Why So Many Brands Look the Same Right Now
Open Instagram or scroll through a few websites, and you’ll start to notice something: many brands are beginning to look surprisingly similar. Very little stands out. So many designs are using trendy fonts and similar motifs and color palettes. Let’s face it, AI-powered design tools have made it easier than ever to launch a business with a logo, website, and brand kit in a matter of hours. The challenge comes when everyone starts from the same place.
The Rise of “Good Enough”
Branding Today’s AI tools are trained on millions of existing brands. As a result, they tend to generate solutions that are pirated from other designers. The result: brands that feel familiar, safe, and widely acceptable. So, you might get a brand that looks polished, but it lacks any distinction.
You might see:
- Similar logo styles
- Nearly identical color palettes
- Generic stock photography
- Messaging that could apply to almost anyone
Why Standing Out Matters More Than Ever
When everyone has access to the same tools, your competitive advantage shifts. It’s no longer enough to look professional. You need to look recognizable. The brands people remember usually have something that feels uniquely theirs:
- A distinctive visual style
- Custom illustrations or graphics
- A strong point of view
- A personality that shines through every touchpoint
That’s why the hand-drawn elements that I created in Christopher Gengo’s logo helps it to standout. I went through my entire branding process with Chris in order to come up with a solution unique to his brand.
The Human Element Is Becoming More Valuable
Ironically, the easier it becomes to generate branding, the more valuable human creativity becomes. Hand-drawn illustrations, custom patterns, unique typography, thoughtful storytelling, and strategic brand decisions are often what separate a memorable brand from one that blends into the background. These custom touches don’t come from entering a prompt. Instead, learning and understanding a business, its audience, and what makes it different allows the development of a true custom brand.
Looking Beyond the Logo
A strong brand isn’t just a logo. It’s the complete experience someone has when interacting with your business. The most successful brands use design to communicate who they are, what they value, and why they’re different. As more businesses embrace AI-generated branding, going in the other direction to create a sense of uniqueness may become one of the most important investments a business can make. Another caveat I keep seeing: AI-generated images are not print-ready, meaning they don’t have the correct resolution for resizing graphics. Logos in particular need to be vector-based so that they can be resized properly. I explained the importance of a vector file in a recent blog post. https://www.ellenmorseoriginals.com/vector-vs-vector/
Now What?
If your brand feels polished but not particularly memorable, it may be time to look beyond templates and trends. I help businesses create brands that reflect their personality, connect with their audience, and stand out in a crowded marketplace. Let’s talk.
Book here: https://calendly.com/ellenmorse/30min)