RESEARCH - SUCCESSFUL LOGOS

I have researched about the most famous and well designed logos of our time. I have looked at:

www.logoblog.org 

Nike has a long history. "Nike has revolutionized the sportswear industry. Endorsed by superstar athletes like Michael Jordan, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, the Williams sisters and many more, Nike is complimented by its mission of ‘bringing inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world’. Simple, Fluid and Fast. These are the words used to describe the “Swoosh” in the Nike logo that has become one of the most recognized symbols in the world. Nike's first logo design was designed by Carolyn Davidson in 1971 for just $35. Phil Knight, founder of Blue Ribbon Sports, Inc., hired Davidson to design a logo for a shoe stripe. Though the design did not enthrall Knight due to time constraints, the Nike ‘Swoosh’ logo was selected. The Nike SWOOSH logo represents the wing in the famous statue of the Greek Goddess of victory, Nike, who was the source of inspiration for many great and courageous warriors. According to legends, a Greek would say, "When we go to battle and win, we say it is Nike." Originally, the mark was referred to as ‘the strip’ but was later changed to ‘Swoosh’ to describe the fibers used in Nike shoes. In the spring of 1972, the first shoe with the Nike SWOOSH Logo was introduced. Logo got registered as a trademark in 1995 and has become the corporate identity of Nike Inc." (http://www.logoblog.org/nike_logo.php)

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The first Coca-Cola logo was created by John Pemberton's partner and bookkeeper, Frank Mason Robinson, in 1885. Thinking that the two Cs would look well in advertising, it was Robinson who came up with the name and chose the logo’s distinctive cursive script.
The typeface used, known as Spencerian script, was developed in the mid 19th century and was the dominant form of formal handwriting in the United States during that period. The red and white colored scheme in the Coca-Cola logo was kept simple and distinctive to lure young minds. Even the Coca-Cola bottle symbolized the ‘youthful exuberance of America’.  The Coca-Cola logo was first advertised in the Atlanta Journal in 1915 and also appeared on the display of Pemberton’s pharmacy. A Coca-Cola dispenser with the popular logo design was later created by Raymond Loewy. The Coca-Cola logo got registered as a trademark in 1887 and has since then become the brand’s corporate identity.

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To create successful logo the design isn't the only thing a designer must think of. It is the selling point - the knowing of the potential clients - their desire and how to develop those : use of colour!

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"Shape of Wikipedia logo:

The shape of the Wikipedia logo has a clear notion of power and strength, which reflects the firm hold of the company. Wikipedia logo has an image of a puzzle sphere with some pieces missing from the top of the globe. This image defines that the website covers almost each and every aspect of what exists and is happening in the world.

Color of Wikipedia logo:

In the Wikipedia logo, a soft and light shade of grey is used to demonstrate the professional outlook of the foundation. The grey hue is easy-to-remember and is uncomplicated, providing another character to the Wikipedia logo. The sober color highlights the firm’s integrity. Wikipedia logo is considered simple, distinctive and sophisticated due to its calm tint.

Font of Wikipedia logo:

The Serif font in Wikipedia logo is kept very straightforward yet elegant. The font in the slogan of Wikipedia logo, ‘The Free Encyclopedia’, is reserved to italic style. On the globe of Wikipedia logo, some symbols of different languages are represented, stating that the website comprises of information in many languages. Keeping a ‘the simpler, the better’ strategy in mind, easy font is used for all groups of people to understand the meaning behind the logo clearly." (from: http://www.logoblog.org/wikipedia-logo.php)

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"The Walt Disney logo, like the company, has served as a beacon for decent family entertainment and worldwide recognition. The Walt Disney logo is a ‘stylized version of the founder’s signature’ that signifies the brand name and promises secure, cheerful and quality American mainstream entertainment.

Similarly, the Walt Disney signature with “World” added to it is used for the company’s resorts "Walt Disney World Resort", a Mickey’s head is adopted for the company’s Mickey Mouse Club and “Studios” was added to the Walt Disney logo signifying Disney Studios around the world.

Other than the regular logo, the company uses different logos on its different products. A castle on a blue background version of the Walt Disney logo is used for the movie releases and as the curtain-raiser to its films

The original Walt Disney logo, to a large extent, has retained its uniqueness, however, over the time, different animations and styles were introduced in the Walt Disney logo to complement the entertainment quality and the technological breakthroughs of the era. No doubt, the Walt Disney logo has branded the company." (from:http://www.logoblog.org/walt_disney_logo.php)

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"Puma has excelled in adapting a brand identity that is unique in its own sense, the Puma logo. Created first in the year 1948, the same Puma logo is still used today with little modifications. It is a combination of a symbolic icon and bold typeface. The Puma logo has an image of a leaping Puma, an animal otherwise called a cougar, a panther or a mountain lion. Active both day and night, it is a powerful beast and an expert hunter that can jump to a maximum of 20 feet high in a single bounce. By incorporating the creature in the Puma logo, the company has summarized the complete meaning of its products into a powerful identity. The Puma logo itself characterizes the brand’s reliability and its products’ competency in the global market.

Additionally, the Puma logo is also multifunctional and can be used for different purposes easily while keeping its original identity intact. The size, background and color of the Puma logo can be modified or changed without altering its integrity." (from:http://www.logoblog.org/puma-logo.php)

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The original Virgin logo, also known as the “Gemini” or “Twins” logo was created by English artist and illustrator Roger Dean. The logo featured a young naked woman in mirror with a large long-tailed serpent and the word “Virgin” in Dean’s familiar script. The current Virgin logo was originally sketched on a paper napkin and is unchanged since 1979.

                                       DESIGN ELEMENTS OF THE VIRGIN LOGO:

Shape of the Virgin Logo:

The Virgin Logo features the company’s name which is written with a steady right slant that indicates Branson’s self-confidence, self-assertiveness and positive attitude.

Color of the Virgin Logo:

The Virgin logo uses only one color which is red. Red symbolizes action, confidence and courage all of which are the personality traits of Richard Branson.

Font of the Virgin Logo:

The Virgin Logo is handwritten and distinct which differentiates the company from its competitors.

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