Reader giveaway: 5 advance copies of Logotype
Last week I mentioned that Michael Evamy was releasing a followup to his successful 2007 book, Logo, with the new tome titled Logotype.
Lewis at publisher Laurence King kindly got in touch with an exclusive offer for Logo Design Love readers — five advance copies, shipped worldwide, a month before publication.
“Logotypes – wordmarks, monograms and single-letter marks – are where the verbal becomes visual; where elements that are usually designed to speed the eye across the page invite it to linger; where the choice of font is never less than meaningful; where spaces and spacing are significant; where the composition of words and characters carry weight; where letterforms and even fragments of letterforms can evoke attributes, atmospheres, emotions, events, places, personalities and periods in history.”
To enter the draw, leave a comment listing one of your favourite type-based logos, sharing your reason why.
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Update: By “type-based logos” I’m referring to wordmarks, monograms, and single-letter marks.
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Winners will be randomly drawn from the comment thread and notified by email on Monday 13th August.
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Update: Monday 13 August
The five winners are: talazia, Chris, Wojtek, Jana, and Stew.
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You might find your picks in a “readers favourite” followup, too.
Or you can now pre-order the book through Amazon:
on Amazon.co.uk
on Amazon.com
267 appreciated comments, click here to add one
Bill
I really admire the old Northwest Airlines logo.
To combine the N and W into one character but that you read as two, and then pointing the triangle toward the northwest — implying a compass — it is truly an elegant solution.
See it here:
http://smashingtops.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/7.-northwest-airline.jpg
Aug 8th, 2012
Renée
I’m always going to love MoMa’s for its elegant simplicity.
Aug 8th, 2012
Devin
I’ve always been fascinated by the Sun Microsystems logo. Usually computer related companies use a symbol to represent their brand, but Sun chose to focus on their name instead and turned U & N into S. Brilliant!
Aug 8th, 2012
Alicia Viera
David,
The Tate logo is certainly one of my all-time favorites ever since I first saw it. As you once said in a blog post back in 2008, it seems like “sometimes conventions are there to be broken” (http://www.logodesignlove.com/tate-logo-design). This logo is certainly breaking a couple of logo design conventions but it does so very effectively! Love it! :)
Aug 8th, 2012
Amy
Why, yes, I’d love a copy!
An off-the-cuff “favorite” would be Davidoff – http://www.logotypes101.com/logos/223/B7A3ABE30DE192FBC8B8B7939193C04D/Davidoff_Cool_Water.png
It has sophisticated styling and striking descenders.
Aug 8th, 2012
Jimbo Ramsay
My favourite logotype would have to be the Nike’s “Swoosh” logo by Carolyn Davidson in 1971.
The logotype was created for a new line of running shoes named after the Greek goddess of victory, thus the “Swoosh” marque was launched is to evoke the winged Nike’s flight.
Aug 8th, 2012
Adam Smith
Hi,
One of my favourite logos of all time has to be for the charity Shelter. I think the reason I like this one so much is because of its simplicity. It is so simple yet tells you so much by just slightly adjusting the ‘h’ to look like a house. Despite its subtleties, it is immediately recognisable and extremely memorable. Well done Johnson Banks on a classic piece of design.
Aug 8th, 2012
Dario Calonaci
My favourite logotype, as many already know, it’s “The National” by Love&War studio – great type with an outstanding kerning – and what counts more, an utterly beautiful condensed typography version too!
http://www.loveandwar.com/work/national.html
I could admire it for hours.
Aug 8th, 2012
Justin
Braun, the German consumer products company.
The logotype is aesthetic, geometric, no-nonsense – everything that the company represents, as evidenced by the designs of Braun’s famed Dieter Rams. The slightly taller “A” gives the logotype balance and symmetry.
Aug 8th, 2012
Laurie Beaty
I risk sounding like a complete sell out and a nerd at the same time.. but I like the Facebook logo. The F in the blue square started a smart simple trend that is functional and recognizable. It works so well that other companies have followed suit to create buttons to use in conjunction.
Aug 8th, 2012
Eb
I really like the Roger Federer logo. The logo is crisp and simple.
Aug 8th, 2012
Kelly
It’s hard for me to narrow down a favorite, but I love the James Beard Foundation logo redesign that Simplissimus (New York) did:
http://www.simplissimus.net/images/simplissimus-work5.jpg
And I’d love a copy of the book ;)
Aug 8th, 2012
George Schmidt
I’d say Waitrose. Very simple, very recognisable.
Aug 8th, 2012
gizaHQ
“Deutsche Bank”. A real classic.
Aug 8th, 2012
Jon Lavalley
I think one of my favorite logo type examples is for the company Utopia. It might just be the fact that the color choice is bold and a classic designer choice of fluorescent orange and white, but the type itself reminds me of Clarendon but with more flow to it. There is nothing that really needs to change about the logo because each letter is cohesive with the next. The logo itself is inviting and visually pleasing to look at. I’m very drawn to the logo type :)
Aug 8th, 2012
Shawn Hansen
Coca-Cola. It’s such beautiful lettering and instantly recognizable.
Aug 8th, 2012
Roberto
I’ve always admired the Mother & Child logotype by Lubalin and Tom Carnase.
Aug 8th, 2012
Selina
One of my favourite logotype is the City of Melbourne identity. The identity is simple and straight to the point yet adaptable for different function or usage. It never fails to capture my attention.
Thanks!
Aug 8th, 2012
Tahir Jamil
One of my favourite logo types has to be amazon. Reason being, how the arrow points from the A-Z, indicating amazon as brand that sells pretty much everything. For me a great combination of semiotics and letterforms to form a specific message, highlighting a brands u.s.p.
Aug 8th, 2012
Ken
My favourite would have to be IBM. I don’t think it will ever need to change. It’s solid and powerful. There isn’t a need to be exciting or colourful, that’s not what IBM is about.
Aug 8th, 2012
Chris McInerney
Landor’s FedEx logo is one of the best I’ve seen. The negative space arrow formed from E and x is simply a brilliant logotype solution.
Aug 8th, 2012
Soon
I love this simple logotype and I get to see it driving around town on the side of a truck all the time in Minneapolis & St. Paul
Viking Electric
http://www.rstcenterprises.com/commdeck/images/logos/viking.gif
Aug 8th, 2012
Simon
Gotta love the Coca-Cola typography. Super-recognizable and while it’s changes over the years, the changes haven’t been drastic.
Aug 8th, 2012
AKChandarana
Wingdings because of the 9/11 conspiracy related to it. Too funny. http://www.snopes.com/rumors/wingdings.asp
Aug 8th, 2012
Natalie Kay
Target.
It fulfills so much & has translated incredibly well across packaging, branding, & various media types through their marketing. What a well done system this logo has created.
Aug 8th, 2012
KevinN
I would have to say the Infiniti logo.
The car maker not only does a fabulous job of creating the ‘I’ in its wholesome entirety, but to depict a road that travels as far as the car does, is simply brilliant.
Aug 8th, 2012
Eldin
One of my favourite logos is “Spartan Golf Club” because it’s genius, connection of 2 objects into one.
Aug 8th, 2012
Jean Chouinard
My favorite logotype is Guggenheim Museum. Clean, simple, expresses modernity. No need for symbols, just plain type. Wonderful!
Aug 8th, 2012
Camila Castillo
For me the Citi logo by Paula Scher continues to be one of my favorites; it’s just the perfect solution for the merging of these two companies: Citibank and Travelers. It exemplifies everything a logo should be: it’s short, memorable, simple & cohesive.
Aug 8th, 2012
Elizabeth
Hi, I remember one of the logos that has struck me the most because of its simplicity and strong meaning, is the French Property Exhibition logo. It’s like a french flag, but it’s inviting you in! I think it’s so cool and meaningful. And it’s so simple it just looks good anywhere. When I first saw it, I thought, some day I have to come up with something that awesome.
