Famous logos and their history

About the crucial role of logos in helping companies leave a lasting impression

billboard with the text 'famous logos'

There is no denying the power of a well-designed logo. A logo is a visual representation of a company or brand, and it is often the first thing that people think of when they think of a particular company. Some of the most famous logo designs are instantly recognizable, even by people who have never heard of the company before. These logos have become an integral part of our collective visual vocabulary, and they are an important part of what makes a company stand out from its competitors. Here are some of the most famous logos and the stories behind their design.

Adidas logo

The Adidas logo is a well-known and widely recognized symbol, with its distinctive three stripes design. The logo has undergone several changes over the years, but has always maintained its core elements. The original Adidas logo, which was introduced in 1949, featured the company name in lowercase letters on a white background, with three vertical stripes in blue, yellow, and blue. In 1997, the logo was updated to include a more modern and minimalist design, with the three stripes, and the company name in lowercase letters underneath.

Adidas logo

Airbnb logo

The Airbnb logo is a well-known and widely recognized symbol, with its distinctive red color scheme and stylized 'A' symbol. The logo has undergone several changes over the years, but has always maintained its core elements. In 2014, the logo was updated to include a more modern and minimalist design.

Airbnb logo

Amazon logo

The Amazon logo is a simple and minimalist design, featuring an arrow or 'smile' underneath the word 'amazon'. The use of black and orange in the logo creates a clean and professional look, and the lowercase letters help to create a sense of informality and approachability. The logo is versatile, and it can be used in a variety of contexts, from digital ads to physical signage, without losing its impact. Overall, the Amazon logo is an effective symbol that is closely associated with the brand and its values.

Amazon logo

Apple logo

The key design characteristics of the Apple logo are its simplicity and minimalism. The logo symbol is a stylized apple. This simple and clean design makes the logo easily recognizable and memorable, even when it is used in a small size. The use of a monochrome black color background creates a professional and modern look. Overall, the Apple logo is a well-designed symbol that effectively represents the brand and its values.

Apple logo

Audi logo

The Audi logo is a well-known and widely recognized symbol, with its distinctive four interlocking rings design. The logo has undergone several changes over the years, but has always maintained its core elements. The original Audi logo, which was introduced in 1909, featured the company name in upper and lowercase letters on a white background. In 1932, the logo was updated to include the four interlocking rings, which were designed to represent the four original Audi companies that merged to form the company. The current Audi logo features the four interlocking rings in silver on a white background, with the company name written in upper and lowercase letters underneath.

Audi logo

BMW logo

The BMW logo, also known as the 'roundel,' has a rich and storied history. It was originally designed in 1917, when the company was still known as Rapp Motorenwerke. The logo was a simple black and white circle with a spinning propeller in the center, representing the company's origins as an aircraft engine manufacturer. In the 1920s, the company changed its name to Bayerische Motoren Werke, or Bavarian Motor Works, and the logo was updated to reflect this change. The colors of the Bavarian flag, blue and white, were added to the logo, and the spinning propeller was replaced with a stylized white and blue BMW emblem. The logo has remained largely unchanged since then, and it continues to be an instantly recognizable symbol of the BMW brand.

Bmw logo

Chanel logo

The Chanel logo is a simple, yet iconic design that has remained largely unchanged since it was first introduced by Coco Chanel in 1925. The logo consists of two interlocking, opposing 'C's, which are meant to represent Coco Chanel's initials. The 'C's are often shown in a bold, black font, and are sometimes surrounded by a thin, gold-colored frame. The logo is a powerful and enduring symbol of the Chanel brand, and continues to be one of the most recognizable logos in the world of fashion.

Chanel logo

Chevrolet logo

The Chevrolet logo, also known as the 'bowtie logo', has a unique and interesting history. It was first introduced in 1913, when Chevrolet co-founder William C. Durant saw the design on a wallpaper in a Paris hotel. He was reportedly so struck by the simple, yet striking design, that he decided to use it as the logo for his new automotive company. Over the years, the logo has undergone several minor changes, but the basic design has remained largely unchanged. Today, the Chevrolet bowtie logo is one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the automotive industry, representing the company's commitment to quality, performance, and innovation.

Chevrolet logo

Coca-Cola logo

The Coca Cola logo is a globally recognized symbol of the Coca Cola company and its iconic soft drink. The logo has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the company's founding in 1886. The original logo was created by Coca Cola's co-founder, John Pemberton, and featured the name of the company written in elaborate, cursive script. Over the years, the logo has undergone several major redesigns, with the most notable being the introduction of the 'Dynamic Ribbon' design in 1969. This design featured the iconic red and white color scheme and the famous cursive Coca Cola script, but with the addition of a dynamic, flowing ribbon that added movement and energy to the logo. Today, the Coca Cola logo is recognized around the world as a symbol of refreshment and enjoyment.

