The new North Carolina logo was named the worst logo redesign of 2015.

In September of 2015, the North Carolina Department of Commerce unveiled the new logo.

Governor Pat McCrory’s administration used $1.5 million to fund a branding effort for the state, which included the new North Carolina logo.  “In an increasingly competitive environment, it’s crucial for North Carolina to articulate at a glance all we have to offer,” said North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory. “The new look and messaging are reflective of the people and the assets that make this state such an inspiring place to live, work and play. North Carolina has great momentum and will be even stronger with support of a brand that pulls everything together.”

But, Brand New, which chronicles and critiques brand identity work by corporations and other entities, named the new North Carolina logo the “Worst of 2015.”  On the logo, Brand New explains, “Not a single element in this logo is right, in concept or execution. It’s like they picked elements from a hat and then five different people were responsible for executing each element and then they put them all together and then issued a press release.”

Brand New adds, “the concept is weak. The execution is deplorable.”

Other logos that made the list included one from the NBA’s Washington Wizards, outdoor retailer REI, and CareerBuilder.com.  Another state’s branding efforts also landed on the list. A new logo for Ohio’s tourism department was slotted at No. 7.

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