Logos for life
The moment you see the Nike SWOOSH, your brain, almost immediately, tells you to Just Do It! This is the irrefutable power of the Nike logo that inspires, motivates and encourages. And, what if Phil Knight kept his running shoe manufacturing company as Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS).
Do you think BRS would’ve had the same affect as the Nike SWOOSH and JUST DO IT?
Did you know?
The Nike “swoosh’” was designed by Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student from Portland State University – as a freelance project. It represents the wing in the famous statue of the Greek Goddess of victory, Nike, who was the source of inspiration for many great and courageous warriors.
Similarly, there’s the BMW logo that consists of a thick black ring encircled in a silver lining. The letters ‘BMW’ are inscribed in a non-serif font in the top half of the black ring. The gap within the ring is divided into four equal alternative blue and white quarters. The BMW logo is commonly known as “roundel.” The logo is refreshingly simple and projects an identity that is smart, clear-cut, sporty and image-conscious – precisely what the brand-led company stands for.
Did you know?
“There are two traditions concerning the significance of the BMW logo and trademark, offering two different interpretations of its sky blue and white fields. One interpretation points to a rotating propeller. The other relates the BMW logo to Bavaria as the place where the cars are manufactured,” says Dr. Florian Triebel, Executive Board Member of BMW AG.
Our Perspective
Usually – and for the sake of conversation – when businesses start, they spend a considerable amount of time building inventories, manpower, offices, and even clientele. However, they don’t spend enough time in branding themselves seriously. This means – in most cases – they get their logo designed by the guy who makes tea in the office or at best the office assistant. And once the company starts picking its growth, they have to survive with a dilapidated and rudimentary looking logo because (a) it’s too expensive to change at that stage, and (b) everyone identifies the business with its existing logo.
Now, this brings me to the argument of why in today’s world logo design is totally understated or it does not convey the philosophy of the company or the business. Many people don’t understand how a good logo can be valuable to their business. But before we delve further – for a moment – lets briefly understand what exactly is a logo and its purpose.
What is a logo?
A logo’s design is for immediate recognition, inspiring trust, admiration and an implied superiority. Its shape, colours, typeface, and images help us to identify organizations and also perhaps their professional commitments. Good logos are usually simple, easy to remember, look good even if they’re the size of a peanut and a bit mysterious. And if a logo is meant to do all those things, how can anyone not take it seriously. Seriously!!
That’s why all the well known brands of the world spent a considerable amount of time on their logos i.e. Dell, Apple, Nike, Mercedes, Toyota etc. Their logos are minimalist, evergreen and most importantly are symbols that inculcate the core values of the companies they stand for. If you notice their logos closely you’ll find that the Nike logo is actually a tick mark and the Apple logo is a half bitten fruit.
Even masters of religions knew the importance and binding force behind symbols and logos i.e. the cross (Christianaity), the khanda (Sikhism), the trishool (Hinduism) etc.
Get professional help
If you’re thinking of hiring someone to do your logo design, I’d suggest that you consider hiring a professional designer or an established agency. They can help you with what you ‘need’ and not ‘want’ (cause what we want is what we may not need). All good designers follow a logo design process that involves research, conceptualizing, brainstorming, sketching, reflection and celebration.
Check out our design process here.
One line conclusion
Just remember that a logo is a word or an expression that symbolizes your entire business empire. So, let it be given the attention it deserves.