Facebook's controversial Meta logo looks even weirder in 3D

It's been less than a week since Facebook rebranded itself as Meta and introduced users to its metaverse-orientated plans. Although the 2D Meta logo might be growing on us, the 3D version is not what we expected at all. 

Meta has released an article that explains the new design in more detail, from the name to the colour palette. It turns out the logo, featuring an artsy M shape (for Meta) is jam-packed with design treats for us creatives to enjoy. Using a number of fancy gifs, Meta demonstrates the versatility of the design and some of the hidden features in the logo that you may have missed at first glance. If you fancy designing your own logo, then make sure you check out our article on the 15 golden rules of logo design. 

Meta explains in an article on its website that the logo "was designed to dynamically live in the metaverse — where you can move through it and around it." In a gif made by Meta, viewers are shown around a VR version of the logo, revealing that the shape is actually 3D. The clever design works as a 3D shape that can be explored in VR, as well as on 2D platforms like print. 

We're a little surprised by the 3D design, and it reminds us of the unnerving view of the PlayStation logo from behind. In 2D, the shape doubles up as an M for meta, as well as an infinity symbol, which Meta says symbolises "the infinite horizons in the metaverse." But viewed from the side, it's just, kind of, a blob.

Meta explains that the logo can "take on infinite textures, colours and movement, capturing the creativity and imagination of a 3D world." which suggests it's opening its doors to a whole new world of creative collaboration, which could lead to a number of new 3D and VR opportunities for creatives. Meta also points out that the blue gradient colours used in the logo take inspiration from its core products (I.E. Facebook) which it explains is "connecting our future to our company’s origins."

We know what you're thinking, but why 'Meta'? Apparently, Zuckerberg and co. chose Meta as a name because it can mean 'beyond'. Meta explains that "This next chapter is a future made by all of us that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today — beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance and even physics." We can appreciate Meta's attempt at making its new name sound as inspirational as possible, but we can't help but think that technology "beyond the constraints of screens" sounds fairly terrifying. 

For days now, the design has been ridiculed by the internet in a hilarious fashion, and despite Meta's best efforts to explain the new design, people aren't warming to the rebrand. Over on Twitter, someone said the design reminded them of "droopy dog eyes," another user said that it looks like a bra, and now we can't unsee it.

It's early days for Meta, but we are hoping that it will create new and exciting opportunities and collaborations, especially for 3D and VR artists. If you fancy having a go at creating your own 3D art, then why not check out our guide on how to create a realistic 3D sculpture. 

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