Aug 8th, 2012
Adin Sotic
Braun. The logotype is simple, symmetrical, elegant and functional just like their products. True masters of design.
Aug 8th, 2012
Kathleen Lota
Zapfino. Zapfino presents many challenges when using. One might ask when then nominate it? Because it’s beauty is worth the extra effort. And because the founder may just see this and make it better.
It has incredibly long ascenders and descenders and some other flourishes are really quite exaggerated. Depending on what the characters used are, you make have to do some intense vector work but it’s never disappointed. And as with all scripts, it would be nice to have a family of weights/styles – versus just one.
I may be in the minority here but I am not afraid to show pride! If you get the chance for a project with movement, flair and beauty, this font may be for you. Embrace it ;)
Aug 8th, 2012
Karen Billings
I love the Google logotype for its simplicity and versatility. The folks at Google have shown how an iconic logotype can be adapted for various purposes while remaining true to form and character. It is instantly recognizable even when manipulated, and shows how fun and creativity can be effectively interlaced with a solid professional reputation.
Aug 8th, 2012
Andria
Maybe it’s the kid in me, but I still dig the Disney logotype. I like that it’s based on the founder’s signature and maintains that original vision of quality and creativity.
Aug 8th, 2012
Dawid
And I like “the LogoDesignLove” behind the (RED) campaign logo – http://www.joinred.com :)
Aug 8th, 2012
Jorge
I love the WordPress logo.
It is a very simple logo that plays with the notion of writing and playfulness, quickly indicating that what is written is not set in stone, that it can be modified and played with, all within a perfect circular boundary, with blue reminding us of our planet.
Aug 8th, 2012
Claire
My favourite logotype would have to be V&A.
I’m continually struck by how elegant and balanced the letter forms and serifs are. ALSO it has an ampersand and it’s a particularly beautiful one.
Aug 8th, 2012
Vanessa Rosenbaum
I was super-impressed with the Qagoma (Queensland Art Gallery / Gallery of Modern Art) logo(type). It is super-simple and I was immediately drawn to figuring out who it is; beyond that, the logo has a clear double-identity, reflecting what it represents. It is also lovely how it is used, particularly on the fold of the letterhead. Love love love.
Aug 8th, 2012
Jeremy
I’d have to go wth the Ford logo. It’s classic, I love the script, and it just works really well with the blue oval background.
Aug 8th, 2012
Hannah Beasley
Oh, I would love to win this book! My favorite logo is the 1992 Starbucks identity – it is recognizable and pleasingly balanced.
Aug 8th, 2012
Juan Rivera
My favorite one is LEGO.
I think the typeface and the overall logo (including their iconic color scheme) represents so well what the company is all about.
The round type, double stroked, slanted at the precise angle (helped by the history of the brand) gives the mark a it’s nostalgic, fun and kid-like feel.
You can spot the LEGO type everywhere you go.
I know the color scheme helps a big deal, but the real protagonist is it’s typeface.
Aug 8th, 2012
Marlowe
I’ve always been a fan of the Superman comics logotype. It’s survived relatively unchanged since the 1930s and shows no sign of going away anytime soon.
Aug 8th, 2012
Jaime
Ed’s Electric
http://www.logotalkz.com/ed%E2%80%99s-electric-logo/
What I like most is how simple the design is. The combination of electrical elements utilizes negative space brilliantly to create an ‘E’. The negative space allows for discovery for what the viewer may not notice at first. Very well done!!
Aug 8th, 2012
Dav
I always really liked and admired the YOSHO logotype, by Segura. So simple and minimal, yet so good. A favourite, for sure.
(http://segura-inc.com/portfolio/274/logo)
Aug 8th, 2012
James
Paul Driver’s ‘Human Worldwide’ — unbelievably simplistic use of negative space.
Aug 8th, 2012
flavia
Gillette logotype: the double L and double T already reminded us of the blades. And now, with the redesign, the i dot (not a dot anymore), is aligned with the G… perfect for a blade and razors brand!
Aug 8th, 2012
Angel
My favorite logo would be TATE’s. For the way it applies out of focus effects, versatility in different media as for ways to play with it once printed in different material or textures. I believe it gives any designer that works with it a wide range of possibilities.
Aug 8th, 2012
jahoo
I love Pencil logo because it’s very minimalistic and simple.
http://www.reghardt.com/pencil.html
Aug 8th, 2012
Keith Kitz
Slice by Manual—clever, simple, and brilliant.
Aug 8th, 2012
Justyna Woszczyna
I greatly admire and adore “Spartan Golf Club” logo by Richard Fonteneau. It is my goal to be able to create something which can mix two different ideas into one ideal entity, just like in this design. And I also hope, when I finally “get there”, I’ll be able to execute my plan as perfectly as the author of Spartan logo did.
Aug 8th, 2012
Kyle
My favorite has to be the (Royal) National Theatre (of the UK). It’s incredibly simple and elegant, and the letters N and T don’t seem forced together but like they belong together. It’s distinctiveness is underrated.
It’s a shame that more people don’t recognise its significance as a design classic, not least the organisation itself.
Aug 8th, 2012
Joel
Mediterranean Shipping Company. The way everything fits together all puzzle-like and those curves, oof.
Aug 8th, 2012
Dominic Flask
There are many of Herb Lubalin’s logotypes that would make it into my favorite list, but one of the ones that has always rang true for me is the “Families” logotype for the Reader’s Digest publication. Three little letters, three little people. Simple and smart.
Aug 8th, 2012
Luke
Chupa Chups, simply for the reason that it was designed by the master Salvador Dali.
Aug 8th, 2012
Erik Johnson
I have always loved the DC Shoe Co. logotype, so bold and striking. I think it represents the company quite well.
Aug 8th, 2012
J. Assock
i-D magazine [i-donline.com]
The logo and the product fit together so perfectly – the name makes sense and the simple design, with the cheeky wink and smile (which the cover model usually mirrors), fits the whole tone of the magazine. It’s not overly sophisticated but it works so well.
Aug 8th, 2012
Cosmo Jameson
CocaCola – a beautiful and iconic piece of design that hasn’t had to change for well over a century.
Aug 8th, 2012
Adam Smith
Metallica. I like this logo because it is simple and iconic. I chose the logo of the band because I think that musicians do not take possession of the logo seriously.
Aug 8th, 2012
Matthew Brett
The Herb Lubalin Mother and Child logo. It’s beautifully executed, and never fails to give the warm and fuzzies, a rare quality in a logotype.
Aug 8th, 2012
Isabel
I think the Melbourne city logo. It has created a trend in the last years in design and numerous applications.
Aug 8th, 2012
Melody
Mtv, it is so perfect for its demographic, and still extremely versatile.
Aug 8th, 2012
ivan
Love the Peru logo, just wow. I love its simplicity both on its new logo and its name that contains only four characters, simple. The Peru logo is not only a symbol but also full of of Peru’s history and tradition.
Aug 8th, 2012
Bálint
Canon, because it puzzles me so much how it has letters leaning up against eachother in so many weird angles and it STILL works somehow.
Aug 8th, 2012
BandonRandon
Although I can’t choose just one favorite logotype the logo of the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) has to be one of my top. The logo which is clean and simple san-serif fonts seems to be the continuation of a strip of film that never ends. The logo can be seen at siff.net.
Aug 8th, 2012
Thom Crawford
I would have to say the FedEX logo is probably my favorite logotype ever. I love how interactive it is. Once you see that arrow, you are ALWAYS looking at it.
Aug 8th, 2012
Don Suttajit
One of my favorite logotypes is the Houston Texans football team logo.
When they first announced that the new team was going to be called “Texans”, I just didn’t think it was going to be “cool”. But then the guys at Verlander Design released their take on it and I was sold on the whole Texan thing. It’s crazy cool how logos can change our perception of a company/team/etc.
