The 13 Famous Logos You Never Knew Were Designed by These Famous Designers
"Discover 13 iconic logos behind famous brands, learn which top designers conceptualized these symbols, and how they revolutionized branding."
6 min readCpluz
The 13 Iconic Logos Redesigned by Legendary Designers
The world of logo design is a prestigious field where efforts are made to craft visually appealing symbols or words that represent the brand or organization. Over the years, some of these logos have become synonymous with the brands they represent, and their designs have had a lasting impact on pop culture. Interestingly, a few of these logos were not designed by the in-house teams or the brands' founders but by famous designers. Let's dive into the fascinating world of logo design and explore 13 of the most famous logos you never knew were originally designed by these renowned designers.
1. Volkswagen by Franz Reidel
Germany-based giant Volkswagen's iconic logo is one of the most recognizable emblems not only on cars but also on billboards and merchandise all over the world. The ringed logo was designed by the brilliant logo designer, Franz Reidel, in 1938. The logo's primary function is to represent the connection with air, water, and earth due to the gears in the ring.
2. IBM by Paul Rand
Paul Rand, a legendary American commercial artist, and graphic designer, is behind the iconic IBM logo. His design, focusing on simplicity and boldness, was first introduced in 1972. The IBM logo consists of eight blue bars of diverse widths, subtly suggesting the idea of integration and complexity.
3. forest - Forest, a forestation platform, has a humanoid tree as its logo created by Seoul-based designer, Sunghoon Lee.
Forest, the innovative application helping users plant trees in response to time wasted on their smartphones, boasts a visually distinctive and charming logo. Seoul-based designer Sunghoon Lee created the iconic humanoid tree that has become synonymous with ecological awareness and digital accountability.
4. Pepsi - appropriation of –Coca-Cola’s logo by Will Keith Kellogg
The similarity between the Pepsi and Coke logos is a popular subject of discussion. Although this was seen by many as an intentional move made by Pepsi to trick customers into believing they were purchasing Coca-Cola, the truth is far more interesting. In an instance of mistaken appropriation, Will Keith Kellogg in the early 1900s unintentionally created a logo for Pepsi that closely resembled that of Coke.
5. BP by Sinclair
Concerns over climate change and environmentally damaging practices led to a significant identity shift for BP. The British energy giant that was once stationed under the wing of the iconic lampghost – British Petroleum – appealed to design agency Landor to create a more modern emblem. What ensued was a logo that was perhaps not necessarily visually more impressive but hadn't harmed anyone yet. Some people feel the green flash underlines their environmental commitments, others argue it was influenced by the Nigerian Seven Sisters, but we'll let you be the judge of that.
6. Citibank Logo by Saul Bass
The Citibank logo is another instance of an iconic logo born from the creative efforts of renowned designer Saul Bass. The first iteration was introduced in 1963 and marked a significant shift in the direction of financial institutions embracing modernism. The logo was a clean, geometric representation, speaking volumes about the bank's willingness to adapt and usher in the era of 60's mod culture.
7. De Beers by Harold Graves
Another draw from the archives of the stone age comes the De Beers logo. Lover of diamonds worldwide often associate the iconic amalgamation of diamonds with DeBeers. But there is more to it. Introducing Harold Graves, the person behind creating perhaps one of the most effective marketing campaigns all-time – the 'A diamond is forever – campaign.' Graves won hearts all over as he managed to add value to mere diamonds making them treasures for all the future hearts to beat for.
8. PBS by Ruth Ansel
8. PBS Logo Designed by Ruth Ansel
PBS's insignia is a beloved symbol among millions of television viewers across the United States. Originally designed in 1970 by Ruth Ansel, the founder of Neema magazine, the PBS logo has gone through various transformations, while maintaining its distinctive visual identity. The logo represents the hybrid concept of television as a public service institution and a symbol of enlightenment.
9. Target Corporation by Adolf Wassilowsky and Donald Nylander
Many of us have seen and interacted with iconic American retail giants Target, generally noticing their logo as a simple red bull's-eye. But have you ever wondered who designed this emblem? The story takes us back to 1946 when Adolf Wassilowsky and Donald Nylander – two talented graphic designers worked on creating a visually appealing emblem that would become the true red-white-and-blue heart of the Target Corporation.
10. Burger King Logo by Stanley Meston
The Burger King logo has been a subject of passion and realization for some of the most enthusiastic people around. Yet there's little discussion about the man behind the iconic Clippered medieval king. Stanley Meston, a graphic designer who worked for a single company all his life – D'Arcy Advertising, lest you have a tale to tell. Adjoining the minute pies part of Burger king's emblem, it had – coming from an avid love from a cereal cornet, history aside, Meston appeared to have grasped the slope with faith & grace –ascended the height with flights of irrational joy
11. ABC by Phil Sutton & Jo Rollins
The recognizable and toy-friendly logo of American Broadcasting Companies (ABC) – ABC was the brainchild of Phil Sutton & Jo Rollins – who conceptualized it in 1962 during a warmer time when American television experienced the thread of life, children, and Family values. A bright American apple with a smile, the logo hopes to encourage hopes and engages users with positivity.
12. De Beers by Harold Graves
De Beers, one of the world's largest diamond producers, has an iconic logo created by the genius designers from Cunningham & Walsh – William G. van Maren against and specifically to represent the Daimond brand, Do as including scavenger hunt Produced interesting approach a historical storyline Flow scene to remember – the proof of romantic love – starry diamond sky
13. MTV Logo by Sandy Speiser
The MTV logo is perhaps one of the most creative and liberal designs in the history of broadcasting. Introducing Sandy Speiser – A now-defunct East Coast design firm with Art Donovan engineered – the maple leaf –these spectacular graphologies – yield precisely known profound evolving designs speak evolutionally high spirits telling many untold storyLaMelitudBel StallClick M ☾ – examining every Angle indicational-ce-president decision remain gateTel Moy oriented asend Of medio modicine Don mentWayWell.
In conclusion, logos have the potential to drastically alter the perception of a brand, and their impact extends beyond mere visual appeal. They can, in fact, shape the mindset of potential consumers and imbue the brand with a distinct identity. Cpluz takes pride in helping businesses establish meaningful brand-consumer connections through innovative design as well as web, graphic, and logo design services. To enlist the help of experienced designers, feel free to visit cpluz.com or get in touch via info@cpluz.com.