals and simplicity—think rich, hyperrealistic textures layered within sleek, minimal designs. Hyperrealism brings an almost tangible quality to visuals, while minimalism provides the breathing room for it to shine.


This contrast between lush detail and clean aesthetics creates visuals that are engaging but not overwhelming. In 2025, expect to see designs that feel simple at first glance, but reveal layers of rich, textured depth as you take a closer look. It’s like enjoying a fine wine: smooth on the surface, with notes that surprise and delight.


3D and Immersive Visuals: Dive Into Depth


If 2024 was all about dipping our toes into 3D, 2025 is when we dive headfirst into immersive design. Thanks to accessible 3D tools, brands can now create visuals that pull you in, allowing viewers to feel like they’re part of the experience. This isn’t just another way to look cool—it’s a way to engage your audience on a whole new level.

Whether it’s a logo that appears to leap off the page or product visuals that feel touchably real, 3D and immersive visuals are giving brands a new dimension (literally) to work with. In 2025, audiences won’t just see your brand; they’ll feel like they’re stepping right into it. Get ready to go deep with your brand visuals this year.


Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design: Where Green Meets Gorgeous


In 2025, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a must-have. Brands are making an impact by using eco-friendly materials and earthy, grounded color schemes that resonate with environmentally conscious consumers. But sustainable design is about more than just appearances. It’s about creating thoughtful, planet-friendly visuals that align with a brand’s values.


From recyclable packaging to eco-inspired color palettes, sustainable design is as much about what you don’t see as what you do. By choosing eco-friendly options, brands are proving they care about more than just aesthetics; they care about the earth. In 2025, design isn’t just easy on the eyes; it’s easy on the planet, too.


As 2025 unfolds, one thing is clear: design is no longer just about visuals; it’s about experience. It’s about creating memorable moments through type, texture, depth, and values. These trends are redefining branding by pushing brands to go beyond the surface—to connect, engage, and make a statement.


At Hart House Creative, we’re ready to help your brand step into this exciting future of design. Whether it’s a custom font that’s all you, a hyperrealistic texture that pops, or a 3D visual that draws audiences in, let’s make 2025 the year your brand doesn’t just look good—it does good.


Sources:


Everything we share here is meant to be helpful and inspiring. We’re speaking from experience. Please consult a qualified professional to help make decisions. You are responsible for how you choose to use this information, and we are not liable for any loss, damages, or issues that may arise. We can’t be responsible for how things play out, but we’re always rooting for your success!


Credits

Author: Hannah Heine

Editor: Jenn Hart (More About Me)

Associate Editor: Sarah Dawoud

Art: Sharon Bakas

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Updated: 2 days ago


Collage of images with a yellow shirt, notebook, quilts, pillows and books

Your Guide To Homegrown Goods


Shopping locally is a small win for small biz and a big step for the win in our communities (all year long). It can have several significant benefits for business owners in our hometowns, communities, and the economy. And just in case you’re still not convinced of the superiority of this shopping strategy or the need for your Aunt Carol to have a new Ficus or an enamel pin that says “It’s Called a Hoagie,” well here are some compelling reasons to support small, local businesses–


Community Growth: When you shop at small, local businesses, you directly contribute to your community's economic development! These businesses often hire local employees and reinvest a large portion of their earnings back into the local economy. Way to go, Neighbor!


Personalized Service: Small business owners are typically more invested in their customers and can provide a higher level of personalized service. They often know their customers by name and can tailor their offerings to meet local needs and preferences.

Cultural Enrichment: Local businesses, such as independent bookstores, art galleries, and music shops, can contribute to the cultural richness of a community. They often showcase local talent and foster creativity!

Unique Products and Services: Local businesses often offer unique and specialized products or services you may not find in larger chain stores. This can lead to a more diverse and vibrant marketplace.

Ethical and Sustainable Practices: Many small, local businesses prioritize ethical and sustainable practices, such as sourcing products locally, reducing waste, and supporting fair labor practices.

In this gift guide, we feature small businesses from the glowing cities of Las Vegas and Philadelphia.


Check ‘em out! Shout ‘em out! Make it count!

VIVA LAS VEGAS

@Queendom Cultivation - Alternative & Holistic Health Service

Home for our spiritual wellness - Queendom Cultivation set out to bridge the gap by offering natural tools, remedies, and healing practices in one location.

@Eclectically Domestic - Offbeat, funky apparel, and home decor delivered conveniently to your door.

@thewritersblocklv - Explore this independent bookstore in downtown Las Vegas, offering free creative writing classes to grades K–12.

@leparisfrenchbakery - Help yourself to authentic French pastries, breads, and desserts — always freshly baked!



PHILLY LOVE

@The Artistsloft - A store in Conshohocken featuring art by local artists!

@Open House Philly - Your one-stop shop for last-minute gifts and everything Philly!

@South Fellini - Apparel for the Philadelphia Lifestyle - South Fellini specializes in remixing Philadelphia's iconography into fun parodies and colorful mashups. Trov and Zito produce tiny enamel pins, tee shirts in all sizes, 30-foot billboards, and hand-painted murals.


@anovelideaphilly - East Passyunk - A community-minded bookstore, witch shop, & event space. Queer, woman-owned. "This indie bookstore (one of many great lit shops in Philly) is your one-stop shop for discovering local and small press authors and bestsellers at the welcoming East Passyunk location". - Thrillist

@gandrizz - A collection of clever cards, edgy prints, and funky custom projects. G and Rizz create art that is relatable, funny, and inspiring!

@partygirlbakeclub - Go crazy with unexpected flavor combinations and some of the best birthday cakes you've ever seen (or tasted).


