Ever come across a logo that you have seen a million times, but one day you notice a small detail that blows you away? If you haven’t, the following 26 logos will be quite interesting. These logos are well known, so you may have seen them, but today we’ll focus on the hidden messages within each of them.

1.  FedEx

This logo has been around for over a decade and I am very familiar with it as well as the company’s services. However, I never saw the hidden arrow within the logo. Take a close look between the E and X. See it? This arrow (in the negative space) represents precision, speed and accuracy.

2.  Toblerone

Do you know where Toblerone chocolate is created? The company is located in Bern, Switzerland which is also known as the City of Bears. The mountain in the Toblerone logo embodies the City of Bears by incorporating a bear in it. Have you found the bear?

3.  NBC

Ever notice the peacock image in the NBC logo? The most recent logo makes it hard to spot, in older versions the peacock was more visible. The peacock faces towards the right, symbolizing the company’s motto to look forward.

4.  Baskin Robbins

Their slogan, 31 Flavors of Fun, made them a commercial success, as did their logo. The number 31 is significant because Baskin Robins carries 31 flavors of ice cream. If you look close, you can see the number 31 placed between the letters.

5.  Goodwill

This one is easier to spot. The letter G in the logo is also a smiley face. It was the company’s way of showing a gesture of…should we say, goodwill?

6.  Nike

Did you know Nike’s logo has a hidden message? Not many do! The famous swoosh used by the company represents one of the wings of ‘Nike,’ the Greek goddess of victory. Interesting, huh?

7.  Hope for African Children Initiative

This logo looks like a map of Africa but after a closer look you will see two people (a child and an older person) facing each other.

8.  Big Ten Conference

Currently there are 12 schools in the Big 10, but at one time there were 11. So, in the logo the company decided to include the number “11” in a subtle way. Since the growth of the Big Ten Conference, the company was not keen on change their cherished logo so the number 11 remains.

9.  Pakuy

Pakuy is a packaging company with a logo that is simple and clever. The logo looks like the letter P, standing for the company name, while it also looks like an unfolding box. It’s a great way to represent the company and its services.

10.  Hershey’s Kisses

I love this one because the symbolism is hard to find and many people often too busy devouring the chocolate, instead of noticing it. Before you dive into the bag, take a look between the letters K and I. You’ll be surprised to find a hidden Hershy’s kiss there!

11.  Yoga Australia

In this logo, you will notice that the image is of a woman in a yoga pose which also makes the shape of Australia. It’s hidden between her arm and leg.

12.  Apple

Who isn’t familiar with this logo! It is the image of an apple that has been bitten. Simple and straight forward. But the symbolism people relate to this logo is perhaps not as simple. There are quite a few theories regarding the symbolism of the logo.

The current Apple logo is a modern and evolved version. The very first Apple logo had the image of Sir Issac Newton sitting under an apple tree while the second logo (rainbow Apple) was derived from Newton’s prism work. Some people like to believe that the logo indirectly symbolizes the forbidden fruit of Adam and Eve, depicting lust and knowledge. Well not literally perhaps, but Apple products are (sinfully) addictive hence the symbolism feels right, to me at least A few people even believe that the bite in the logo refers to the computing term 8 bytes or binary knowledge. Although designer, Rob Janoff disagrees with these theories.

So, what do you think? Which of these theories would you root for?

13.  Sony Vaio

At first, I had no idea about the hidden meaning in this logo. The curvy V and A actually indicate an analog wave or a signal. The I and O represent the binary digits 1 and 0. Very unique, creative fitting for this type of company!

14.  Milwaukee Brewers

Are you a baseball fan? If so, then you may recognize this logo. The Milwaukee Brewers logo is shaped like a baseball glove holding a baseball. But look closely, do you see the B and M?

15.  Atlanta Falcons

Let’s talk sports again. The logo of the Atlanta Falcons is easily recognizable. The beak and claw of the falcon are reaching out; can you see what it creates?  The letter F.

16.  Amazon.com

Most people have used Amazon.com. The logo is very self-explanatory. The text spells out the company name, but the arrow under the A and Z is quite interesting. Its Amazon’s way of saying they carry everything from “A to Z.”

17.  Sun Microsystems

Before they got taken over by Oracle, this was their logo. The design is a very unique way of displaying the letters that spell out their name, S-U-N. No matter which way you are looking at the logo, you can read the word SUN. This was stunning work done by Vaughan Pratt.

18.  Northwest Airlines

This is the older Northwest Airlines logo, but it deserves a mention. The letter N is visible can you see the W? And that’s not all. Look even closer, can you see the compass? Which direction is it pointing in?

