Logo Design Blog

Logorama wins Oscar – A Victory for Corporate Logos!!

Nora Reed — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:49:20 +0000

The 82nd Annual Academy Awards unfurled with scenes of great enthusiasm and amazing shocks. People witnessed the best ventures of the film industry being awarded for their performances. Among the Oscar winners was the award for “Best Short Animation Film” earned by “Logorama”. The 16 minute short film based on corporate logos took over six-years to produce.

Logorama Cast and Crew:

The film, directed by the trio, François Alaux, Hervé de Crécy and Ludovic Houplain, is a 16-minute movie and revolves around the adventures of two cops (Michelin Men) who are in pursuit of an armed criminal (Ronald McDonald ) through Los Angeles style city filled with famous logo designs. Never has a film depicted all characters and items through real-life famous logo designs featuring around 3000 corporate logo designs. Famous corporate logos like the Pringles, Sega, Dominos, Pizza Hut and McDonald’s logo designs are seen in the movie. The logo characters are articulated mainly by Bob Stephenson (as Bibendum Mike, Bibendum Sheriff and Ronald McDonald) and Aja Evans (as Esso Girl). Logorama beat other nominations in the category which included French Roast, Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty, The Lady and the Reaper, A Matter of Loaf and Death.>

6 years to make this 16 minutes!!

Nicolas Schmerkin, the film’s producer who went on stage to collect the prestigious Oscar Statue, said
Good evening. It doesn’t look like, but it’s a French film. Sorry about the accent. I’m the producer of the film, so I have to thank the 3,000 non-official sponsors that appear in the film. And I have to assure them that no logos were harmed in the making of the project. It took, like, six years to make this 16 minutes, so I hope to come back here with a long feature film, in about 36 years. Thank you very much. Bon soir.

Do you think this creative film is a clever way of promoting corporate logo designs?

Google Buzz Logo vs UNO Logo – Who should be blamed for plagiarism?

Nora Reed — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:02:40 +0000

Google Buzz is undoubtedly the latest hype on the social media network. Ever since I saw the Buzz logo, I have constantly pondered on its mysterious logo design. It was one day while playing UNO that I finally figured why the Google Buzz logo design bewildered me so much. I discovered that the Google Buzz logo bears a startling resemblance to the UNO card game logo.

The four colors of the Google Buzz “conversation bubble” logo design are arranged in an almost similar manner to the UNO “Wild Draw-Four” cards. The circle on UNO logo is sliced into four equal triangles of red, green, blue, and yellow colors. Likewise, the Google Buzz conversation bubble logo design is also bifurcated into the same colors and proportions.

Setting the record straight:

Is it really a coincidence or is there something fishy? Let us review some facts about both the logo designs and their development….it might help us come to a conclusion.

	Uno Logo	Google Buzz Logo
Introduced in	1971	2010
Developed by	Merle Robbins	Google Buzz Team
Owned by	Mattel Inc.	Google Inc.
Purpose	Card Game	Social Networking

Who to blame?

Merle Robbins died way before Google itself was formed. After having set the record straight, who do you propose to be blamed for logo design plagiarism? Is it a coincidence or is Google guilty of something?

10 Famous Logo Designers and their creations – A tribute!!

Nora Reed — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:34:40 +0000

We witness countless famous brands and their captivating logo designs but do we ever wonder whose brainchild is it that created these magnificent logo designs? Short and simple, I say:

“Behind every successful brand there is a logo designer”.

Today I have penned 10 of the most famous and prominent logo designers behind the finest corporate brands. Some of them are not among us today but their masterpieces are eternal, compelling us to salute these masterminds. So, let’s begin the tour.

1. Saul Bass

SAUL BASS (1920-1996) was a renowned graphic designer of the 20th century. He was well known for designing film titles. His corporate logo designing included very successful brand identities like Bell Telephone System Communications, United Airlines, AT&T, Minolta, and Warner.

2. Paul Rand

Paul Rand (1914–1996) was an eminent graphic designer of American origin. He was best recognized for his famous corporate logo designs. Some of his corporate identities include the logo designs for ABC, IBM and UPS.

3. Alan Fletcher

Alan Gerard Fletcher (1931- 2006) was a British graphic designer. The Daily Telegraph described him as "the most highly regarded graphic designer of his generation, and probably one of the most prolific". Some of his corporate work that is known to many is the logo for Reuters in 1965, comprising of 84 dots. His "V&A" logo for Victoria and Albert Museum, designed in 1989 his "IoD" logo for the Institute of Directors are still in use today.

4. Sagi Haviv

Sagi Haviv, who is a partner at Chermayeff & Geismar, is a 34 year old designer. Among his various corporate identity projects are the logo designs for the National Parks of New York Harbor, Radio Free Europe, Library of Congress, and the famous fashion brand Armani Exchange.