Aug 8th, 2012
Adriane
Milton Glaser’s I ❤ NY.
Such a simple solution, and one that has stood the test of time.
Aug 8th, 2012
Anthony Zukofsky
Michael Bierut’s Museum of Art and Design (MAD) logotype. Clean, simple and tons of varieties to work with. Cannot ask for anything more for a logo, Bierut is a genius. If that logo does not catch your eye, somethings wrong.
Aug 8th, 2012
Derrick Harvey
The Crayola logo is well done. The sans serif type keeps the tracking tight but readable and the character widths and high x-height give it some playfulness.
Aug 8th, 2012
Saad Benryane
One of my favourite logos is TDK
http://www.rubansam.qc.ca/images/TDK_Logo2_blue_300dpi.jpg
I think that it is aesthetically questionable. What interests me the most is how people never recall what the logo looks like. Try getting a group of people to do the exercise and draw the TDK icon just from memory. You would be surprised, considering TDK was one of the biggest manufacturers of audio and video cassettes!
Aug 8th, 2012
EricMichaelSay
Have to second the Facebook logotype. Simultaneously friendly, utilitarian and tech.
BUT, one of my all-time favorite would have to be the original Ben Sherman.
Aug 8th, 2012
Dominic Philcox
Being the owner of numerous logo / identity / trademark books, I’m always surprised that I’ve never seen any recognition for the NICEIC logo. I can’t think of a better logotype design for a accreditation / professional body. Super simple and hits the nail smack-bang on the head. Readable up close, symbolic from a distance — what more do you need?
http://niceic.com/Uploads/File5510.gif
Aug 8th, 2012
John
I’ve always liked the Camper logo. It’s simple and direct yet conveys a lot about the product it represents.
The indented curved bottom reminds you of the bumpy soles that are a classic feature of Camper soles.
More importantly, it also suggests something that moulds on impact with the ground, exactly what you want from a comfortable shoe.
Aug 8th, 2012
Armando
One of my favourites is the (old) Yves Saint Laurent by A.M. Cassandre. Always been a fan of Cassandre work/posters/bold illustrations and this logo looks so completely different from that.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yves_Saint_Laurent_(brand)
Aug 8th, 2012
Jeannette Hodge
http://www.humanesociety.org/
I have always admired how the humane society had placed all the animals to form a map of the US in their logo. I think it is a creative and unique way to attract attention to a great cause. It is very memorable and gets the message across clearly; very effective in its purpose. All around it is a great logo and the font they picked for the type fits the society as well.
Aug 8th, 2012
thomas fillet
Although it’s ugly as hell, the joy I found in discovering what the ‘carrefour’ actually was made me so happy, made it a favourite.
Aug 8th, 2012
Jeremy
The Woolmark logo, designed by Francesco Saroglia because it represents the perfect blend of individual aesthetics, clarity and purpose.
Aug 8th, 2012
Ricky
I love the city logo of Melbourne. It’s simple, memorable and very flexible. I will be very proud of that logo if I reside in that city.
Aug 8th, 2012
Stu
The Lego logo. Such a wonderfully playful font that has stood up well to the fast-paced and ever changing toy industry for nearly 40 years in it’s current form.
Aug 8th, 2012
Matt G
The Pinterest Logo. It might be a tad feminine, regardless, I like the very modern design as well as the use of the ligature between the s & the t. The pin is hinted at in the ‘P’ and really connects with the idea of this being the modern pin-board. It also translates to an icon extremely well.
Aug 8th, 2012
Stuart L Crawford (@StuartLCrawford)
Favourite logotype has gotta be Faber & Faber’s double F, by Pentagram I believe – http://www.faber.co.uk/ – instantly classic, memorable and as simple as you can expect.
Lovely comp idea, would be delighted to grab a copy.
Aug 8th, 2012
Todd Verlander
The Sigmund Freud Foundation by Pentagram. It is thought provoking, and inspires penis envy.
http://www.pentagram.com/work/#/marks/all/newest/1106/
Aug 8th, 2012
Attilio Sommella
One of my favourite logos is Maserati.
I really love the message behind crown/triton fork.
Aug 8th, 2012
Cordula
The London Symphony Orchestra logo.
I really like the logo’s dynamic. You can still recognize the letters even though they form this nicely flowing visual composition.
http://lso.co.uk
Aug 8th, 2012
Jana
I know it’s been getting a lot of flack, but I love the new DC Comic logo. Can’t help it – its versatility to me is really genius.
http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/01/19/new-dc-logo-images-interactive/
Aug 8th, 2012
Bernardo
I love the Museum of Sex’s logotype. The bold x at the end of a light sentence without spaces between words makes me read it fast and energetic and cover my mouth at the end, as if saying something that excites me but I have a feeling I shouldn’t be blurting out, which is pretty much what sex is in the mainstream, conservative-ish culture.
Aug 8th, 2012
Michael
The Canadian National logo:
http://www.cn.ca/images/project/logo_en.gif
—Conceptually sound (railroad tracks) and beautifully simple.
Aug 8th, 2012
Andy
I’ve always admired the BBC, it’s proven to be so adaptable over the years and yet remains the same as ever.
Aug 8th, 2012
jeremy
I dig the “Aces and Eights: Shattered Frontier” logo.. it just oozes western!
Aug 8th, 2012
Iga
Hi, one of my favourite logotypes is Empik — a Polish bookstore. I love it for the firm connection to books by using an apostrophe over the “i”, and also refering to the phrase: dot the i’s and cross the t’s (in Polish we use only the first part of this phrase) — so simple, so perfect.
http://www.empik.com/
Aug 8th, 2012
Pannett
FedEx.
Even written in this comment y’can kinda see the arrow.
Old rope, but bloody good old rope.
Aug 8th, 2012
adam
The Killed productions
clever use of the letter i as a shoot/dead person. Love it.
http://cdn1.1stwebdesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/typographic-logo-inspiration/killed-typographic-logo-inspiration.jpg
Aug 8th, 2012
Wojtek
I’ve always loved the MTV logo (the old, not the cropped one):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MTV_Logo.svg
Perhaps I got to like it thanks to all the animations artists used to create in the 1990s. Those short films showed the power of the three-letter typographical combination. It’s eclectic, ugly but lovely…
Aug 8th, 2012
Kuzan
Mother & Child by Lubalin. It resembles all the good things in a logo design.
Aug 8th, 2012
Joel Phillips
Gotta be FedEx. I love how the E and X make an arrow in the negative space. Fabulously understated.
Aug 8th, 2012
richard ogg
The FedEx because the use negative space between the E and x and how arrow symbolizes forward movement and thinking.
Aug 8th, 2012
Nauman Afzal
My favorite logo is Illusionz Winebar by Raja Sandhu. I like it because it uses negative space in a very smart way. Both shapes blend smoothly without making them appear forced. http://www.rajasandhu.com/images/logos/illusionz-wine-bar-logo.jpg
Aug 8th, 2012
Binny
For myself, I have always admired the Warner Brothers logo ever since I was a kid. I love how it’s always been consistent and prominent over the decades, even with unique touches for various new movies. It has always been one of my favorites.
Aug 8th, 2012
Duane Dalton
Mine would be the NASA’s (Worm) logo, the removal of the cross stroke in the A’s to create two trusting shapes is a great word image.
Aug 8th, 2012
Caesar Wong
Call me a dag, but I think the IBM logo is a great type-based logo – the shape of the letters is almost as iconic as the letters themselves, as can be seen in the recent “filled” versions:
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDBMTbIx6tVYhoDTTLCIRUEOzCpE6wBBbmea_XQEVq_pR3fUCA9tw2kayz
And might it be the tech industry’s first TLA?*
* that’s “three letter acronym/abbreviation” for the uninitiated :-)
Aug 8th, 2012
Jeffrey Q
My favourite type-based logo is Muji.