19.  LG

A masterpiece of creativity, this logo depicts the letters L and G easily. The L and G seem to make a face, almost with a winking eye. But, if you take the design a bit further by tilting little to the right and align the L with the edges you’ll see a PacMan!

20.  Washington State University

This is one of my favorite logos and my favorite school. WSU really did a great job with their logo, representing the university mascot and the 3 letters that define the university. Can you find the letters?

21.  ED

The Italian electric company used went about their logo in a very unique way. An electric socket is used to represent the company and its services. The socket represents providing electricity, as well as forming the letters E and D.

22.  Tour de France

Tour de France is all about bicycling. Can you spot the cyclist in the logo?

23.  Pittsburg Zoo

Zoo logos tend to have a common theme, featured animals. The Pittsburg Zoo’s isn’t much different. If you look carefully at the white space under the tree, you can see a lion and gorilla. This is one of my favorite logos; its creativity never ceases to amaze me!

24.  Mammoth

I’m a huge fan of the movie Ice-Age so when I saw this logo from the California based ski resort, it instantly made a connection. They created the letter M with a piece of animal imagery (Mammoth tusks-do you see them?), it’s really creative!

25.  London Orchestra

There’s another beautifully concealed image here! The most amazing orchestra conductors have performed with the London Orchestra. Can you see the conductor in the logo? The L and O make up the arms of the conductor while the links between the two letters create the head.

26.  Unilever

I saved the most intricate for the last! The Unilever logo is composed of 26 different icons, each representing one of their products and services. An example of one would be a palm tree which represents nature and products that have coconuts, dates, palm oil etc. (Unilever logo explained)

Some logos are truly amazing and creative because of the innovation involved in their creation. These creative logos provide a company with a great branding option and they can tickle our imagination when we make the connection between the company and its brand.

Symbolism is a standard design features that will set an extraordinary logo apart from an ordinary one. They say actions speak louder than words, but when it comes to logos, symbolism speaks volumes.

Today we’ll go over a few symbols, decipher their meaning and see how they were made into a commercial success. We will talk about how symbolism helps a logo stand out as it is an integral component of many famous logo designs.

Distinction Between Symbols & Symbolism

Many people make the mistake of thinking a symbol is the logo itself; that’s not always correct. In fact, a logo is actually a collection of symbols merged together to form a graphic shape. This shape then becomes the symbol for a company (or what it’s representing). You can see how this may be easily confused.

Symbols Impact Humans Visually

The human mind is curious by nature. Our history is full of ancient symbols that we have spent decades deciphering in order to understand the message behind it. Using symbols in a logo design has a similar effect. It invokes the need to determine what the logo symbolizes and stands for.

Utilizing Symbols In Logo Design

A symbol can be anything, but a good symbol will be easily associated with a specific company. The meaning of the symbol will also be easily conveyed. Animals are a great example of symbols within logos.

Take the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) logo for instance. The organization uses the image of a panda to stand for its message of peace and preserving life. People can easily look at the logo and understand the relation of the company to animal welfare. A panda, being a loving and rare animal, also gives the feel of welfare and safety. In the same way, objects can be used in logos to convey a theme and a message. Another example of this is the table lamp in the Pixar logo.

The Target logo utilizes the symbol of a target, including the bulls-eye.  The symbol represents a variety of things including precision, aim, goal and win.

Most are familiar with Nike’s logo. Even without the text, the swoosh alone is instantly recognized. The swoosh design has many meanings such as accuracy and speed. The most important meaning being ‘right’ or ‘correct’ as in the right choice, or the right way.

Apple’s logo is another great example of symbolism in logo design. Today this logo symbolizes sleek and innovative Apple products. The apple is a slightly controversial symbol. Many associate it with Newton’s Apple, the forbidden fruit from the ‘Garden of Eden’ or the fruit from the tree of knowledge and so on. Some may see Apple’s logo in a different light, but in the end it stands for knowledge.

The E!TV logo is one of my favorites. It is so simple and unique and its symbolism speaks volumes. The logo is a simple exclamation point and can be taken in a literal sense. Symbolizing excitement, importance and urgency of the news the channel spreads. Gossip and celebrity news tends to be exciting, don’t you think? 

Final Word

To get a better understanding of symbols, graphic designers should browse through brand logos that are internationally recognized. Understanding the client’s niche and industry is also a very vital component of logo design. It can help you create a symbol that the audience can relate to. Symbols are one of the most dynamic tools available to logo designers today. They should be used to create a brand identity for a company, since they go a long way in capturing a target audience with their depth, message and theme.

The 2012 Summer Olympics are just around the corner. London, the only city in the United Kingdom to have ever hosted the Olympics, will soon become the only city in the world to have hosted the modern Games of three Olympiads.