5. Walter Landor

Walter Landor (1913-1995) was a German graphic designer belonging to Munich. Landor was most popular for his creative Fedex logo design. The meticulous use of negative space ‘arrow’ was a brilliant masterpiece of Landor. His FedEx logo design is considered as one of the best logo designs in the world.

6. Herb Lubalin

Herbert F. Lubalin (1918 –1981) was a famous graphic designer of USA. Herb’s most prominent logo designs are the Marriage logo created in 1965 and the Families logo designed in 1980.

7. Chermayeff & Geismar:

Ivan Chermayeff and Tom Geismar were two students at Yale in the mid 1950s. Chermayeff & Geismar Inc are the creators of numerous famous trademarks and corporate identities. Some of the most prestigious of their works is for large corporations such as Mobil, Time Warner, Viacom, and Xerox.

8. Wally Olins

Wikipedia claims Wally Olins to be recognized as the world’s most experienced practitioner of corporate identity and branding. Wally was nominated for the Prince Philip Designers Prize in 1999 and received the Royal Society of Arts’ Bicentenary Medal for his tireless efforts in the design industry.

9. Gerard Huerta

Gerard Huerta is a designer with one of the most versatile design portfolio. Not many graphic designers get the opportunity to apply their design skills in such vast areas as Gerard Huerta has done. His famous corporate logo designs include Swiss Army Brands, Calvin Klein’s Eternity, MSG Network, CBS Records Masterworks logo, The Atlantic Monthly and PC Magazine.

10. Raymond Loewy

Raymond Loewy (1893 – 1986) is recognized as one of the best industrial designers of the 20th century. The 1971 Shell logo, which is still used today, was designed by Loewy. He also created old logos for British Petroleum (Shield logo) and Exxon.

Missile Defense Agency Logo – A new twist to the tale!!

Nora Reed — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:51:13 +0000

Although the recently adopted logo for the U.S Department of Defense’s Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has earned massive critique from bloggers for its peculiar logo design, but today I bring you a new aspect of this squabble.

The logo design controversy that marred the MDA is that it features similarities with the “Barack Obama’s logo” and the “crescent moon and star” used on flags of Islamic countries. Well folks, now comes a new twist to the tale. A striking resemblance has also been observed between the new MDA logo and the Iranian Space Agency logo.

For me, the opposite arrangement of both the logo designs (Iranian Space Agency and Missile Defense Agency) hints the strong opposition of both the nations for each other. Duh…maybe I am being over critical.

Clarification by MDA:

However, Rick Lehner, Washington spokesman for Missile Defense Agency, defended by saying "I think it’s just people who are just…different."
Talking about the contentious logo design, he said it was intended for recruitment purpose and designed three years ago, suggesting that it was planned way before the Obama Campaign.

"That’s our official logo," Lehner said. "The other one was just developed for recruiting materials years before the Obama campaign. We’re trying to attract a younger workforce because we want to get kids out of college.”

Regarding resemblance to Islamic crescent, he asserted:

“The white, eight-sided design is not a star but actually an explosion indicating an intercepted missile.”

According to Rick, the official Missile Defense Agency logo design is different and is still featured in the lower left corner of the website.

Be the Judge!!

Irrespective of what clarification MDA has given, is it just plain coincidence or clear logo plagiarism? You decide.

30 Logos with movement – Success in progress!!

Nora Reed — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:15:25 +0000

Remember the all-time famous “Adidas” logo design? Ever wondered what it symbolizes? The three-parallel-striped designed in the shape of a mountain demonstrates the goals and challenges that Adidas strives to accomplish. It is a true sign of progress.

Showing motion in sequential steps is one of the many logo design trends that prevail in the industry. The logo designs displaying movement help defining the concept of growth and continuous progress of a company. The sign of movement in a logo design signifies that your business is versatile and capable of performing dynamically.

Following are some of the most brilliant logo designs that have used the sequential design bearing a sign of progress and development.

Swisscom

Klopfer Holzhandel

Brand Stack

North Colour

Cobra Cube

Andy Fiord Studio

Darien Library

Youth Forum

Pangur

Share Effect

One Constructions

Thirteen Current

Adjika

Sort Folio

Vivid Ways

Boss hog Studio

Adidas

Bananas Films

Action Now!

Brite Click

Good Waves

Elastic Digital

Lexpro

Jump

World Moto

Orior

Fly

Asgardia

Hummin Print

Collective Feedback

Have a look at these logo designs that are in continuous movement.

Do you think such innovative concepts in logo designing contribute a unique, progressive and modern impression to a company? If you have any other logos design ideas in knowledge that can help a company build an exceptional image, do share with us.

