A Visual Study of Popular Logos

A logo is a graphic mark, emblem, or symbol used to aid and promote public identification and recognition. It may be of an abstract or figurative design or to include the text of the name that it represents as in a wordmark. 

The most recognizable and famous logos in the world are those of some of the most well-known organizations and brands. These may not appear the most complex in design, but they often boast hidden meaning, memorability and impact.


In this blog, a study of 5 popular logos has been done.


1. McDonald's


Industry: Fast-food chain

Designer: Jim Schindler, Fred Turner

Meaning behind the logo: 
The McDonald’s logo, also known as the “Golden Arches,” was inspired by the real golden arches that were part of the fast food chain’s original restaurant design. The logo design brings together the two arches that adorned the restaurant chains and turns it into a lettermark logo, an “M.” Over its signature red background, the iconic golden arches logo drives the “‘50s drive-in” aesthetic of the chain. It’s an image that’s synchronous with the McDonald’s brand because they’ve used it just about everywhere and anywhere.

Why I've chosen this logo for study:
The logo at a glance comes off as just the initial of the brand, but the actual meaning behind it goes beyond that. Also, personally, I had to give some credit to my go-to place.


2. Apple



Industry: Technology

Designer: Rob Janoff

Meaning behind the logo:
From the biblical story of Adam and Eve to the apple that fell on Isaac Newton’s head, apples are always around, hauling quite a bit of symbolism. Why Apple chose an apple as its pictorial mark and why there is a bite in it has inspired lots of legends, from being the cyanide-laced apple that Alan Turing bit into to a visual pun on a “byte.” The designer has said that the bite was a way to distinguish the very simple apple from another fruit. But the fact that the logo is so famous that it has not one but several myths floating about it tells a story in itself. The symbol of the apple (with the tiny aforementioned twist) is a very sleek and literal visual cue for the word “apple”. The logo bridges age-old, earthy wisdom with what is contemporary, ever-changing and transient. It reads like a promise.

Why I've chosen this logo for study:
Why the apple in the logo has a bite is a common question, and people try to infer its meaning by making up various stories (comically). The study just clears the air.


3. Starbucks





Industry: Coffeehouse chain

Designer: Terry Heckler

Meaning behind the logo:
The inspiration behind the “Starbucks Siren” emblem logo design is very much based on epics and myth-making; the founders chose the name Starbucks based on Moby Dick’s most sensible character, Starbucks. From then on, they are said to have gone through old marine books to find a mythical creature that they felt represented their company, a siren. These nautical references are also harmonious with the company’s birthplace and the major port city, Seattle. Incorporating niche characters into a logo gives personality and warmth to the design. It creates a deeper, richer brand persona to help your audiences connect and remember you.

Why I've chosen this logo for study:
The logo of Starbucks compared to other logos is much more detailed. The logo at its first look implies that it definitely has a story behind the design. 


4. The Olympics 



Industry: Sports

Designer: Pierre de Coubertin

Meaning behind the logo:
The five coloured rings in the logo represent the five continents, each with a different color, coming together in movement. To convey this sense of togetherness, the designer has linked and interweaved its spherical rings. The Olympics logo is a brilliant example of cross-cultural design, meaning that the designers chose a symbolic logo that would be enjoyed pretty equally across cultures.

Why I've chosen this logo for study:
The simple yet powerful logo promotes the harmony between various cultures, also promoting one of the most important characteristics closely related to sports- sportsmanship!


5. Mercedes-Benz




Industry: Automotive

Designer: Paul and Adolf Daimler 

Meaning behind the logo:
The owners at the time chose Mercedes’s three-point star as their logo symbol because it meant something to them as a family. It was a symbol their late father had used to designate their family home and it was also something that came to mean land, sea, and air. Even though the symbol of a star isn’t something that’s groundbreaking, it’s hard to deny that this isn’t simply a “star.” The Mercedes-Benz star design has very distinct shadings, that give it dimension and bring its 3d metallic form to mind, with all its angles and glimmers. It’s also enclosed in a circle which all its three points touch, giving the impression that this circle contains everything necessary.

Why I've chosen this logo for study:
The simple design of this logo has a very personal and warm meaning which should reach more people. The concept of human connections over materialization has been subtly hinted at by one of the most desired automobile companies in the world.



Sources: 
https://logo.com/blog/famous-logos
https://99designs.com/blog/logo-branding/worlds-most-famous-logos/





 




 







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