As the world eagerly anticipates the event and what the future beholds for participating Olympians, one must also appreciate and acknowledge the history of this event. Olympic logos are extremely popular and one of the most anticipated pre-Olympic events that people the world over look forward to. Every Olympic event is associated with its very own logo. Today we will look back into the past at some of the most elegant summer Olympic logos created over the last decade.

Barcelona Olympics 1992

I was only a teenager when the Barcelona Olympics were taking place. This was a very special event for basketball fans. It led to the creation of the ‘Dream Team’ from the United States, which sported their best players from around the country. This logo was my first introduction to the 5 Olympic rings and the first time I learned about Barcelona.

Atlanta Olympics 1996

Atlanta trumped Canada to win the bid to host the 1996 Summer Olympics, marking 100 years for the event. The 1996 Summer Olympic logo bears the number 100 to mark the occasion, as well as the lit torch to commemorate the torch lighting ceremony performed at the beginning of all Olympic Games. “Summon the Heroes” was the official theme for this Olympiad.

Sydney Olympics 2000

Personally, this is my favorite logo. I find it very appealing. The logo keeps up with the tradition of the 5 rings, customary with all Olympic logos. It uses a stylish font and if you look carefully, you can also see the image of a running athlete.

Athens Olympics 2004

The Olympics returned to Greece in 2004 and immediately one of the niftiest of the summer Olympic logos was created. The image in the logo is that of a laurel wreath crown (traditionally a gold-leafed crown) originally worn by King Phillip, the father of Alexander the Great. It was a great way to commemorate the event and an elegant mix of style and history.

Beijing Olympics 2008

China hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008 and like their predecessors; they too had a superb event. The logo is an emblem of the traditional Chinese seal, representing the spirit of the games through the union of the image of an athlete and the Chinese calligraphy style font. This makes it one of the most unique logos.

London Olympics 2012

I have to confess, this is my least favorite logo of the lot and it has made it to my list of logo disasters. In fact, I was in utter disbelief when I first saw it. While the designer tried using the number 2012 in a creative way, I find the logo lacking on many levels. The color scheme is poor, the font unattractive and the style is unappealing. It is certainly not one of my favorite Olympic logos.

There’s a very popular saying that goes, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it!” Apparently, the company’s logo designs that we will be discussing today didn’t think much of this old motto. These companies have a massive global fan base and people have grown to love their logos over the years. The re-designed logos of these companies faced criticism. Through today’s post we show new designers the mistakes that made these logos a failure, in hope that they can learn important lessons from these design mistakes.

1. The Pepsi Logo – Never Make the Best Better

This is the mistake Pepsi made with their logo’s re-design. They tried to change make an excellent design better, but it did not have a better impact. People loved the company’s old logo design for decades. It was considered as one of the coolest logo designs because it was chic, timeless and meant for the young generation.

The “new” logo design of Pepsi has earned the company some harsh criticism and has listed them the leader in failed logo designs. Why? It distorts the essence of the company! People no longer consider it chic and trendy, at times calling it a bad representation of a fat man or a rude smirk. If Pepsi was going for a ‘new and trendy’ look with this re-design, they sure missed it by a mile.

2. Kraft Foods Logo – Too Crafty!

I remember falling in love with Kraft’s cheese as a kid. The packaging and bold logo made the cheese stand out from the rest of the products and attracted me every time I went to the grocery store, even when I couldn’t spell.   ;-)

Because of its simplicity, Kraft’s old logo design was popular for decades. It created a strong impact and was easily recognizable among the competitive products. The bold text and color combination made the brand appealing and special, which is what Kraft Foods is all about.

The other day, I came across a listing of some innovative names in the music industry. From The Beatles to Bon Jovi, each of them has millions of fans worldwide who adore their music and looked up to them for inspiration.

While going through the list, it suddenly struck me to check if any of the famous musicians ever thought of personalizing their logo. My research found an impressive collection of unforgettable band logo designs of the world’s leading musical groups. Take a look and enjoy the collection!

1. The Beatles

Founded in the 1960s, The Beatles ruled the charts for decades with a billion records sold worldwide. They were perhaps one of the most successful bands of the 20^th century.

About the Beatles’ Logo

Their logo is a legendary icon in the music industry and was designed by Arbiter, a drummer and saxophone repairer. The “drop T” of the logo is the one element that makes the logo stand out, giving it a completely unique look. Taking a closer look, you can see the word “Beat” formed between B and T. Signifying a musical beat, this is why the two letters are emphasized on strongly. The choice of black color shows supremacy and power.

2. Bon Jovi

Named after its lead singer, Bon Jovi is a well loved American rock band. They are known globally for their outstanding songs. Formed in 1983 in New Jersey, the band achieved fame and recognition with their third album “Slippery When Wet” in 1986. One of their most popular song is “It’s my Life.”