15 Questions to answer before starting a Logo Design

Nora Reed — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:46:34 +0000

Starting a logo design project without proper planning and theory is a futile attempt. You should know your targets before commencing a logo design project. The best thing is to list the logo design ideas and queries coming to your mind and then try solving them one by one. This will help you have a clear picture of your logo and save you from making serious logo design mistakes.

Some designers call this exercise a creative brief while others describe it as brainstorming. Irrespective of what you call this process, you should follow it before starting a logo design project. What this step will do is clear you mind of all the confusions prior to designing a logo. It is always better to answer questions beforehand, after all prevention is better than cure isn’t it?

Following is a list of questions which I always ask myself before starting a design project. It will surely help you make your logo design process faster, easier and more effective.

Let’s find out if your logo design displays answers to these imperative queries:

What is the purpose of your business?
What products and services are you offering to your customers?
What target audience you will be catering?
Who are your present and potential competitors?
What differentiates you from your competitors? (Universal Selling Point- USP)
Will you be following logo design trends or come up with an innovative logo design concept?
What tagline best describes your business?
How much are you willing to spend on logo design?
How much time can you dedicate to logo designing?
What fonts and colors will you employ in your logo design?
Where will you be using your logo design? (Letterheads, online, banners…)
What do you want your logo to tell about your company?
What symbol best portrays your business? (products and services)
Where do you see your company in the future?
Will you consider redesigning your logo in the coming years?

I am sure these questions will help you end up with a successful logo design but if there are more questions which we should keep in mind prior to designing a logo…please share with us!

30 Inspiring Heart Logos to celebrate Valentine Day

Nora Reed — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:11:30 +0000

With the “Valentine Fever” taking all over, I decided to showcase 30 heart logo designs to rejoice the Valentine Day. This heartwarming festival is celebrated by loved ones all over the world. Flowers, confectionaries and expressive greeting cards have remained a constant fervor among dear couples. “Heart shaped” symbols are excessively used on this festival to express love and care for our dear ones. Hence, graphical use of hearts in logo designing is a great means of communicating your love and enthusiasm to your customers.

Besides the heart shape, several other love related logo designs are existent. Some of these logo designs include an apple, cupid, rose, love knot and love birds. But there is one intriguing aspect of the heart logo designs. Every symbol in logo design has a significant meaning… similarly heart logos can convey your message of sincerity and trust to your special “customers”.

Bird Lover

Wine Lover

Cloud of Lover

Muffin Lovin

Love Curry

Valentino

Heart Bank

Heart is Tree

Love You Sew

WF

Tweet Love

Love Picks

Volunteer

Passionate

Makia Bakery

Trial of Hamlet

Bug Luv

What is Love?

Love Biites

My Love Tale

Heart Break

Think Love

Love Systems

Valentino

Heart Gallery

Moustache

Love Poker

Hooipo

Pen Pals

Heart Aid

Love Yarn

Team Disaster

Spec-work in Logo Design – Boon or Bane?

Nora Reed — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:39:47 +0000

While there have been numerous heated debates on this topic of “logo design contests” or famously branded as “spec-work” I wish to propose a different viewpoint today. Firstly, let me make it clear that I am neither speaking in support nor against spec-work in logo designing. It is you who will take a better option for yourself. What I intend to achieve through this post is to elucidate the topic from a different perspective.

Before coming to my topic, let us be a little realistic about a logo design contest. A logo design contest requires participation and nobody can be forced to participate. Those who believe they have the mettle to outclass other logo designers voluntarily participate. Your participation shows your support and interest in being part of that game and your absence clearly states that you are not interested. In short, if you do not approve of logo design contests and claim it to be unethical, simply don’t participate. However, your disapproval does not grant you the privilege to mortify the contests and the logo designers who participate. My words may sound a little harsh for some logo designers but guys “Live and let live” is the dictum we should follow.

Let me remind you that I am discussing exclusively about spec-work in logo designing. Like every business, spec-work has its share of pros and cons. Let us look at some of the merits and demerits of logo design contests.

How is spec-work in logo design a Boon?

Provides opportunity for in-experienced logo designers to show their talent.
Logo design contests serve as a wonderful inspiration spot for other designers.
It provides a level playing field for logo designers who are not in developed countries.
An amiable cure in recessionary periods for both clients and unemployed logo designers.
A chance for logo designers to gain experience through trial and error.
A platform to display your logo design portfolio and gain recognition in the design world.
An easy way for logo designers to test their design skills.
A chance to get acquainted with other logo designers.

How spec-work may become a Bane?

In some cases, spec-work in logo designing may provide no guarantee of any reward money.
Spec-work poses legal risks for both parties. Intellectual property, trademark and copyright infringement of logo designs are the major issues.
It devalues the logo design industry and undermines the well-established logo designers.
The logo design contests are judged only by the client’s personal liking.
It can be time consuming and without compensation can be frustrating for logo designers.
Clients trying to obtain low cost solution are compromising on quality of logo designs, as spec-work may involve little time, energy and thought for research.