The logo embodies the design aesthetic of Muji’s approach to minimalism and simplicity to its branding. The use of Helvetica as well as the colours of dark red and white create a consistent, simple, and easily recognizable brand.
Aug 8th, 2012
Chris
I too would love a copy of that book! ;)
Favorite logotype: I couldn’t possibly narrow that down, however I have recently been ear deep researching band/music logos and I’m pretty impressed with the “Fender” update. That unconventional ‘F’ can be slapped on anything and double as a symbol. But I liked how the overly thick letters of the original logo were thinned, taken out of the incline, and given more “character” without straying from the essence of the brand. It seems like a pretty smooth and natural progression, so much so, that if one weren’t paying attention this update probably flew under their radar completely. In fact, I’d wager there are good handfull of life long musicians that still haven’t noticed the change. ;)
Updated logo:
http://media.photobucket.com/image/fender%20logo/Nad12/fender20logo.png?o=94
Older logo:
http://centralpermata.com/eric-johnson-stratocaster®-maple.html/fender_logo-400-400-2
Aug 8th, 2012
Bryan Fonder
I agree with the old NWA logo. I think my favorite of all time is the old Milwaukee Brewers’ logo. The M and the B make up a baseball glove (albeit one with only 4 fingers…maybe a glove for Bart Simpson).
http://cdn.14clicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Milwaukee-Brewers-Logo.png
Aug 8th, 2012
Diego
I think Lindon Leader’s Fed Ex logo is in my top favorite type based logos. With just a little kerning between the E and X. A simple solution, bold and a nice surprise once you find there is an arrow.
Aug 8th, 2012
Radu
My favorite type-based logo is the Disney logo due to it’s complexity and the hidden references to the letter ‘phi’ (golden ratio) in the letter ‘D’, ‘y’ and even in the ‘i’ dot.
Aug 8th, 2012
Maria Black
I really like the Amazon logo. It is really clever and clean. I feel it will transcend time.
:-)
-Maria
Aug 9th, 2012
Vicki Feldman
I actually love the “LOGO DESIGN LOVE” logo. It looks like something I might have designed myself! The style is clean and simple (has to be simple!), and the type is a great weight. The heart is just the right touch adding the red to the black and shade of grey to make it perfect!
Aug 9th, 2012
Richard
My, the amount of comments a giveaway brings.
A rather obvious choice, but I’m going to go for Milton Glaser’s I ❤ NY.
It’s simple, timeless, instantly recognisable, adaptable, memorable, and works on various levels. Pretty much a perfect logo, in my opinion.
Ooh, yes, I quite fancy a copy of that book, too.
Aug 9th, 2012
Oscar
Definitetly the HSBC logotype.
Clean and crisp. It is one of those logos that never get obsoleted by time.
Aug 9th, 2012
Shane
My favorite type based logo, although cliche, would have to be Google’s logo. It’s a stunning logo that is also simple, and obviously memorable. Oh and it was only $35! :)
Aug 9th, 2012
João Cunha
My choice: the IBM logo designed by Paul Rand. Its simplicity and intemporality makes it perfect for the company it represents.
Obviously I would love to get a copy of that book!
Aug 9th, 2012
Kenyatta
I hate to sound like I didn’t put much thought into this, but I favor the Target logo. It’s a logo that has lasted for ages and its wordmark uses the timeless font Helvetica. Also, when pulled apart from the wordmark the “bullseye” is instantly recognizable and can be used to create some beautiful patterns.
Take a look:
http://sites.target.com/site/en/company/page.jsp?contentId=WCMP04-030795
http://mindfuldesignconsulting.com/newsletter/march_img-2011/target-store-colors.jpg
Aug 9th, 2012
Gianni
There are tons of incredible logotypes out there – and in no way do I think I’m at the point of competing with the GREATS, but the logo I did for a client called Abaci Capital was something I am still very proud of. The name Abaci comes from the word abacus, which is that old way of calculating on bars with those beads, you know the device I’m talking about. Anyway, I used the repetitive shapes of the abacus as inspiration and did my best to reference that in a subtle manner, while keeping it clean and hopefully will stand the test of time. We’ll see. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a little self pat on the back every once and a while :)
http://www.abacicapital.com
Aug 9th, 2012
Miguel
I jump at the opportunity for one of your books! Huge fan.
I would have to say the Disney logo is one of my favorites. Its simplicity shows masterful design. Inspiration for the logo was drawn from Walt Disney’s own signature, and has been the mark of the foundation for decades.
Hope to get an email!
Aug 9th, 2012
Tedd
It’s iconic, it’s proverbial, it’s the most legendary logotype of all time. Coca-Cola.
What an absolutely beautiful script; it really catches the eye but stays humble enough to where it does not scream for attention. It looks good in B&W or any color, but the red and white only complements the magnificence of the positive and negative space that come together to create this masterpiece. LogoTYPE, is a really hard thing to execute while keeping distinguishable from “just another typeface”, but Coca-Cola is a beautiful example of logotype. Perfectly done, in my opinion. :)
Aug 9th, 2012
Martin Hunte
I’d have to say that my favorite typeface logo has to be the old British Steel ‘S’. It is minimalistic and still looks modern today. The way that the two pieces of folded steel lock together to form the ‘S’ is very clever and gives it that timeless look.
Aug 9th, 2012
Kim Phillips
For a successful brand who’s logo is all type, it’d be hard to beat FedEx.
Aug 9th, 2012
Kim Phillips
Oops…. *whose*
Aug 9th, 2012
Sung Yoo
I admire PLoS’s Open Access logo. It’s an O, and A, and an unlocked combination lock, all at the same time!
Aug 9th, 2012
Gabe Casalett
Oddly enough, after I found out about FedEx’s hidden arrow, theirs became one of my favorite logos. I like the way they use the letters’ natural negative space in such a creative and subtle way.
Aug 9th, 2012
Lisa
Fedex jumps to mind right away. Simple and smart using a hidden symbol.
Aug 9th, 2012
April
It’s not terribly beautiful, but it’s super-functional. I think the xpedx logo is great because right-side-up is either way, and it’s italicized, symbolizing movement (shipping). For a company whose name is on a lot of boxes, it’s a really great name and logo to have.
Aug 9th, 2012
Mark
I really love the 50′s and 60′s… I love how over-the-top illustrated advertising imagery was… I also love Alfred Hitchcock movies and signage and therefore i choose the ‘Hitchcock’ – Saul Bass Font by Matt Terich.
I love how all-over-the-place it appears.
I ove some chaos in my work sometimes… It’s refreshing.
Aug 9th, 2012
Karinya
Oh yes please! Would love a copy :)
I just love the logo of ‘Ikea’! It is not because it is a good looking or amazing font, or even colour; but like ‘Lego’ type-base or the Golden-M’s of McDonald’s, it is what it invokes.
Once you have lived the shopping ‘experience’, the flatpack and your new home additionals, there is nothing like returning to one of those big blue buildings, with huge yellow letters and doing it all again. :)
Aug 9th, 2012
Martin Scally
I don’t have a specific favourite, but I’d have to go with “MIT Media Lab”.
http://www.logobird.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/MIT-Media-Lab.jpg
E Roon Kang and Richard The developed a mutant logo, an abstract spotlike algorithm that creates over 40k different logo possibilities. This unorthodox and futuristic approach makes it one to remember and be inspired of, in my humble opinion.
Aug 9th, 2012
Marcela
Oh my! It´s hard to think of one logotype that ´s amazingly done. I would have to say Milton Glaser´s I ❤ NY. Because it´s simplicity, type+symbol combination, totally memorable and well defined. It can be reproduce at any size and color without any problem. And the best part is, it´s completely international. Just ❤ it.
