A great logo is burned into the mind of everyone who sees it. It forces you to remember the brand, flashes across your mind every time you think about the product. Some logos have become so iconic, they practically represent more than just the company, but their entire industry. It’s hard not to see a check mark when thinking about shoes, or an apple when thinking about buying a new smartphone. These logos go above and beyond merely representing a brand, they’re effective and successful advertising campaigns all on their own.
Despite that, most people don’t spend much time thinking about logos, or know their histories or the details of their designs. They may seem obvious or simple, but there’s stories behind every logo, and great advice to be gleaned from their expert designs.
So let’s take a look at some legendary logos, and see what makes them so great.
1. Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Logo Vector Art, Icons, and Graphics for Free Download
The History
In Atlanta, Georgia in 1886, Dr. John Stith Pemberton created Coca-Cola. Back then it only cost 5 cents a glass. Before Coca-Cola, Pemberton had created Coca Wine, but a prohibition law in Atlanta forced him to change the recipe. His partner, Frank Mason Robinson, suggested Coca-Cola, because he thought the two C’s would look interesting in advertising. And wow, was he right.
At first advertising used a simple font.
First Coca-Cola ad, Atlanta journal, 1886
But before long, it was written in Spencerian script, which was common at the time. Look familiar?
Free Coca-Cola coupon, 1887There was a brief experiment with a different font for an 1891 calendar.