One of the most known logo in the world…the Nike swoosh mark.  This is a recognizable icon in almost every part of the world with a colossal list of superstars wearing their insignia.  Big stars like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Lebron James, Koby Bryant, Maria Sharapova and believe me this list can go on forever.

You have to understand the meaning of the company’s name before you can appreciate the meaning their logo and let us start where did Nike’s name came from.  The company was originally known as Blue Ribbon Sports, Inc and was founded by Philip Knight and William Bowerman, on their first venture they were targeting a market for high quality running shoes which later on developed and Nike had a niche in every segment of the industry.

The company changed its name from Blue Ribbon Sports, Inc and was officially known to be Nike, Inc in 1978.  The name Nike was taken from the Greek goddess of victory.  Back in 1971, Phil Knight was an accounting professor where she met Carolyn Davidson, at that time BRS was already in search for new design ideas and Davidson was asked if she can provide a new concept for the company.  Davidson was the one who conceptualized the ever famous swoosh mark and the logo actually represents the wing of the Greek goddess and not of what we commonly known as the check mark.  Davidson was only paid $35 for her job.

The slogan “Just do it” was a slogan coined by Dan Wieden on their 1988 television ad campaign for Nike and said that this was an inspiration through Gary Gilmore’s last word before he was executed “Let’s do it”.  Weiden founded Weiden+Kennedy advertising agency and were making ads for Nike since 1982.

Nike’s swoosh logo has been a representation of greatness and it is really remarkable that a small symbol can put a whole company into a higher level of perspective.

The Braun logo design was originally designed by Will Munch in 1934.  It has close similarities and has a large influence of how the logo is designed today. The original design showcases its letters highlighted by its black shadow on the outward segment of each figure with its familiar “towering” A at the middle.

This evolved into a much simpler outline which they referred to as the reversed design and came about in 1939. The logo is an all black model which already removed the unnecessary highlights.  The original form of how letters are sketched still reflects on this braun logo but made it more distinct with its single color effect.

When Wolgang Schmittel joined Braun as a freelancer in Aug of 1952, he gave birth to a logo which has a more methodical approach.   The logo was now reduced in length but given a brawnier look.  Schmittel’s logo layout is the closest on what we can actually see on Braun’s logo today.

Braun’s uncomplicated and straightforward logo design is a large contributing factor to the company’s icon.  Its easy to retain the figure with an eye catching “high rise A” gives their logo a much deserved success

Braun didn’t stop from the logo that they have for the company.  They continue to provide innovative products that you can depend on for years, products starting from shavers to coffee makers and they always have one thing in common, a high quality product that you can always depend on for years.

The Braun logo can now be equated to the word excellence as it has proven its worth through the years of their existence.  They continue to give to consumer a product of cutting edge technology and they always have the reputation of being the first in the industry.  All this started when Braun introduced themselves into a catchy, easy to remember icon 76 years ago.

The new logo for the world cup was released and shown to the public on July 8th, 2010.  It’s really appealing having bright colors of green and yellow that appears to be lively and somewhat eye-catching.  The logo consists of three intertwined hands with smooth flowing lines.  The arms are shaped like a curved vase where it leads to the hands that reveals a ball shaped figure and the year 2014 is written below the center of the right corner.  The name “Inspiration” was given to this icon that is actually based on the shape of the world cup trophy being held in a victorious glory.  The Brazilian based company “Africa” gave life to this piece of simplified symbol.

The world cup will be held in Brazil and 2014 and the logo was unveiled by their president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.  The logo is said to represent the talents of the Brazilian, its taste for work and the colors of their country.   A lot of controversy sparked on choosing the logo.  A celebrated graphic designer and a known personality in Brazil even called it garbage and described it as a face being hidden behind the pair of hands because of shame. This is something utterly distasteful to say coming from a piece of ingenuity that shows true symbol of character.

A logo doesn’t necessarily need to be complicated or something that should show detailed intricacy but it needs to be simple that can send out a clear message, it should be something that can easily be retained to the minds of the people.  The Iconic representation conveys a positive message.  Maybe it’s just the people trying to find ways and means giving themselves more attention and thinking that they are always better.  I believe choosing the “inspiration” has given justice to all of these factors and can always give pride to Brazil.

There is no better example of how a logo can capture the imagination of your target audience and even exist beyond your own communication than the I love NY campaign. You see this logo everywhere and the font, format, colors and concept have been used again and again by others on tee shirts, coffee mugs blog posts and even in fine art.

The city of London is seeking a similarly iconic branding idea for itself and the outpouring of ideas from all corners of the design community have been really fascinating. Fascinating because of the sheer volume of interest, but also because of the creative and conceptual level of the dialogue. Take a few minutes to review the entries, their ideas and the comments of others on these ideas here and here. The concepts volunteered by the bidders are excellent. Many are building from the simplicity of the ubiquitous underground logo and everyone is looking for a show stopper like the I love NY logo.

One very interesting thing emerging during this debate is wether a logo is the main goal or not. One excellent bidder emphasized their system that included a simple graphic bar, unique typeface and use suggestions instead of a simple logo concept. Use and placement are very important of course and rules of use and placement will be a part of the final design concept, but are they more important than the logo itself?