Aug 9th, 2012
Carolina Bettencourt
My favourite logo would have to be dunhill’s (http://flawlesscrowns.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/dunhill-london-logo.jpg)
The lettering is so beautiful and tall. It invokes fashion, elegance and strength. It was so simply made different, in such a subtle yet strong idea of the designer. Touché!
Aug 9th, 2012
kirsten
Disney… for it’s sheer joy, fluidity and now-iconic status, the stylised version of Walt’s handwriting brings memories to mind, along with the branding.
Aug 9th, 2012
Dico
The new DC comics logo nailed it.
Aug 9th, 2012
Chris Dixon
A letter, a number, red. Simple, classic.
3M
Aug 9th, 2012
Alejandro
I always enjoy a nice whisky on the rocks. The johnnie walker logo it’s one of my favorites its simple, clean, with a beautiful typography.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zmoEeqomXD4/S6kJ3DMVIbI/AAAAAAAAEmg/ZiWksA5VvCg/s320/Johnnie-walker-logo.jpg
Aug 9th, 2012
Clint
Check out “Wellington” in New Zealand.
This is surely the most fun you can have with typography and represents the fun of the city from Lord Of The Rings country to the night life and back to the multicultural residents and great food. Beautiful! Here is the link: http://www.wellingtonnz.com/image_library/wellington_new_zealand_logo
…and I like my logo too as no one has made a ligature out of an X & a C before (as far as I am aware).
Aug 9th, 2012
Mauricio Gomez
The best in my opinion and most memorable is the Coca Cola signature.
Everybody (99.9%) in the world knows it and recognize it.
Timeless & Beautiful Logo.
Aug 9th, 2012
Iliana
There are many smart, thoughtful, beautifully-crafted type-based logos so it’s hard to select one but I love “pencil” by Reghardt Grobbelaar (http://www.reghardt.com/pencil.html). It is simple and very effective. It’s also elegant and modern. Another type-based logo I love is the monogram for Sofia Press by Stefan Kanchev (http://stefankanchev.com/en/default.html). It is also simple and evokes an open book or quill pen. Like most of Kanchev’s work, it is timeless.
Aug 9th, 2012
Brandon Aragon
Eye. Bee. M.
Paul Rand’s IBM was the best thing since sliced bread (or maybe a certain soft drink company), and he masterfully demonstrated the logotype’s versatility over and over again.
Timeless, appropriate, direct, and unique. IBM.
Aug 9th, 2012
Andrius
I like Siemens, Panasonic and Philips – not new and not improved for several years already. A good example of good occupation of the color (teal, navy and blue) and some simple but distinguished type.
Aug 9th, 2012
Giles
I believe the most well designed for purpose, graceful, strong type logo is the Victoria and Albert Museum. It is simple, stylish and works well alongside any artwork shown there. It’s a timeless piece of beauty. (http://www.vam.ac.uk/)
Aug 9th, 2012
Linda
There are so many! Special mention to ‘Twins’ – typographical logos can be sublime, if you get them just right.
http://logopond.com/gallery/detail/25100
Aug 9th, 2012
Zoe Daniels
V&A logo by Alan Fletcher – without a shadow of a doubt.
It’s simple, elegant, timeless, beautifully proportioned, and a magnificent use of negative space and optical illusion. It’s just so damn classy, and inspirational. Absolutely superb and number 1 in my book.
Aug 9th, 2012
Adrian Rădeanu
Nasa (the worm) is my favourite logotype because it’s reduced to its simple, most basic form. That’s perfection.
Aug 9th, 2012
Sergio
My favorite logo is the Tate Gallery made by Wolff Olins. I love the idea of looking less and think more. Is a reference about contemporary visual grammar and has a step further as far as risk is concerned.
Aug 9th, 2012
David
The one that I instantly think of is ‘freedom’ by Jens Wickelgren. So simple, striking and perfectly executed.
Aug 9th, 2012
Kate
Three mobile logotype.
Classic helvetica, deemed overused by many current designers, but to me it personifies the technical progression of the Three brand perfectly.
Swedish design is so attractive to the young professional, ie: everyone loves Ikea. Helvetica adds this desirable element to this technology brand, and the bold san serif communicates a friendly well rounded service. The brand appeal to their target market is spot on.
http://www.three.co.uk/Discover
Aug 9th, 2012
Lisa
My favourite logotype is the Mother & Child by Herb Lubalin.
Simple, elegant and genius idea and execution delivering a complex concept.
Reference here: http://ampersand.gosedesign.net/herb-lubalins-mother-child-logo/
Aug 9th, 2012
Grégoire
General electrics logo, definetly one of my favorites !
nice vintage feeling, without looking outdated.
http://www.topnews.in/files/General-Electric_0.jpg
Aug 9th, 2012
Luke
Always loved The Mill – Mixing the typography with imagery to create its mark.
Very bold simple and striking.
http://www.themill.com/
Aug 9th, 2012
Joel Vilas Boas
I really like Big Ten. Just clever and instantly recognizable!
http://new.pentagram.com/2010/12/new-work-big-ten-conference-1/
Aug 9th, 2012
Binnzy
Nike. In terms of value for money. Brought for $50 now worth millions if not billions…
Aug 9th, 2012
Jeremy
My vote goes to ‘Fedex’ – strong, simple idea, well executed and proving the test of time.
Aug 9th, 2012
Michael
Mine would have to be “Sony” just due to the fact of its simplicity and its timeless design. I’ve grown up with this logo and it’s one thing that has pretty much stayed the same over the years (well, at least how long I’ve been alive anyway).
Aug 9th, 2012
Andy Needham
I love the Fashion Law Institute logo designed by Pentagram. Combining a needle and thread to look like a gavel. Brilliant.
Aug 9th, 2012
Mirco
I love the United Artists logo because its simple yet bold and inspiring.
Aug 9th, 2012
Maurice Meilleur
ABC’s logo from 1961 on, by Paul Rand:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Broadcasting_Company_logos
Aug 9th, 2012
Samah El Hakim
Well that’s lovely! :)
I would say my favorite is the V&A logotype by one of my favorite graphic designers of all time, the late Alan Fletcher.
Its simplicity, clever visual play and the presence of the ampersand itself make me smile!
Aug 9th, 2012
jk
Coca Cola. Most recognizable.
Aug 9th, 2012
Adam Fletcher
My personal favorite is the Eight logo by Stylo Design, It has a stylish feel that makes it stand out from others, and also has probably made all designers think WHY has that never been done before.
Aug 9th, 2012
Allison
Paul Rand’s IBM logo. It’s simple, clean and timeless.
Aug 9th, 2012
Henk
Recently stumbled across this logo:
http://www.tomahawk-player.org/assets/img/tomahawk-header.png
So simple, minimalistic but still unique… one wonders if the brand name or the logo was first.
Aug 9th, 2012
Kate Hyde
Focus Features is one of my favorite logotypes. It is clever and playful, but clean and simple at the same time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Focuslogo.jpg
Aug 9th, 2012
Bret Pothier
I really enjoy the united artists logo. Very smooth transition from the U to the A with an interesting deign for the cross line.
Aug 9th, 2012
M.Mansour Gebaly
“Coca-Cola” is the most recognized logo design and brands in the world, the dominant form of formal handwriting in the United States during the mid 19th century, and still work till now. The red and white colored scheme in the Coca-Cola logo was kept simple and distinctive to minds.
Aug 9th, 2012
Chris Lane
One of my favorites has always been the Mother & Child logo http://charlesdaoud.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/mother.jpg
great in so many ways
Aug 9th, 2012
mary
I’d have to say the vintage car logos are my favorites, especially the Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2591558708_c9ee7a311f.jpg
Aug 9th, 2012
talazia (@talazia)
I love the MOMA logo, however, I always feel like I need to give a shout out to Disney. The use of script, the clever and evocative way the letters manage to be cheerful… it is very well done.
