Ideas to Ponder – June 2025 Edition

Interesting and inspirational content worth sharing.

For the past 25 years, Interbrand (big branding agency in case you don’t know) has been conducting a massive ranking report for the Best Global Brands. It is always interesting, especially as it is based on more than just opinion, prioritizes the business advantage of a strong brand, and has extensive data and insights behind it. Check out their 2024 report.

Offbeat brand collabs can drive buzz and engagement — when they make sense. But not every weird mashup is strategic. Some just chase clicks with no lasting impact. This article from Eater dives into the rise of food collabs that blur the line between clever and cringe. Are they bold moves or brand drift?

Brand moves don’t happen in a vacuum. Broader design trends shape how bold or bizarre a campaign feels. If everyone’s zigging, your zag might hit differently — or miss entirely. This Design Week piece on “fun fatigue” explores whether branding is swinging back toward formality. Worth a read.