Coca-cola logo

Disney logo

Did you know that the Disney logo has actually changed quite a bit over the years? It's true! The first Disney logo, which was created in 1923, featured an illustration of Mickey Mouse drawn by Walt Disney himself. This logo was used for several years, until the studio began to expand and the need for a more professional-looking logo became apparent. Over the years, the Disney logo has undergone several major redesigns, with the most notable being the introduction of the 'Circle of Stars' design in 2006. This design features the iconic Disney castle surrounded by a circle of stars, representing the company's commitment to creativity and imagination. Today, the Disney logo continues to be one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the world of entertainment.

Disney logo

Dropbox logo

Did you know that the Dropbox logo was designed by a world-renowned graphic designer? It's true! The Dropbox logo was designed by David Carson, who is best known for his experimental and avant-garde approach to graphic design. Carson's design for the Dropbox logo is simple and clean, featuring the company's name written in bold, lowercase letters. The letters are arranged in a unique, overlapping configuration, which is meant to represent the idea of storing and organizing files in the cloud. Carson's design for the Dropbox logo has been praised for its simplicity and elegance, and it continues to be a powerful and effective symbol for the company.

Dropbox logo

Etsy logo

The Etsy logo has a simple and clean design that is closely tied to the company's origins and mission. The logo was designed by an in-house team of designers at Etsy, led by CEO Chad Dickerson. The design features the company's name written in a bold, sans-serif font, with the 'E' being slightly larger and colored a bright shade of orange. This orange 'E' is meant to represent the company's commitment to creativity and handmade goods, and has become a recognizable and iconic symbol of the Etsy brand. The logo has remained largely unchanged since it was first introduced, and continues to be a powerful and effective representation of the company's values and mission.

Etsy logo

Facebook logo

The Facebook logo has a simple and clean design that has remained largely unchanged since the company was founded in 2004. The logo consists of a lowercase 'f' in a blue square, with the 'f' being slightly offset to the right. This design was chosen because it is simple and easy to recognize, and it represents the company's commitment to connecting people and fostering community. Over the years, the logo has undergone minor refinements and tweaks, but the basic design has remained the same. Today, the Facebook logo is one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the world of technology and social media, representing the company's mission to bring people together.

Facebook logo

Ford logo

The Ford logo has a long and storied history that is closely tied to the history of the Ford Motor Company itself. Over the years, the logo has undergone several major redesigns, with the most notable being the introduction of the iconic blue oval design. This design features the company's name written in bold, sans-serif letters inside a blue oval shape. The blue oval has become one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the automotive industry, representing the company's commitment to innovation and quality. Today, the Ford logo continues to be a powerful and effective representation of the company and its values.

Ford logo

General Electric logo

The General Electric logo has a long and storied history that is closely tied to the history of the company itself. The first General Electric logo was created in 1892, when the company was founded by Thomas Edison and a group of investors. The original logo was a simple, stylized representation of the company's initials, with the letters 'G' and 'E' arranged in a diagonal pattern. Over the years, the logo has undergone several major redesigns, with the most notable being the introduction of the iconic 'GE' monogram. The GE monogram has become one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the world of business, representing the company's commitment to innovation and progress.

Electric logo

Google logo

Did you know that the Google logo was actually designed by the company's co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin? It's true! In 1998, when the company was first founded, Page and Brin were looking for a simple, recognizable, and playful logo to represent their fledgling search engine. They eventually settled on the colorful, multi-colored logo that has become so iconic today. Nowadays the 'G' is made up of a series of interlocking, geometric shapes that are arranged in a distinctive pattern. This design was chosen because it is simple, playful, and easy to recognize, and it represents the company's commitment to innovation and creativity.

Google logo

IBM logo

The IBM logo has a simple and clean design that has remained largely unchanged since it was first introduced in 1956. The logo was designed by Paul Rand, who is considered one of the greatest graphic designers of all time. Rand's design for the IBM logo is simple and clean, featuring the company's name written in bold, sans-serif letters. The letters are arranged in a distinctive, horizontal stacked configuration, with the 'IBM' being slightly larger and more prominent than the word 'corporation.' This design was chosen because it is simple, modern, and easy to recognize, and it represents the company's commitment to innovation and progress.

Ibm logo

Instagram logo

The Instagram logo has a simple and clean design that has remained largely unchanged since the app was first introduced in 2010. The logo consists of a stylized, retro-looking camera icon set against a gradient background. The camera icon is meant to represent the app's focus on photography and visual storytelling, and the gradient background is meant to evoke the idea of light and color. Over the years, the logo has undergone minor refinements and tweaks, but the basic design has remained the same. Today, the Instagram logo is one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the world of social media, representing the app's commitment to creativity, community, and visual storytelling.