Aug 9th, 2012
Brian Burch
I love Method’s solution for Slice. Elegant, minimal and brilliantly evocative.
Aug 9th, 2012
Alessandro
FedEx, so simple yet so smart!
Aug 9th, 2012
Andy Fitz
Vimeo.
It’s clean but dynamic.
Has personality but works well at sizes small and large.
The logotype flows into the illustrative nature of the Vimeo website and sets the scene for the high production quality of the sites content.
I love it.
Aug 9th, 2012
Gökhan D
Lindon Leader’s FedEx logo is the best so far. The negative space arrow between E and X is a genius detail.
Aug 9th, 2012
Elspeth
This is a great post, but maybe a definition of what constitutes a logotype would have been a good idea. I read through most of the responses above and noticed that many people confuse logo and logotype here…. the Nike swoosh, for instance, is a logo, but the FedEx letter-arrangement & graphic treatment is a logotype. Both serve as identities, so they have that in common.
I run into the same problem with clients, who often make no distinction between logos and logotypes.
Maybe this great book will help clear up the matter for people!
Thanks for a great post and all-around fabulous blog.
Aug 9th, 2012
Stew Deane
My favourite logo since I was a kid has to be National Rail. The double arrow conveys motion and direction really simply, and has become a recognised symbol for train travel as a whole, not just the brand.
http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Arts/Arts_/Pictures/2006/12/12/britishrail460.jpg
Aug 9th, 2012
Paula Heckathorn
The Chanel Logo is a favorite of mine. Classy, clean and timeless. The two interlocked, opposed letters were inspired by stained glass windows in an Aubazine chapel which featured interlaced curves.
Aug 9th, 2012
Tim Fountain
I like the logo for Sun Microsystems.
Aug 9th, 2012
Eugen
I’d have to go with FedEx… hard to forget it :)
Aug 9th, 2012
Derek Graham
I love the mouse logo. Classic use of negative space with the O forming the ear and the addition of the © to form the eye is a genius little touch.
Aug 9th, 2012
Ryan
Coca-Cola is a fav of mine. So distinctive and smooth.
Aug 9th, 2012
Aaron Albonetti
I like the Seabirds Truck logo. Very simple and clean, but recognizable instantly as a truck when you view it.
Aug 9th, 2012
Mariano
The “Families” logo by Herb Lubalin. That logo speaks for itself, there’s no need for an explanation. Just simple as that.
Aug 9th, 2012
Sarah-lee
Not necessarily the nicest looking logo in comparison to others choices, but the fed ex logo. Like the others it’s instantly recognisable but it has the power to make people like my brother go ”eeeh have you noticed there’s an arrow in the logo?” to which he was very pleased with himself for spotting (it might be worth stating he’s 23, not a small child). In a way it got him engaged and I’m sure it would have for other people. I admire it because I’ve studied graphic design and I love the concept but people like my brother with no design background or artistic ability still feel connected to it.
Aug 9th, 2012
cherie
One of my all time favourites is definitely the FedEx logo, so simple but so effective and clever! A nice hidden design element.
Aug 9th, 2012
Nikki-ann
The Coca-Cola logo. It’s simple and has lasted the test of time.
Aug 9th, 2012
David
I love the sixbase logo.
Simple, elegant and nice.
http://www.boostinspiration.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/11-text-logo-sixbase.jpg
Aug 9th, 2012
Raul Gª Ucles
Wow, this is very difficult question!
I can’t choose only one logo because theres a lot of circumstances that envolve all of them…
Anyway, as I want to participate and get the book I will decant for one of my favorites … This is the logo of Coca Cola … so unique and exclusive as well-known around the world. This was an exceptional work of Frank Mason Robison in 1885 and still remains as alive now as the first day.
Aug 9th, 2012
Robyn
I’d love to win a copy!
I have so many favourite type-based logo’s such as the FedEx logo and Alan Fletcher’s V&A logo, but I would have to say my favourite logo of all time has to be Milton Glaser’s I ❤ NY logo. It’s the logo that made me sit up and notice graphic design, and inevitably led me to studying it!
I think it’s brilliant as it’s timeless, works in black and white as well as colour, can be transformed throughout the different seasons or for different events and has just such a patriotic spirit behind it. While I think there are so many fantastic type-based logo’s, that tip of emotion and joy behind the I ❤ NY logo makes it stand above the one dimensional cleverness of other logos.
Aug 9th, 2012
Kristin
I like the old YSL logo.
Aug 9th, 2012
Elysa H.
Thanks for this opportunity! I adore the timeless Kate Spade logo. It’s so clean and classy, just like the brand.
Aug 9th, 2012
Ben
I’d have to say the technically eligible NeXT logo by Paul Rand.
As far as reasoning goes, I have always appreciated the boldness of Paul for only providing the one solution and I find the logo years ahead of its time in so many ways.
Aug 9th, 2012
Dom Meece
UNC Carolina Tarheels logo “NC” wordmark. It is simple and the two initials are combined to form a graphic that can be burned into your head if you stare at it long enough. I actually designed my initials like the NC logo, but with DM.
Aug 9th, 2012
Rahat
My favourite is the ‘Atari’ logo. It’s a very cleverly designed logo which reflects its post popular ping pong game as well as incorporating the letter A into it.
Aug 9th, 2012
Bridget Smith
The Pan Am logo, with its serifs trailing off to the right. Simple, elegant, gorgeous.
Aug 9th, 2012
jojo
What’s up doc?
Warner Brothers logo has stood the test of time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warner_Bros.
Aug 9th, 2012
Victor Zuniga
FedEx logotype is my favorite.
I like the element of surprise people who have not noticed the arrow between the E and x still have whenever I point it out. People have seen it a million times, but almost never notice the arrow. I think that is clever and amusing. Its like seeing a good logo for the first time all of the time.
Aug 9th, 2012
Chris
Wow! We have a popular give away here!
One request to the commentators on here: Please include a link if your choice is a lesser known or more obscure example.
For instance we all know FedEx and Coca-Cola, but while I am familiar with the “mouse” and “Families” logotype, perhaps not everyone is, and I have no idea what some of these, like the Fashion Law Institute logo, look like without a Google search.
. . . Hey speaking of Google, I’m surprised no one has mentioned it yet, talk about a logotype that is constantly in motion being refreshed practically daily.
Aug 9th, 2012
Adrian
Although no longer in use, the Discreet logo from 3d Max, now Autodesk was a favourite of mine. How they discreetly took a small slice off the last letter ‘e’ in this simple wordmark.
http://www.logotypes101.com/logos/316/B575B06C71683224088FF65F721AAEFD/Discreet.png
Aug 9th, 2012
Mark
The Coca-Cola logo is brilliant in its elegance. I’m also a fan of SUN Microsystem’s as well as the abstract LG logo. And, I’ve always been a sucker for the old Hartford Whalers logo.
Aug 9th, 2012
giulia
Beautiful give away!
As someone else told, I think that FedEx’s logo is brilliant.
It seems like the usual, boring and with no fantasy sans-serif logotype but when you discover the arrow between E and X, you just only have to love it and think everytime you see it “that’s bloody brilliant!”
Aug 9th, 2012
Malvin Lamarche
I like the old PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) logo. Although it was a very long logotype, was very recognizable and captivating.
Aug 9th, 2012
Dewald de Jager
My favourite type-based logo would definitely be the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) Network’s Logo, made by Paul Rand. The way it bathes in it’s simplicity and stands out definitely makes it rather exceptional.
Aug 9th, 2012
Robyn
I have always admired the TATE logo because of its impressive adaptability. http://www.wolffolins.com/work/tate
Even in its simplicity, it is a strong and memorable mark.
Aug 9th, 2012
Steven
I like the Crate&Barrel logo. It is simple, but sophisticated.
