We’re in the process of testing and fixing bugs, so please keep it to yourself for now. If you have any feedback or comments, we would be over the moon to hear them!
Rebranding is always a challenge, but rebranding a product that has been downloaded more than 200 million times elevates the responsibilities to an entirely new level.
Users are often skeptical when it comes to a free service, especially in the telecommunication sector filled with wireless operators charging high prices for each service they offer; hence, the rebranded version of TextNow had to be the one people trust as soon as they lay their eyes on. The original "playful" version of the TextNow brand, with an accent on the original logo that was considered somewhat "childish", was often perceived as more suitable for the younger generation and not as trustworthy-looking as it could be.
The name "TextNow" is associated with an app that provides the opportunity to communicate exclusively through text messages (which was the initial purpose that, over the years, evolved into a full in-app phone service).
Competitors, both classic wireless carriers and apps with a purpose similar to TextNow's, follow the same pattern of using a chat cloud (bubble) and/or a phone receiver as a part of their identity. That pattern is also something that users got used to and, in addition, the original TextNow thumbnail already had the shape mentioned.
As a result, those apps were looking indistinguishable and almost identical, with the difference of using either blue or green color. Merging these two motifs into one logomark/icon was, despite the market being oversaturated with similarly shaped ones, soon to be proven as the right move since that new logomark/icon was still unique and easily recognizable.
The vast majority of users who tested the new icon stated that, even though the name of the app is TextNow, thanks to the changes in the logo and the addition of a phone receiver, they were aware that with this app they can not only text but also make a phone call.
OSX dock icon
SIM card
about.textnow.com
Mobile first blog
Partner Interstitial Ad
Seen on apple.com
That illustration style we chose for the merch ended up as a step in the right direction, even for the illustrations used externally - public use and promotion of TextNow as a brand. Tests showed that these illustrations are distinctive and easily recognizable, reflecting the value of TextNow as a product.
We are finding that a huge success, especially nowadayswhen the majority of products use illustrations as a primary way of communication with their users, making it even more challenging to distinguish one brand from another nd not make yet another generic illustration set.
But we didn't just stop at illustrations. We breathed life into many of them through animation. Animated assets had different purposes, from video ads to Lottie animations implemented in the application.
In addition to design direction, we actively participated in creative writing. Other than the examples available above, we are particularly proud of the "Dumb phones became smart a long time ago, it is time to make phone numbers smart too" phrase, which through several iterations became "Phone smarter" - one that is in use today.
Founded in 2009 by two university students looking to save money on their phone bills, TextNow has been putting free phone service technology into the hands of customers for over a decade.
250M downloads and counting, with a rating of 4.8
Pudding delivered a brand identity for textnow in 2018. The same logomark is still present, and widely recognizable.
Identity and product design for this AI-powered marketing and advertising tool.
Brand identity and product design services for the Bassivity Group.
Complete app overhaul to support new business opportunities.
Even though we might collaborate remotely, the time zone difference should not be a concern as we are available for calls at any time. If a face-to-face meeting is required, we can travel, but we would also be delighted to welcome you to our studio.
Even though we might collaborate remotely, the time zone difference should not be a concern as we are available for calls at any time. If a face-to-face meeting is required, we can travel, but we would also be delighted to welcome you to our studio.
"Pudding anyone? No, not the treat. The treat of a website that Pudding created for their studio featuring bright eye-catching animations and crisp design."
"We can't take our eyes off Pudding Studio’s website! From Lottie animations of side-eyes to surprised looks, Pudding Studio's animations are a whole vibe!"
"Cannot get enough of this mega scrolling One Page portfolio for Pudding Studio. I’ve raved about members personal sites in the past, so it’s wonderful to see a new studio site for their shared clients."
Honorable Mention - Sep 24, 2024
Honorable Mention - Nov 10, 2023