Instagram logo

Intel logo

The Intel logo has a simple and clean design that has remained largely unchanged since the company was founded in 1968. The logo consists of the company's name written in bold, sans-serif letters, with the 'Intel' being slightly larger and more prominent than the word 'inside.' This design was chosen because it is simple, modern, and easy to recognize, and it represents the company's commitment to innovation and progress. Over the years, the logo has undergone minor refinements and tweaks, but the basic design has remained the same.

Intel logo

LinkedIn logo

The LinkedIn logo has a simple and clean design that is meant to evoke the idea of professionalism and efficiency. The logo consists of a stylized 'in' set against a blue background. The 'in' is meant to represent the idea of being connected, and the simple, clean design is meant to convey the idea of professionalism and efficiency. The logo has remained largely unchanged since it was first introduced, and continues to be a powerful and effective representation of the LinkedIn brand and its mission.

Linkedin logo

McDonald's logo

The McDonald's logo is one of the most recognizable and iconic symbols in the world of fast food. The logo consists of a simple, stylized illustration of a golden arches. The arches are meant to represent the idea of a welcoming, friendly place, and the red background is meant to evoke the idea of warmth and comfort. Over the years, the logo has undergone minor refinements and tweaks, but the basic design has remained the same. Today, the McDonald's logo is recognized around the world as a symbol of quality, convenience, and value, and it continues to be a powerful and effective representation of the McDonald's brand and its values.

Mcdonalds logo

Mercedes-Benz logo

The Mercedes Benz logo is one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the world of luxury automobiles. The logo consists of a simple, stylized illustration of a silver star set against a black background. The star is meant to represent the company's commitment to quality and excellence, and the black background is meant to evoke the idea of sophistication and elegance. Over the years, the logo has undergone minor refinements and tweaks, but the basic design has remained the same. Today, the Mercedes Benz logo is recognized around the world as a symbol of luxury, performance, and innovation, and it continues to be a powerful and effective representation of the Mercedes Benz brand and its values.

Mercedes-benz logo

Microsoft logo

The Microsoft logo is a powerful and enduring symbol of the company's commitment to innovation and progress. The logo consists of the company's name written in bold, sans-serif letters. The simple, clean design of the logo is meant to convey the idea of efficiency and modernity. In addition to being a powerful and effective representation of the Microsoft brand, the logo is also a testament to the company's ability to adapt and evolve over time. Despite the rapid changes in the world of technology, the Microsoft logo remains a constant presence, representing the company's commitment to innovation and progress.

Microsoft logo

Nike logo

Did you know that the Nike logo was actually designed by a college student? It's true! The Nike logo was designed by Carolyn Davidson, who was a graphic design student at Portland State University in the early 1970s. Davidson's design for the Nike logo is simple and clean, featuring the swoosh and the company's name written in bold, sans-serif letters. The swoosh is a simple, stylized illustration of a wing, and it is meant to represent the idea of speed, power, and motion. This design was chosen because it is simple, modern, and easy to recognize, and it represents the company's commitment to innovation and progress. Today, the Nike logo is one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the world, and it continues to be a powerful and effective representation of the company's values and mission.

Nike logo

Pepsi logo

Did you know that the Pepsi logo was actually designed by a famous artist? It's true! The Pepsi logo was designed by renowned artist and illustrator Archie Lee, who was working for the D'Arcy Advertising Agency at the time. Lee's design for the Pepsi logo is simple and clean, featuring the company's name written in bold, sans-serif letters. The letters are arranged in a distinctive, horizontal stacked configuration, with the 'Pepsi' being slightly larger and more prominent than the word 'cola.' The design also features a distinctive, swirling blue and red pattern that is meant to evoke the idea of movement and energy. This design was chosen because it is simple, modern, and easy to recognize, and it represents the company's commitment to innovation and progress.

Pepsi logo

Pinterest logo

The Pinterest logo has a simple and clean design that is meant to evoke the idea of creativity and inspiration. The logo consists of a stylized 'P' set against a red background. The 'P' is meant to represent the idea of pinning and organizing, and the gradient coloring is meant to evoke the idea of growth and progress. Over the years, the logo has undergone minor refinements and tweaks, but the basic design has remained the same. Today, the Pinterest logo is one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the world of social media and online content, representing the app's commitment to creativity, community, and self-expression.

Pinterest logo

Prada logo

The Prada logo is a simple and elegant symbol of the company's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The logo consists of the company's name written in bold, sans-serif letters, with the 'Prada' being slightly larger and more prominent than the word 'Milano.' The design is set against a black background, which is meant to evoke the idea of sophistication and elegance. Over the years, the logo has undergone minor refinements and tweaks, but the basic design has remained the same. Today, the Prada logo is one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the world of fashion and luxury, representing the company's commitment to excellence and innovation.

