Wednesday, June 13, 2012

famous logos 04

famous logos

famous logos

Why are logos so important? Think of some of the most famous company logo designs of our time. Nike is a good example, but what does that internationally recognized "swoosh" symbol coupled with a graphically enhanced depiction of the company name really do for Nike? A logo is a starting point for any form of communication in which the company engages. All marketing materials incorporate the company's identity. All advertising incorporates the company image. All promotional materials incorporate the company logo. You see the Nike swoosh on shirts, sweatshirts, hats, key chains, and a host of other promotional stuff that has nothing to do with Nike's core business: shoes. Nike can now use the "swoosh" symbol without the name and people all over the globe know its Nike. How powerful is that? Assuming your company has a positive image; mere recognition of the symbol is enough to get the job done. If it's from Nike it's got to be good -- no need to read.

famous logos

famous logos

Nike is a great example of a company that illustrates how company image and logo relate. Today most people think Nike and they have positive thoughts but in the not too distant past Nike got caught up in a bit of a scandal over the child labor practices in some of their international manufacturing locations. For those who were aware of this issue, the Nike logo now evoked negative images. But as many great companies do in the face of trouble, Nike responded and responded effectively. Today most people see the child labor issue as ancient history and once again the image conveys positive images.

famous logos

famous logos

In today's economic climate, banking logos provide more examples of how a company's overall image and its logo are intertwined. When banks like Bank of America and Chase were increasing credit lines and credit offerings, we all loved them. Spotting the BofA flag logo evoked a positive response. But if you've had your interest rates raised by these banks, how do you feel now when you see their identity? The learning point is the greatest identity in the world will not help a company with a negative public image improve that image. Let's talk about a few other famous logos and see what we can learn from them.

famous logos

famous logos

Apple is one of the few logos that never included the company's name. It is a rare, pure symbol only logo. Today, the Golden Arch symbol no longer needs to include the name "McDonald's" for brand recognition, but it didn't start out that way. FedEx is an example of a words only logo. The name FedEx is graphically enhanced with color, contrast, and box shapes. Some might argue that the enclosed box is actually a symbol. What we can learn from these three is that they all share common characteristics.

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos

famous logos