Exposing the Myths of 5 Iconic Logo Designs

Logo designs have been a crucial aspect of branding since the dawn of visual advertising. Behind virtually every iconic brand lies a story worth telling – about the idea that inspired it, its evolution over time, and the designers who created them. However, numerous misconceptions have emerged, revolving around some of the most iconic logos. In this article, we'll explore the facts and debunk the myths of 5 renowned logos in order to appreciate their true significance.

The Reversal of the Pepsi Logo

The Pepsi globe, with its swoosh-like shape, is a unique symbol that is often incorrectly believed to be reversible and thus symmetrical. The rumor has circulated that the logo, when flipped upside down, also represents a globe, thereby upholding the company's global aspirations. Contrary to this popular belief, the file for the logo isn't configured to display this symmetry when turned upside down. The globe shape in the logo was a corporate attempt to visually encapsulate their widespread goal, strengthening their international brand identity.

No Hidden Messages in the FedEx Logo

Conventionally, people have believed that the FedEx logo holds a secret message. Upon close examination, the space between the checkmark (or, commonly, "E") and "x" is assumed to read as "ex," denoting speed. In reality, this distance is a mere design choice to make the checkmark look better, not a playful incorporation of the word "ex" as critics may have speculated. The primary intention was to emphasize the speed aspect, something FedEx prides itself on.

The Interesting Story Behind the Target Logo

Another fallacy claims that the red target surrounding the bullseye was meant to evoke bleeding targets on the battlefield, symbolizing the challenges the company overcomes. This false narrative circulates around the founding members, who were once retailers and operated their store as a general merchandise establishment, alongside various product lines, including guns. This misconception likely stems from the combination of these facts, which have been twisted and amplified over time.

Glitch or Elegant Design in the Google Logo

The incorporation of colored letters in the Google logo has often sparked debate regarding whether the distortion or anomaly was a mere design oversight or an intentional element. The truth hinges on the eye placed on it. The people behind the design aimed for a fun, creative element, enabling Google to connect with its customers on a lighter level. To them, the distinctive, rounded edges were not a glitch but rather an appreciable, charming feature.

The Explanation Behind the McDonald's Golden Arches

It's commonly believed that the iconic golden M in McDonald's was modeled based on the Arches of the famous Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. Although it might appear so, the story about French architectural influence is a myth. Burton L. Goldfield, the designer of the Golden Arches, maintained that their shapes resulted from a design choice intended to embody youthful, early American optimism and evoking wash tubs and brooms to pay homage to the start-up quality of the restaurant.

Conclusion

When examining iconic logos, it's easy to become captivated by myths and stories surrounding them. Cpluz stays on par with the ever-evolving commercial landscape by providing exceptional logo design and other professional branding and design services. If you're interested in an innovative, tailored brand identity, contact Cpluz at info@cpluz.com or visit cpluz.com for professional assistance.