Prada logo

Reddit logo

Did you know that the Reddit logo was actually designed by a Reddit user? It's true! In 2010, Reddit held a contest to redesign the company's logo, and the winning design was created by a Reddit user named 'skawo.' Skawo's design for the Reddit logo is simple and clean, featuring a stylized 'alien' character set against a white background. The alien is meant to represent the idea of community and inclusion. This design was chosen because it is simple, modern, and easy to recognize, and it represents the company's commitment to innovation and progress. Today, the Reddit logo is one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the world of social media and online content, and it continues to be a powerful and effective representation of the Reddit brand and its values.

Reddit logo

Slack logo

collaboration and communication. The logo consists of a stylized '#' set against a white background. The '#' is meant to represent the idea of hashtags and tagging, and the gradient coloring is meant to evoke the idea of growth and progress. Over the years, the logo has undergone minor refinements and tweaks, but the basic design has remained the same. Today, the Slack logo is one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the world of business and technology, representing the app's commitment to helping teams work together and communicate more effectively.

Slack logo

Snapchat logo

In 2011, when Snapchat was first founded, Spiegel decided to create a simple and playful logo that would represent the app's commitment to fun and creativity. He eventually settled on a simple, stylized illustration of a ghost set against a yellow background. The ghost is meant to represent the idea of ephemerality and change, and the yellow background is meant to evoke the idea of warmth and friendliness. The Snapchat logo has become one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the world of social media and online content, representing the app's commitment to creativity, community, and self-expression.

Snapchat logo

SoundCloud logo

The SoundCloud logo consists of two different symbols: a stylized 'cloud' shape and a 'waveform' line. The cloud is meant to represent the idea of online storage and sharing, and the waveform is meant to represent the idea of audio and sound. The gradient coloring is meant to evoke the idea of growth and progress. This design was chosen because it is simple, modern, and easy to recognize, and it represents the company's commitment to innovation and progress.

Soundcloud logo

Starbucks logo

The Starbucks logo was designed by renowned artist and illustrator Terry Heckler, who was working for the ad agency Adams and Associates at the time. Heckler's design for the Starbucks logo is simple and elegant, featuring a stylized illustration of a two-tailed mermaid set against a white background. The mermaid is meant to represent the company's nautical heritage, and the white background is meant to evoke the idea of purity and simplicity. This design was chosen because it is simple, modern, and easy to recognize, and it represents the company's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Today, the Starbucks logo is one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the world of coffee and beverages, and it continues to be a powerful and effective representation of the Starbucks brand and its values.

Starbucks logo

Tesla logo

The Tesla logo is a well-known and widely recognized symbol, with its distinctive T-shaped design. The logo has undergone several changes over the years, but has always maintained its core elements. The original Tesla logo, which was introduced in 2003, featured a stylized letter 'T' in silver on a black background, with the word 'Tesla' written underneath. In 2016, the logo was updated to include a more modern and minimalist design, with the stylized 'T' in red, and the company name in uppercase letters underneath.

Tesla logo

Twitter logo

In 2006, when Twitter was first founded, the company hired the design studio Lippincott to create a simple and iconic logo that would represent the app's commitment to communication and community. Lippincott's design for the Twitter logo is simple and clean, featuring a stylized 'bird' set against a blue background. The bird is meant to represent the idea of tweeting and chirping, and the blue background is meant to evoke the idea of trust and reliability. This design was chosen because it is simple, modern, and easy to recognize, and it represents the app's commitment to communication and community.

Twitter logo

Volkswagen logo

The Volkswagen logo consists of a stylized 'V' and 'W' set against a blue background. The 'V' and 'W' are meant to represent the company's name, and the blue background is meant to evoke the idea of trust and reliability. The logo was designed by famed car designer and engineer Ferdinand Porsche, who was working for the company at the time. Porsche's design was chosen because it is simple, modern, and easy to recognize, and it represents the company's commitment to innovation and progress. Today, the Volkswagen logo is one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the world of automotive and transportation, and it continues to be a powerful and effective representation of the Volkswagen brand and its values.

Volkswagen logo

YouTube logo

The YouTube logo is a recognizable and iconic symbol that has been associated with the brand for many years. The logo consists of a stylized 'play' button set against a red background. The 'play' button is meant to represent the idea of watching and streaming video, and the red background is meant to evoke the idea of excitement and energy. Over the years, the logo has undergone minor refinements and tweaks, but the basic design has remained the same. Today, the YouTube logo is one of the most recognized and iconic symbols in the world of online video and entertainment, representing the app's commitment to providing users with a wide range of engaging and entertaining content.

Youtube logo

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