In honor of Labor Day it seems fitting to examine some “labor” related logos. Unfortunately, Google did not grace us with one of their many creative holiday designs, but luckily other designers didn’t all take the day off.
Labor unions are known for a lot of things, but not necessarily their design expertise. While unions may exist to represent their workers legally, the logos they choose represent them visually. If you will notice with the logos below, there are some clear similarities:
Take for example the general shape. In my research I have come across a vast majority of circular shapes in this genre of logo design. This simple circle is in my opinion too canned and plain. I understand that these organizations are not light hearted, but I believe that any branding solution should have some sort of creativity or originality.
Not all Union logos follow this template exactly. Take for instance the following logos:
While there is still a clear uniform circular shape, these logos incorporate more creative elements than most. By adding images related to the line of work in which they represent, the logos better define the workers they stand for. In addition, the use of simple colors and slogans provide elements lost in the previous designs. These logos are still simple designs, but set themselves apart from their bland counterparts.
Even rarer are the illustrative logos like the Pittsburgh Local 373. This is a logo I would want to represent me. In this example a simple color scheme combined with an interesting logo and clear text forms a great logo. Even though there is an illustrative image, none of the professionalism nor legitimacy of the organization is lost. Of all the union logos I have seen, groups that can effectively capture my attention while still communicating their culture, have in my opinion, branded themselves the best.
Of all the union logos I have seen, groups that can effectively capture my attention while still communicating their culture, have in my opinion, branded themselves the best.
