The Use of Patterns of Nature in Creative Logo Design

 The method of distilling general information into a particular communication offers value for the audience. When you develop your understanding of the universal meanings of the fundamental patterns of nature, you can efficiently integrate them as simple strategies for effective logo design.

This article will discuss about the various ways to create a good logo, through exploring how nature’s universal language of pattern supports the designer to create meaningful logos that express the client strongly and pertinently over long term branding.

The Connection between Design and Natural Patterns

Natural patterns build relationships between apparently unrelated, dynamically opposed or invisible forces or everything that induces good communication. A designer’s knowledge of this can be carried into the planning of the genetic material of a logo to unite universal relationships, giving the icon a wider reach. Spontaneous sensing is free of cultural relations and the hindrances of language as it uses imprints much older than civilization. It is a direct way to establishing an association with your audience.

Understanding of how patterns work in nature assists a logo maker in choosing the most appropriate visual elements to depict a client’s unique qualities while using easily implicit, universal concepts simultaneously. When the audience’s initial glimpse is linked with relevant visual information, an intense opportunity to get into the details of the communication is establish.

Essential natural patterns blend in ways that are efficient and stable enough to be realistic within the three-dimensional space limits. These basic patterns lie behind processes that are all-encompassing from micro- to macro-scales all through the universe. As movement is the elementary principle of life, we will start there.

The Branching Pattern in a Logo

The logo for ISTEC (Ibero-American Science and Technology Education Consortium) has multiple technological as well as cultural references that instantly provide information about the organization. The branching pattern’s underlying template instinctively suggests movement to illustrate the process of exchange, an apt metaphor for a tech-transfer business which moves the energy of modern technology all over the place. The logo’s overall square shape further substantiates the client as reliable and stable, a significant consideration when establishing cross-cultural relationships and representing new technologies.

The Meander Pattern in a Logo

The designer’s method shows the abstract development of combining the island chain with the dazzling flora characteristic of a Caribbean destination as apposite visual cues for this icon.

At first glimpse, the logo may not look like a meander, but assume a bit deeper, as in below the surface. Island chains are linked below the ocean’s surface (in the conceptual drafts, the designer also took reference from maps). The random shapes, bright colours and underlying meander pattern all support and fit the idea of a fun-filled, relaxing tropical vacation.

The Helix and Spiral in Logo

The helix and spiral have similar shapes but different purposes, much like the branching and meander patterns. A diameter of helix never contracts or expands but remains a unvarying distance from its centre, allowing it to stand up to formidable forces or penetrate substantial structures. On the other hand, the spiral follows an ever-expanding path in a geometric development of self-similar curves. Each has specific yet related purposes.

In the logo of Valle Encantado, a spiral and helix were both included. Valle Encantado is a small farming group that cultivates food for their communities. The helical tendril twisting up the handle of the spade characterizes the handle and represents the strong work of digging as well as growing, while the logarithmically developing spiral points to the resourcefulness of producing food to sustain the community. Other graphical elements in the forms of metaphors, symbols and the power of intuition are used in the design to address the client more specifically.

Thus, integrating patterns in logos reinforces the message appropriately at every level — starting with the first glance, which queues intuition and interest of the audience. Combined with successful metaphors and effective symbolism, pattern templates offer more communicative profundity to your logo. The use basic geometric configurations in illustrative logo design another sound design strategy.