In conclusion, I would recommend that logo designers and clients should be aware of all accompanying risks before entering into speculative work. As it is useless crying over spilled milk… isn’t it? My message for aspiring designers…big logo design companies claim to hate spec-work but then discovered to be owners of contest sites. Therefore, it is you who has to decide, don’t come to conclusions according to others perspectives and experiences. And for all the self-esteemed logo designers out there… Chill!!!

10 Terrific Logo Design Ideas to stir your creative senses!!

Nora Reed — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:48:53 +0000

Have you ever wanted to come up with a new logo design but just could not tap that creative part of your mind? Or do you curse yourself for not coming up with a creative logo design ideas, when required the most? Think again!

Logo design is an imperative tool which builds trust, recognition and respect for a company. A logo design idea surfaces when your thoughts are organized and mind you, there are simply no creative bounds when we talk about logo designing. So briefly, designing an ultimate logo design can be an extensive practice.

Today, I would like to provide you with 10 pointers that can help you strike up a terrific logo design idea:

1. Pour out your thoughts on paper:

An effective method of coming up with a logo design idea is to bring your thoughts on to a paper. While putting pen on paper, decide how you want to portray your company in front of your customers. No matter how weird or uncanny your thoughts are, just spill them out and revise them afterwards. Even a little spark of creative thought can lead you to a fascinating logo design idea. So note them down before you forget them.

2. Consultation and discussion:

Never hesitate in discussing about logo design with your friends and family. You never know what ideas they might have in store for you. Never decline a viewer’s notion even if it is from your little son or daughter. Consulting before finalizing a logo design can help you clear your thoughts and give you more bits and pieces to work on. You also might want to consult professional logo designers for guidance.

3. Evaluate of your business:

The logo is used to display the rationale of your existence in the industry. Successful logo designs echo what your business is about, how it performs and what goods and services you provide. Every area of business requires an identity to be recognized with. Each needs a logo design but of totally distinct structure. Hence it is all so important to understand each industry’s basic theme in order to come up with an idea for logo design.

4. Bulls eye on the target:

Studying your target market can lead you to a unique logo design idea. The age factor, gender issues, spending power, education level and a complete study of demographics can lure you to a fine notion. Think of a soft spot of your audience that you can exploit and then design your logo.

5. Slogan echoes your logo:

A company slogan echoes your intention and the level of motivation to do business. Normally the slogan is accompanied with the logo. This creates a factor to be associated with your logo design. Many customers link the catchy slogan to remember your company.

6. Think differently:

While conjuring up logo design ideas, always study your competitors’ logos. This will give you an idea of how to distinguish your logo design from theirs. But remember not to wander away from the general theme of the industry. How do you expect your customers to recognize you if your logo design is no different than others? Therefore clearly make a distinction from your opponents.

7. Think of associations:

When trying to think of a logo design idea, it is an effective way to think of associations. Link your business with stuff around you. Associating your business with colors, places and other objects can lead you to a fascinating logo design idea.

8. The Twist game:

Another way of coming up with a logo design idea is to twist the letters of your company name. What you do is take the name of your business and try out different type faces. Twisting a letter into a design that is relevant to your business is a great way to create logo designs. This can lend a hand in striking up a distinctive logo design.

9. A little Inspiration can do the trick:

It never hurts looking and admiring the works of others. Sometimes a little inspiration is all you need to light up a logo design idea. There are innumerable logo designs inspirations available on the web that you can get inspiration from. In addition to that, keep your senses open to logos around you. You never know which one may inspire you to an idea.

10. Think future:

The logo design has to be flexible so that it can be tailored according to all forms of business. It should be adaptable so that you can promote your products and services across cultures. Adopt an idea for a logo that is successful in the future. It should be robust and resilient. Even though it is impossible to predict the future, it can be of useful to keep in your mind where you picture your business in the coming years.

So keep striving for a logo design idea till it you finally conceive one. Remember, in logo design it’s not a matter of do or die, it’s a matter of how much you try.

30 Water and Fire Logos – A hot & cool combination!!

Nora Reed — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:51:02 +0000

Creating a logo design that revolves around a particular concept is a constant challenge for a professional logo designer. The proper arrangement of design elements is vital in a great logo design.

Fire and water are two extremes of nature that can never co-exist. But I’ve always had a fascination towards both fire and water. Each of them has its own positive and negative aspects. Water, with its beauty, embodies a feeling of tranquility and serenity and at the same time it has the power to unleash rage and fury. The same goes with fire. Appropriate use of fire provides us warmth and light, but in some instances it backfires.

But don’t worry. Both can cause no physical harm when used in a logo design . Now let us see fire and water effects in inspirational logo designs.