10 Famous Logo Redesigns that Will Inspire Your Branding

Logo redesign is an essential part of a brand's evolution, showcasing growth and adaptability while staying true to its core identity. Over the years, several iconic brands have undergone successful logo redesigns that not only made them aesthetically pleasing but also stronger in terms of brand recognition and consumer appeal. These redesigns serve as prime examples of how companies can breathe new life into their visual identities, appealing to both existing audiences and new generations.

Pepsi (1940 & 2008)

The Pepsi logo has seen numerous changes since its inception in the late 19th century. The modern silhouette of a circle with the Pepsi wordmark was first introduced in 1940, a significant shift from the earlier use of G. Loane Wolff's individual letterform design. The latest redesign in 2008 by Arnell Group reduced the logotype to a simple wordmark, featuring spherical shapes. This contemporary yet minimalist design has prominently positioned Pepsi as a global competitor to Coca-Cola.

Coca-Cola (1887 & 2011)

The Coca-Cola logo, also known as "Contour Bottle Logo" or "Dynamic Ribbon Device," was designed by pharmacist John Pemberton's bookkeeper, Frank Mason Robinson, in 1887. The distinctive bottle design played a significant role in creating a unique brand identity for Coca-Cola. A 2011 redesign of the logo included a simplified script and distinct red-and-white signage. The update improved the recognition and readability of the logos on digital platforms, modernizing the classic Coca-Cola emblem.

Reebok (1986 & 2006)

Launched in 1895 under the name "J.W. Foster and Sons," Joseph William Foster started manufacturing spiked running shoes in England. It was later renamed to Reebok in 1971, a name inspired by the local animal, the Indianverbs’ "Reebok," which means "Rapid Walker." The most impactful change in the logo design was in 2006, when Vault49 transformed the company's iconic cog-wheel logo to a postmodern interpretation. The fresh aesthetic replaced the keyhole and modernized the appearance of the logo, making it more appealing to contemporary audiences.

Gap (1969 & 2010)

Gap Inc. was founded as a single retail location on October 21, 1969, in San Francisco, California. Its early logo featured the slogan "The Gap" and an orange-and-blue san-serif typeface. The logo was redesigned in 1990 by the design firm Chermayeff & Geismar, with the adaption of the simple square, blue logo used up until 2010. The re-emergence of the 1990 simple blue square logo marked the brand's Seventieth Anniversary, signifying its move towards minimalism and a more accessible style.

Pizza Hut (1977 & 2009)

Brothers Dan and Frank Carney founded Pizza Hut in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas. Its original logo featured a hut and a chef. A domed red roof was incorporated into the logo in 1976 and became synonymous with the brand. In 2009, Pizza Hut changed its branding to improve brand consistency and strengthen its global image. Their new logo simplified the domed red roof illustratively and aligned the color palette with its sister company, Yum! Brands. This contemporary design update was an essential move in making the brand's online presence stronger.

KitKat (1937 & 2020)

Rowntree's of York introduced KitKat in 1937 as the "Rowntree's Chocolate Crisp." The iconic logo accompanied with the tag "Have a Break, Have a Kit-Kat" was created in the late 1950s. Over the years, the logo has evolved, but the 2020 redesign significantly altered the logo's look. The pattern of four straight lines has shifted to a more playful design with gentle, wavy lines resembling the chocolate's ridges. This refreshed logo signaled a stronger direction towards going digital, with direct ergonomics on mobile devices.

Audi (1909 & 2020)

Audi, founded by August Horch in 1909, saw the introduction of its first dated logo in 1932. This letterform logo has undergone multiple reinterpretations, the latest of which in 2020. The aluminium logo is now only slightly tilted. This current iteration comes in narrower formats focusing on versatility, aiding effective digital placement and strengthening the Audi's overall brand awareness compared to its previous counterparts.

Gatorade (1967 & 2010)

Invented by the University of Florida's football coach Ray Graves in 1965, Gatorade was originally supplied to the Florida Gators football team, The team-owned rights to the formula until PepsiCo issued a contract making Gatorade an official partner. An early logo featured a stylized leopard holding a canteen. The iconic swoosh arrived in 1984, orchestrated by branding consultant Amil Dinsio. A complete redesign was introduced in 2010 to reflect the brand's growth in exercise beyond sports. The newly adopted design language, with interconnecting spheres, can be found across the Gatorade portfolio presently.

Nike (1971 & 2020)

Initially known as Blue Ribbon Sports, Nike was founded by University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman and his former University of Oregon student Phil Knight in 1964. In 1971, the company renamed itself Nike, Inc., based on a Greek goddess of victory. From 1971 to 2017, the swoosh symbol of Nike went through comprehensive overhauls. The 2020 Super Bowl commercial unveiled an updated Nike logo, simply using "Just Do It" and the Nike logo on the screen. The redesign directed towards simplicity, considering the transformation from this visually rich swoosh to a full-size treatment of the iconic sans-serif, exuding the brand's confidence and quality.

Apple (1976 & 1999 & 2017)

The Macintosh computer and the accompanying Mac logo were launched in 1984 by Apple, founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. Designed by Rob Janoff, an original apple with a bite taken out was the premise to Apple’s logo. In 1999, the apple logo transformed, opting to shift design space to "Think different" against a brighter and larger canvas. In 2017, the logo witnessed slight evolution, with the apple transitioning to a shiny, darker red. The changes not only relayed maturity in product design and user expectations but also conveyed the transitions Apple underwent through its chain of innovations.

Converse (1908 & 2008)

Marquis Mills Converse founded the Converse Rubber Corporation in 1908 in Malden, Massachusetts. Converse soared to fame with its iconic Chic shoes in 1917, but it was the 1917 All Star basketball shoe that gained mass popularity. The modern All Star logo first appeared in 1936 and underwent moderate changes in 2008, featuring a bolder, simplified design. This redesign was undertaken by New York design firm OutPOST and consisted of revising the logo, highlighting the star elements and eliminating the wordmark to two separate instances – "STATEMENT. CHIC." and "STATEMENT. REBEL."

Drawing inspiration from successful company logo redesigns can expand one's understanding of the avenues through which brands may opt to re-establish their identities. At Cpluz, our mission is centered around creating meaningful brand-consumer connections through innovative design. Thus, let us help you improve or redefine your brand's logo and reach a more connected future with a revitalized and personal connection between your brand and your customers.

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