August 2024 Recap: What You’ve Missed in Marketing, Brand, and Web

As we transition from the summer months, August 2024 has been a time of change and noteworthy developments in the realms of marketing, branding, and web.

Companies have been rolling out innovative rebrands, launching collaborations, and adapting to new advertising regulations. Here’s a comprehensive look at the key updates you might have missed.

Canva’s Rebrand: A Decade in the Making

August saw Canva, the go-to graphic design platform for millions, unveiling its most significant rebrand in its 10-year history.

What makes this refresh particularly intriguing is that Canva used its own suite of tools to carry out the rebrand. This move not only showcases the platform’s capabilities but also reinforces its mission to change the world of design.

The updated brand identity embraces new creativity and productivity tools – which is vital in today’s visually driven world. According to Cat van der Werff, Canva’s Executive Creative Director, the redesign is more of an evolution than a revolution.

It enhances familiar visual elements like its gradient logo and bespoke typeface while introducing a visual system that mirrors the Canva user experience. This system includes features like interactive cursors and custom emojis, bringing a human touch to the platform.

This brand refresh, dubbed the “glow-up,” is part of Canva’s broader strategy to empower users and organisations to thrive creatively in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

With over 190 million monthly active users, Canva’s rebrand sets the stage for its next chapter, starting with a US campaign debuting in September.

Lick x M.A.C Collaboration: An Unexpected Duo

In celebration of M.A.C’s 40^th anniversary, Lick partnered with the iconic cosmetics brand to launch a new paint colour: M.A.C Black 40. This rich, matte jet-black paint is versatile enough to fit any style, from minimalist to maximalist – and can add a bold statement to any home.

Each tin of M.A.C Black 40 comes with an exclusive M.A.Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in the shade Caviar, merging style with home décor.

The collaboration between Lick and M.A.C is a perfect example of how brand partnerships can create unique products that resonate with consumers on multiple levels.

Envato Rebrands: Igniting the ‘Creative Spark’

Another significant rebrand this month came from Envato, the creative subscription platform beloved by millions.

Since its inception in 2006 – Envato has grown from a small start-up to a global hub for creatives. This evolution called for a refreshed brand identity that better reflects the passion and creativity of its community.

Envato’s new logo, inspired by the humble marker pen, symbolises the spark of creativity that the platform aims to ignite in every user. The rebrand also features a vibrant colour palette, including a bolder, brighter shade of green, and introduces a sonic identity crafted to resonate with the brand’s dynamic and authentic spirit.

The rebrand was a collaborative effort involving Envato’s in-house creative teams and external contributors – highlighting the platform’s commitment to community-driven creativity.

With this new look, Envato is poised to continue empowering creatives to push boundaries and produce high-quality designs.

Back Market’s Visual Identity Refurb

Back Market, the global marketplace for refurbished tech, also rolled out a new visual identity in August. This rebrand is not just about aesthetics; it’s about communicating the company’s mission to make tech more affordable and sustainable.

The new identity emphasises circularity – a core value of the brand.

The refreshed logo and graphics use a revolving arrow to symbolise revival and recycling – aligning with Back Market’s commitment to reducing electronic waste.

A new colour palette and typography were also introduced, combining vibrancy with approachability. The motion design system, inspired by the circular economy, further reinforces Back Market’s role as a challenger to the tech industry’s status quo.

This rebrand is a significant step forward for Back Market as it continues to promote eco-friendly tech solutions while challenging the dominance of big tech.

TikTok’s New Alcohol Advertising Policies: A Commitment to Responsible Marketing

Finally, TikTok introduced new advertising policies for alcohol in August 2024.

These policies are designed to ensure that alcohol promotion on the platform is both safe and responsible – adhering to local laws and regulations.

Advertisers are now required to include disclaimers about responsible drinking and ensure that their content does not appeal to individuals below the legal drinking age or feature irresponsible behaviour.

This update underscores TikTok’s commitment to protecting its user base while allowing brands to connect with their audience in a regulated and thoughtful manner.

Final Thoughts

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, brands are increasingly recognising the need to stay relevant and resonate with their audiences.

The rebrands and refreshes we’ve seen this August reflect a broader trend where companies are not just updating their aesthetics but realigning their brand identities with evolving market expectations, consumer behaviours, and industry standards.

Rebranding is no longer just about changing a logo or colour scheme – it’s about telling a more compelling story, creating a more engaging user experience, and embodying a brand’s core values in every touchpoint.

As businesses face increased competition and higher consumer expectations, a rebrand can be a powerful tool to differentiate, connect on a deeper level, and pave the way for future growth.

If your brand is looking to refresh its identity or embark on a full-scale rebrand, now is the perfect time to act. Whether you need a complete overhaul or just a subtle update, a well-executed rebrand can help you stand out in a crowded market, attract new customers, and strengthen your connection with existing ones.

Ready to make your mark? Get in touch with us today to explore how we can help you elevate your brand to the next level.