Great giveaway!
Aug 9th, 2012
Emma H
V&A – Alan Fletcher
Elegant simplicity, designed in 1989 and fortunately still in use.
Aug 9th, 2012
Caset E. Palmer
The Boring Store in Chicago will forever grab my interest:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/doomz/4852190315/in/set-72157624509967517
Aug 9th, 2012
Bryan G C
I know is cliché, but I really love the FedEx logo.
Aug 9th, 2012
Adam
I really like the logo for the Free Libraray of Philadelphia (USA).
It is set at an angle and makes the library look exciting and fun.
Aug 9th, 2012
Ersilan
Hi,
I really like the MUJI logo because it kind of reminds me of a barcode with the big “MUJI” writing as the black lines and the small Japanese writing as the numbers. I also like the colour because it pays homage to Japans’ Flag but the darker red looks a bit more professional and goes well with the manila bags.
Ersilan =D
Aug 9th, 2012
Tiago Santos
citybank — the power of simplicity and spontaneity.
Aug 9th, 2012
Vashti Trisawati
I like “I Love NY”. Since I was a little girl this logo interested me,
although I didn’t understand for the first time. But the red heart and the word I
speak very personal; and afterwards all following this style for loving its cities/
countries. The style and message is longlasting and has ‘soul’.
Aug 9th, 2012
Karin
For me it would have to be the VW logo.
The two letters in a circle make it a simple and smart design.
Aug 10th, 2012
Corbin M
FedEx for it’s unstated brilliance.
Aug 10th, 2012
Tim Sullivan
Armani Exchange. I’m a fan of Chermayeff & Geismar’s work and their update of the Armani Exchange’s logo is one reason why. It is a superb makeover of a logo that was conceptually strong but weak in execution. The revised logo is a masterpiece of creating harmony throughout the logo by making all details work together.
Aug 10th, 2012
Grecia
I really like LG’s logo, because it’s not only plain typography, it’s also an illustration. Really creative! :)
Aug 10th, 2012
Tom
I’ve always loved the Faber & Faber monogram; classy, simple, and instantly recognizable.
http://www.leahbasnett.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/faber.jpg
Aug 10th, 2012
kaminski
the old coop logo. designed 1959.
http://www.ricardo.ch/kaufen/haushalt-und-wohnen/designklassiker/60er-und-70er-jahre/original-coop-leucht-schild-mit-altem-logo/v/an682178868/
Aug 10th, 2012
JT
Perhaps an obvious choice, but the way in which the FedEx logotype creates a nicely hidden arrow within the negative space between the ‘E’ and ‘x’ letterforms, offering a suggestion as to the nature of the business. Really quite brilliant and fun to discover!
Aug 10th, 2012
Bernhard
I always loved the uk craft council’s logotype: http://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/home/
It’s redesigned now but I mean the old one designed by Pentagram,
I like it because it works as a geometric shape and also as a wordmark and at least the old version with the serif letters reflected “crafts” in a very classic and esthetic way.
Aug 10th, 2012
Maria Manuel Rola
MoMa’s logo, for it’s simplicity, clarity and flexibility to adapt to the museums communication. I believe it is also a noticeable logo.
Aug 10th, 2012
Giada
One of my favorite ever is the Olivetti logo by Walter Ballmer. Since I was little and knew nothing about design I always liked it, ‘cos it was just like what it represent.
Olivetti was an amazing brand always seeking for modernity and elegance in its products design as much as in its advertising campaign.
It was the Italian equivalent of Apple, although it believed in art and design far more the American company (most of the poster for Olivetti are masterpieces of design!!!!!!).
For me the Olivetti logo is a perfect stylish combination of a bold statement and beautiful thoughtful design. It is the incarnation of an era and at the same time an example of timeless design. LOVE IT !!!
Aug 10th, 2012
Samuel Petyt
Currently it is the Tate logo. The idea behind the logos varying versions, going in and out of focus, not only represents how the Tate is a dynamic gallery, but art in general can be viewed from a variety of different viewpoints. Its great.
Aug 10th, 2012
Simon Garlick
I’d go for Landor Associates’ FedEx logo for its simplistic but genious use of negative space – it’s standing the test of time well.
Aug 10th, 2012
David Galliford
I am a huge fan of the FedEx logo. Though the logo sports a hidden arrow that spawned a generation of negative spaced easter eggs, I find Lindon Leader’s wordmark to be a huge success due to it’s simplicity and ability to effectively communicate the brand messaging on the the international stage — with complex & diverse cultures.
Aug 10th, 2012
Clarice
Ever since I saw the post on here of the Minnesota Zoo Logo (the older oneS) I fell in love! Amazing use of the ‘M’ to form simplistic animal icons. Really brilliant!
Aug 10th, 2012
Jom GC
Seriously, I know everyone knows the Google wordmark.
Everyone has already seen it upon visiting the website a number of times. I really love how the guys at Google make those “Google Doodles”.
The logo doesn’t have to tell and remind everyone that Google is a search engine website–yet, now, it’s more than just a plain search engine.
Aug 10th, 2012
JBasil
The Mobil logotype is one I never get sick of looking at. The red ‘o’ is a brilliant way to help us pronounce M-oh-bil correctly and I love the clean simplicity of it!
http://www.logodesignlove.com/mobil-logo
Aug 10th, 2012
naorem
ED logo by Gianni Bortolotti
-Intelligent use of negative space
-simple and message delivered
Aug 10th, 2012
tom
Matson shipping. For the same reason as FedEx: Beautiful and subtle use of negative space.
Aug 10th, 2012
Lane
The human logotype by Social UK.
Personable, simple, and gets to the core of the idea they are trying to convey.
Sample for here:
http://www.logofaves.com/2010/03/human/
Aug 10th, 2012
Chris
I have a couple of logos that top my list. One I’ve always loved is the logo for pivot design:
http://www.pivotdesign.com
The best way I can describe this is as a “static animation”. It literally causes the reader to pivot to read the name, and does it by using nothing more than the classical beauty of Palatino and color. It’s perfect.
The use of negative space in the FedEx logo always earns praise, but personally I’m fond of the redesigned Gillette logo for the same reason:
http://www.gillette.com
Note the way the acute angle formed by the G and i simulate a razor and the idea of “cutting” and “lifting”. Very subtle, and very clever.
Aug 10th, 2012
Arjan
The New Man ambigram, because it’s sooooo clever!
Aug 10th, 2012
bjorn
favourite logotype has got to be Google! Fun, irrelevant and unconventional.
Goooooooooooogle!
Aug 10th, 2012
Maggie
I’ll never forget the Mother & Child logo by Herb Lubalin. It’s a great example of how a core visual concept can and should be at the heart of even a type-based project. And a reminder of the natural connection between concept and simplicity.
Aug 10th, 2012
Luis Munguía
The amazon logo, they represents all in one: values, objective, brand proposition, friendly personality with the smile/they sell all from a to z.
WOW
Aug 10th, 2012
Rajesh Pancholi
It would have to be V&A. Timeless, elegant…. it holds its head up high. Works in many colours and formats and is playful with the letterforms in a grown up way.
Aug 10th, 2012
Niall
I love this logo for the Loft Bookshop (now closed) by Dave Comiskey. Very simple and effective
http://www.davecomiskey.com/loft.html
Aug 10th, 2012
Michael
I really like the Canon logo, not only because I love their gear.
I like how the letters harmonize with each other. Although they seem to vary, they altogether form a very strong mark.
Aug 10th, 2012
Caitlin
I really enjoy logos with hidden messages or images in them, like FedEx, etc. I’d have to say one of my favorites out of those is Baskin-Robbins. I love how they incorporated the 31 for the 31 flavors into there!
Aug 10th, 2012
Rachel
My favorite logo is the one for Blind Barber.
http://blindbarber.com/
Their whole branding campaign is one that I love; very clean and sleek.