About Bon Jovi’s Logo

The Bon Jovi logo design is a classic and timeless piece that holds a rock star element. Though there is no authentic information available about the logo and its meaning, the images of dagger in the heart represents pain while in love. Typically romantic, it highlights sensitivity which is true for all artists. The logo design also has a gothic element that makes it a more appealing symbol for a rock band.

3. Guns ‘n Roses

Another American band, Guns ‘n Roses, was formed in 1985 in Hollywood, California. The band has sold more than a 100 million records worldwide and has the highest selling debut album produced in the US. Guns ‘n Roses is known for their heart wrenching love songs in their wild and punk style.

About Guns ‘n Roses’ Logo

The Guns ‘n Roses logo was the result of a creative stroke of Steven, one of the band members. Inspired by a picture of a classic revolver, he drew two revolvers side by side with their handles interlocked and bound by two roses. The logo is a clear portrayal of the band’s intense nature and a combination of extreme emotions.

4. Metallica

The heavy metal band, Metallica, was formed in 1981 in California. It came to be one of the most successful metal rock bands in the music industry. They sold over 100 million albums worldwide; one of their most famous albums was “Master of Puppets” released in 1986.

About Metallica’s Logo

Metallica has a simple logo that defines their brand quite accurately. The M and the A are spiked which represents the sharp and jagged quality of their music. Most bands prefer keeping a black and white or gray color theme for their logo. Overall it has a rather simple yet raw look to it and has become a widely recognized band logo.

5. Aerosmith

Formed in Boston, Aerosmith is one of the most cherished rock bands of all time. Aerosmith has reached amazing accomplishments including 150 million albums sold worldwide, winners of four Grammy Awards and ten MTV Video Music Awards. Aerosmith was even honored in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

About Aerosmith’s Logo

The Aerosmith logo is a little complicated if we consider design rules. However, being a band’s visual identity it has a distinctive aura of rock and roll. The wings signify freedom and wild music which is the central theme of Aerosmith’s musical creations. The band’s name is stated in psychedelic art. Throughout time their logo also a preferred tattoo choice by many.

There are many other great names that can be included in this list, but this is all for today. We will bring you more music logo designs in the future.  Let us know what you thought of today’s post!

Have you ever wondered who is behind the FedEx logo design? What about Apple or the famous Google logo? Being in the logo design industry, it’s important for designers to know a bit of history too. So today’s post will be kind of a history lesson.

Here’s a look at the top five iconic logo designers who have given the world not just logos but brand identities.

1. Google Logo Design by Ruth Kedar

Google’s logo is not just a logo; it’s a representation of their impact across the Internet. It was designed by Ruth Kedar, a student of architecture from Israel. Later she received a Masters Degree in design from Stanford University.

Though Ruth designed the Google logo design in later life, her earlier association had been with Adobe Systems. She is also known for designing the award winning Analog Deck and Duolog Deck, a promotional deck of playing cards. Being a recipient of a number of design awards, her art work is an inspiration for designers worldwide.

2. Nike Logo Design by Carolyn Davidson

Another woman to has designed one of the most popular logos in the world is Caroyln Davidson. Nike, the company known more by its swish mark image rather than by its name, is the leading sports accessories manufacturer.

Carolyn designed the brand’s image in 1971, while she was still a student at Portland State University. She worked with the company until 1983 and retired from her professional life in 2000.

3. FedEx Logo Design by Lindon Leader

Lindon Leader of Landor Associates designed the famous FedEx brand image, which is considered as one of the top 8 best logos made during the past 4 decades. Designed in 1994, it has won numerous awards for its simple and yet effective image.

The hidden message embedded in the FedEx logo is one of the factors making it a model piece of art for logo designers.  If you observe carefully, you’ll see a small arrow between the E and X! This indicates the fast and efficient delivery system for which the company is known for in the industry.

4. Apple Logo Design by Rob Janoff

Apple needs no introduction. Created in 1976 by Silicon Valley art director Rob Janoff, the logo design became popular immediately. Ever since then it has been the official representative of Apple. Rob has also worked with IBM and Intel, but of course his most honorable work is this tempting apple!

The idea behind the image is man and temptation. The bite on it is inspired from the Biblical story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden apple. No doubt about it, Apple products sure are tempting!

5.  IBM Logo Design by Paul Rand

Paul Rand is not only known for his famous IBM logo, but also for many other graphic works that he has done. He is considered the world’s best graphic designers.

After passing away in 1996, he has left behind an inspiring legacy for all graphic designers. He is also known for ABC’s brand image and for Swiss Style graphic design.

There are numerous other designers who can be listed as legendary designers and we will surely cover more of them in our future posts.  But for today … that’s all folks!