7 Logos That Started as Rejected Designs

Logo design plays a crucial role in creating a lasting impression on potential customers. A well-designed logo signifies a company's brand identity, values, and work ethic. However, the journey of perfecting a logo often involves numerous iterations, and sometimes designs deemed unworthy initially prove to be inspirational. Throughout history, some iconic logos have entered the realm of success after facing rejection. In this article, we will delve into 7 such logos that started as rejected designs.

The mozilla Logo

When the internet browser Mozilla emerged with its unique name, the logo faced a lot of criticism initially. The original design was a stormy sea with lightning. Although it represented the internet being 'wild and untamed,' it didn't capture the true essence of the brand. It wasn't until they added the phoenix that the logo started resonating with the company's spirit. The phoenix represented the brand's rebirth and renewal. The current logo is a testament to the power of taking feedback and re-inventing one's identity.

The HP Logo

HP (Hewlett-Packard), one of the leading tech companies, went through numerous logo changes. Their first logo featured a crude drawing that looked more like a factory than a firm representing innovation. The letter "P" lacked clarity, and the words "Hewlett-Packard" were cramped at the bottom. As the company grew and evolved, so did their logo. HP revised the design to a more streamlined, modern look, ultimately achieving a recognizable identity.

The Pepsi Logo

Pey-collй or 'Pepsi,' named after a German coca leaf product called 'Pepsi-Cola,' has seen plenty of transformations over the years. The original logo featured Benjamin Franklin, drawing from a well-known public domain print. However, after a while, Pepsi decided to move away from incorporating historical figures into their brand identity because it didn't align with their youth-oriented image. The last transformation occurred in 2008, where the font style changed, resulting in a more dynamic and youthful appearance.

The Apple Logo

The iconic apple in a bite, synonymous with Apple, has a different origin to what most may assume. Initially, the name stemmed from the fact that Steve Jobs was given a tour of the HP Labs, where they showed him a project they were working on called the "Personalings" computing-project. One of the lab's employees said it sounded like a 'personal thing,' thus coming up with 'Apple Computer.' The logo itself was inspired by a fondness for forbidden fruits and to represent just one apple, making the size of an apple more realistic. It is a clear example of how a small design tweak can elevate a brand's image.

The Kuwait Airways Logo

From being turned into an eagle, sword, and even a plane, Kuwait Airways' logo has had quite an ambitious transformation history. With numerous changes bridging the past with the present, the logo represents a blend of Kufic script and an airplane, reiterating the airline's strong ties with Kuwait & ambitions.

The NBC Logo

Taking this trip down history lane brings us to the oldest American television networks - NBC. One would think that their logo design hasn't seen much variation, but the truth changes that impression. NBC started with the letters 'N-B-C' written in a circular shape. After this, the peacock "emerged," representing NBC's affiliation with the luxury and grandeur of peacock feathers. The current logo combines the essence of peacocks with pure digital design for a modern makeover.

The Clorox Logo

Believe it or not, the well-known bleach company started with a logo resembling "The Coral, quality since 1876," thus representing the refinements imparted to textiles using their cleaning solutions. After much deliberation, the logo was simplified, losing the anchor – becoming a staple in bleach advertisement since 1978.

The Unexpected Power of Design Iteration

These seven brands provide a fascinating insight into how design can evolve from one unwanted iteration to a masterpiece. This transformation hints at the design process' inherent power, to cater to people's emotional needs, showcasing how a good design could change everything about a brand and lead it towards exciting directions.

As a company specializing in innovative design solutions, Cpluz aims to understand and address businesses' design needs in the same manner, bringing about meaningful brand-consumer connections. For professional logo design and other innovative services, reach out to Cpluz at info@cpluz.com or visit cpluz.com.