Fascinating read over UK based The Independent about logos that became legends in advertising. Pretty safe bet that having you work referred to as ‘legend’ is the dream of any logo designer, but reserved for the lucky ones who happen to be in the right place to develop the next Nike or Google logo. Logos that get the nod as the top in the world of advertising?
The McDonald’s ‘Golden Arches’ (initially deep-sixed by Mickey Dee founder Dick McDonald in 1952),
The Ferrari Horse (inspired by an airplane graphic used by a pilot who was killed in WWI),
The Apple logo (which replaced the original graphic that depicted Sir Isaac Newton sitting below a tree with an apple falling on his head),
The Nike swoosh logo (designed by a little-known university student named Carolyn Davidson who charged just $35 for her design),
The Lacoste alligator (which is the result of a wager concerning a suitcase made from alligator skin that company founder Rene Lacoste was said to have his eye on), and
The Chanel Double C (The logo represents the initials of the founder Coco Chanel, who almost always went by her nickname rather than her real name, Gabrielle).
Truly fascinating stuff. Always amazes me when some folks nix the importance of logos when it’s clear that brand icons have such impact, and resonate with so many people. While Apple products are among my faves (and I’d hazard a guess, would stand on their own merit as would a Ferrari), it could be argued that without their legendary brand icons, Nike, McDonalds and Chanel would be just run-of-the-mill sportswear, fast food and perfume companies. Much more historical background and logo trivia at the link.
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Any list like this missing the Michelin Man is pretty poor probably on the of the best known logo’s ever worldwide …