Aug 11th, 2012
Kevin
I was originally going with the beautiful forms of the Coca Cola logo, but I have to go with V&A.
Sexy ampersand, the negative space that wraps around each form, and that A!
Love how it’s reimagined, such as in this case http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2010/august/troika-va
Aug 11th, 2012
Christian
I like the new man logo, it’s very simple and the fact that it’s an ambigram makes it a really smart design for me, because you can look down on your shirt and see the logo as it was intended.
:)
Aug 11th, 2012
Thibault
One of my favorites would be the Levi’s logo, it just seems so memorable and it took me a while to even notice there was a lowercase ‘e’ in there.
Aug 11th, 2012
Danny
The CN (Canadian National Railway) logo is great. Designed over 50 years ago and still extremely relevant and appealing with its single flowing line.
Aug 11th, 2012
Meredith
My all time favorite type based logo is the FedX logo designed by Lindon Leader in the 90s. His use of of the letter’s negative space to create the arrow was and is amazing. So simple clean and yet right to the point. It may have been just luck when he designed that, but I rather think it took time to juggle letters, try different fonts, and of course playing with the tracking of the letters to create that arrow. Sheer genius maybe but more probably it took a serious designer with a strong typography background to create that timeless work of art! Kudos, Mr Leader, you are my hero!
Aug 11th, 2012
Meredith
PS I love this contest because of all the favorites represented! So many that I have never seen that are really great designs! Not only that but some of them I have seen a million times ( Gilette for one) but I never noticed the design elements that speak to the product. Thanks everyone I spent a great morning checking out all the favs! It was fun.
Aug 11th, 2012
Edward
I love the Titanic Quarter Belfast logo. I love the clean and simplistic feel of the logo, I also love how the logo is instantly recognisable as the logo incorporates the Titanic’s most recognisable and iconic feature the large funnels. The use of a clean sans serif font also gives the logo modern and sophisticated feel.
http://www.titanic-quarter.com/admin/email/images/eflyer_logo.jpg
Aug 11th, 2012
Edward
My favourite type-based logo has to be the Amazon logo I love how simplistic yet recognisable this logo is, I love how the logo has a smile incorporated from letters A to Z, this conveys a easy and pleasurable shopping experience.
http://epicagear.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/amazon-logo.jpg
Aug 11th, 2012
bjorn
The Phillips logo! Because it has nothing more than a few adjustments from the original type and still everybody knows it’s Phillips.
Aug 11th, 2012
Stefan
I would probably go for the ABC logo. Strong and yet really simple..
Aug 11th, 2012
Kara
I would have to chose the Starbucks logo. No matter how much I try to ignore it, I just can’t! With one glimpse of the Starbucks logo I am sent in a coffee withdrawal even if I just had a cup. Branding is everything and a logo that stays put in my mind wins every time.
Aug 11th, 2012
Marcin
Ernesto Bugatti logo. The “EB” mark
It used to be 2 letter logo and a surname, but now they moved to 2 letter only.
The inverted E connected to B make a such powerful mark. Ideal for that car. I just love such simplicity.
Aug 12th, 2012
Eric
I love the simplicity of word marks.
My most recent obsession, is the Chinese Coca-Cola logo designed by Alan Chan (www.alanchandesign.com).
Of course the English version of Coca-Cola logo is a classic, but what amazes me about the Chinese version is that, whether or not you speak Chinese, it still communicates exactly the same style, flow, and message.
It is well designed because it communicates the brand experience across the language barrier in an incredible way. That’s an incredibly hard thing to do. It amazes me.
Aug 12th, 2012
Livija
Mine would be for the Tate, I like the versatility and different versions!
Aug 12th, 2012
Chris Jordan
I’ve always loved the Warner Communications logo.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Warner_Communications.svg
So soft, simple and unassuming, but it still pops (even if nowadays you’re scratching your head trying to remember “what does that W stand for…?”).
Aug 12th, 2012
thomas
I like how the logo for Onlineshoes uses the Japan font (from dafont.com) It’s a very simple use of a script font to convey the idea of shoelaces.
Aug 12th, 2012
John Spinoso
The Goodwill “G”.
It’s easy, simple, and yet doesn’t try to hard. Often overlooked, the shape of “G” makes a simple smiling gesture (invoking a “Good Will Feeling” from donating your goods)
Using the same “G” letterform to convey a graphic… is like recycling for designers.
It’s 100% Goodwill…fitting it’s need perfectly.
Aug 12th, 2012
Akshay
I’d have to go with the Louis Vuitton because the colors and the style conveys elegance, richness and classiness plus it’s catchy and recognizable. The next one would be the EA Games/Sports logo although they change the theme and feel of their logo for different games but I really like the way the placement of the text EA. Lastly, always being a fan of the Mortal Kombat’s dragon logo as well.
Aug 12th, 2012
Caitlyn Mayers
I’ve always been enchanted by Lubalin’s work for the Families type-based logo. I think that mark captures the essence of just how powerful type is when utilized in creative contexts.
Sidebar – there are a ton of comments. Congrats on the site traffic!
Aug 12th, 2012
Lauren
It’s hard to choose one favorite, but the first one that comes to mind is FedEx. I love the simplicity and the hidden arrow.
Aug 13th, 2012
Kim
The FedEx logo for it’s simplicity. Not to mention the use of negative space to create an arrow symbol between the E and X. Pure genius.
Aug 13th, 2012
Mike Johnsn
I love the FedX logo that has the subliminal arrow.
Beautiful yet strong.
Aug 13th, 2012
Jonathan Blundell
It’s not the greatest of logos in my mind but I have a fondness for the original/old school WWF (World Wrestling Federation) logos.
I always liked how they combined the W’s and F into one. It’s probably a large part of nostalgia for me but it’s always been a fun logo.
Aug 13th, 2012
Tai
I like the FedEx logo. There is a hidden arrow there…pretty badass!
Aug 13th, 2012
iain
How about the pro-genitor of all heavy metal typographic logos created for ACDC by Gerard Huerta?
Aug 13th, 2012
Peter Lammertzen
I love The Vidal Sassoon logotype Doyald Young made. Contemporary and tight, love the curls. RIP Doyald!
Aug 13th, 2012
David Airey
Thanks for all the entries, folks. I’ve drawn five winners, sent each an email, and updated the post with their names. Sorry if you’re one of the many who missed out, it was a pretty overwhelming response.
Aug 13th, 2012
sebastian aird
The V&A monogram. Whilst an obvious choice it’s ‘classic’ status is definitely deserved. Timeless, clever and brilliantly simple, it should never need to be changed and should therefore be celebrated. Perfection in my opinion.
Aug 13th, 2012
John Langdon
One of my all-time favorite logotypes is Raymond Loewy’s NEW MAN logo. It came at a time when I was trying to make words do what Escher had done with birds and fish. The NEW MAN logo was the catalyst that pushed me to create ambigrams. Symmetry is inherently attreactive, and even without recognition that the logo is invertible, the viewer gets a sense that there’s something magical happening.
As an added note, I think of logotypes as ‘wordmarks,’ not logos based on one or two initials. I favor this sort of logo, as, if the name can be designed in a sufficiently memorable way, there’s an unbreakable bond between the name and the graphic image.
Aug 13th, 2012
Matt
I’m going with the AC/DC logo. Looking back, my fascination with drawing rock band logos as a kid is probably what started me with graphic design.
Aug 14th, 2012
Jordan
I know the give-away is over but I had to show my appreciation for the British Steel logo.
The simplicity, the spacing, the weight… everything about it feels and looks right — http://creativereview.co.uk/images/uploads/2011/01/british_steel_0.jpg
Aug 14th, 2012
Jon Sasala
American Apparel. Sure it’s just Helvetica Black. But man, does that look good.
Aug 14th, 2012
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