@virida.phl - From dried bouquets and vintage goods to housewares, jewelry, and vases, you'll find inspiration over and over at this Philly boutique.

@shopmoonandarrow - Discover handmade accessories, unique apparel and home goods on historic Fabric Row in Philly.


Everything we share here is meant to be helpful and inspiring. We’re speaking from experience. Please consult a qualified professional to help make decisions. You are responsible for how you choose to use this information, and we are not liable for any loss, damages, or issues that may arise. We can’t be responsible for how things play out, but we’re always rooting for your success!


Credits

Author: Kate Frebbiele

Editor: Jenn Hart (More About Me)

Associate Editor: Vicki Goebner

Art: Sharon Bakas


Popular Related Articles

Subscribe to The Squeeze on our little piece of the internet to get design promotions, resources, stories about other creatives, and inspiration for your eyeballs and brainstorms.





Keep creating Hartists! Follow @harthousecreative on Instagram and Linkedin.

 

Three stripes of paint samples on the wall

Unleash The Power Of Surprising Color Choices To Create A Brand That Stands Out In Any Industry.


When it comes to crafting a brand that’s not just memorable but downright unforgettable, color is your secret weapon. The right color palette isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a powerhouse that stirs emotions, tells your brand’s story, and sets you apart in a sea of sameness. Why settle for the usual suspects when you can shake things up?


Step beyond the ordinary and explore unexpected color combinations that turn heads and spark connections. By daring to color outside the lines, you can create visual identities that don’t just stand out—they resonate, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.


Identify Your Industry’s Visual Norms


Every industry has its go-to color palettes. For example, the tech industry often leans on blues and grays to convey trust and innovation, while the food and beverage sector might favor earthy tones or vibrant, appetizing hues. Understanding these norms is crucial because it allows you to identify where you can break away and make a statement.


Ask yourself: What are the typical colors associated with your industry? Which of these colors are overused? By knowing the answers, you can think about introducing fresh, unexpected palettes that align with your brand’s core values.


Explore 3-5 Unexpected Color Palettes


Now, let's get creative. Think about 3-5 unexpected color palettes that could be used within your industry. Consider palettes that may seem unconventional but could evoke the right emotions or narratives you want to associate with your brand.


Here are some examples to get your creative juices flowing:

  1. Tech Industry: Instead of the usual blues, try a palette of warm, rich tones like deep burgundy, mustard yellow, and olive green. This combination can evoke a sense of innovation grounded in warmth and accessibility.


  2. Health and Wellness: Move away from the standard greens and blues. How about a serene palette of soft lavender, dusty pink, and warm taupe? These colors can create a calming, nurturing vibe that appeals to consumers seeking wellness solutions.


  3. Finance: Rather than sticking to the classic blue and gray, consider a bold combination of teal, coral, and charcoal. This palette can convey a modern, forward-thinking approach while maintaining a professional tone.


  4. Retail and Fashion: Ditch the usual monochrome or pastels. Opt for a dynamic mix of electric blue, neon yellow, and charcoal. This combination can inject energy and excitement, perfect for a brand targeting a younger, trend-conscious audience.


  5. Hospitality: Instead of neutral beiges and whites, try a palette of warm terracotta, deep emerald, and gold accents. These colors can evoke a sense of luxury, comfort, and timeless elegance.


Build A Brand Pattern With Your Favorite Palette


Once you've explored these unexpected color palettes, choose your favorite and take it a step further by creating a brand pattern. Patterns are an excellent way to infuse personality into your brand's visual identity. They can be used in various assets, from packaging to digital backgrounds, adding a layer of complexity and uniqueness to your brand.


For instance, if you’ve chosen the deep burgundy, mustard yellow, and olive green palette from the tech industry example, you could create a geometric pattern that plays with different shapes and proportions of these colors. This pattern could then be applied across your brand’s assets—on your website, social media headers, business cards, and more—tying everything together in a cohesive and visually striking way.


Implement And Experiment


The beauty of exploring unexpected color palettes and patterns is that it allows your brand to experiment and evolve. Implement these new designs across your visual assets and see how your audience responds. Don’t be afraid to tweak and adjust as needed—branding is an ongoing process of refinement.


By thinking creatively and stepping outside the traditional color norms of your industry, you can create a visual identity that truly stands out. Whether you’re rebranding or starting fresh, these unexpected palettes and patterns could be the key to making your brand unforgettable.


Remember, the goal is to create a brand that resonates with your target audience while also differentiating itself in the marketplace. Color is a crucial part of that equation, so don't shy away from the unexpected. By embracing bold, unconventional choices, you can craft a brand identity that not only captures attention but also tells your brand’s unique story.


Everything we share here is meant to be helpful and inspiring. We’re speaking from experience. Please consult a qualified professional to help make decisions. You are responsible for how you choose to use this information, and we are not liable for any loss, damages, or issues that may arise. We can’t be responsible for how things play out, but we’re always rooting for your success!


Credits

Author: Hannah Heine

Editor: Jenn Hart (More About Me)

Associate Editor: Sarah Dawoud

Art: Christie Culliton

Popular Related Articles


Subscribe to The Squeeze on our little piece of the internet to get design promotions, resources, stories about other creatives, and inspiration for your eyeballs and brainstorms.





Keep creating Hartists! Follow @harthousecreative on Instagram and Linkedin.

 
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Hart House Creative, its employees, partners, The Squeeze, and guest writers make no guarantees for results. Methods and marketing suggestions are based on prior knowledge and intended to inspire business owners and other creatives. Every person has different goals. None will be held liable for any negative results achieved from implementing suggestions from our website.

 

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