Design

Should a logo match the business, and is that even possible?

Should a logo match the business, and is that even possible?

Contents:

    Designer, artist, Art director, copywriter, and columnist, as well as a lecturer at the HSE School of Design. He has received over 30 design awards, including the prestigious Good Design and Red Dot awards. He has served on the jury at festivals such as Cannes Lions, Eurobest, and AD Stars, confirming his high professionalism and contribution to the development of design. He is the author of the book "Parable Therapy, or the Book of Meanings about Marketing," co-authored with Sergey Kuzhavsky, and has significant experience in marketing and journalism. He is a regular contributor to Snob magazine and has published in specialized publications such as the graphic design magazine [kAk], as well as in Creative Director and Vedomosti. His work spans marketing, graphic design, and media production, making him an expert in these fields.

    Ippolit Matveyevich dressed, pulling on a pair of pre-war trousers over his thin legs, which he tied at the ankles with laces. He slipped on short, soft boots with narrow, square toes and low heels. A few minutes later, he was wearing a vest adorned with small silver stars and an iridescent lustrine jacket. This outfit emphasized his individuality and style, setting him apart from others.

    A young man in a tight green suit, accentuating his figure, entered the city. His powerful neck was wrapped in an old wool scarf, and his feet were shod in patent leather boots with bright orange suede uppers. He wore no socks under the boots, which gave him a distinctive style. In his hand, he held an astrolabe, an instrument that emphasized his interest in astronomy and navigation.

    "The Twelve Chairs" is a well-known novel by Ilf and Evgeny Petrov, published in 1928. The work is a satirical depiction of Russian reality in the 1920s. The main characters, Ostap Bender and Ippolit Matveyevich, embark on a fascinating journey in search of valuables hidden in one of twelve chairs. The novel combines elements of comedy and adventure, revealing the absurdity and paradoxes of life in the Soviet Union.

    The plot is replete with ironic situations and vivid characters, making it relevant today. The book not only entertains but also makes you think about human nature and society. "The Twelve Chairs" has become a classic of Russian literature and remains popular among readers of different generations.

    This work is not only a literary masterpiece but also an important cultural phenomenon, reflecting the spirit of the times and the social realities of that era. Reading "The Twelve Chairs" is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a world where humor and satire serve as a means of criticizing social shortcomings.

    The portraits of Ilf and Petrov's famous characters - Ippolit Matveyevich Vorobyaninov and Ostap Bender - were created almost a hundred years ago. These literary images remain relevant and interesting for modern readers, reflecting the social and cultural realities of their time. Vorobyaninov and Bender became symbols of an entire generation; their adventures and characters continue to inspire adaptations and interpretations in various arts.

    At that time, people existed in conditions of political and economic eclecticism. The former marshal of the nobility, Ippolit, wore trousers made before the First World War, as he was unable to buy new ones. The future millionaire Ostap was left without money even for socks. In this unpredictable society, the "registry official in a moon vest" and the "sockless crook" could easily switch places, since the only stable reality was the threat of imprisonment or execution, which affected everyone without exception.

    In contemporary art, polystylistics and the lack of strict norms of appropriateness are no longer perceived as abnormal. They are the result of informal conventions that allow for a variety of styles and approaches. This phenomenon opens new horizons for creative expression and allows artists to freely experiment with form and content. Thus, polystylistics and the lack of strict appropriateness are becoming not just techniques, but important aspects of the contemporary artistic process.

    We're talking about logos, not dress codes. Logos play a key role in shaping a company's image and its recognition. They are the visual representation of a brand and help distinguish it from competitors. The right logo should be simple, memorable, and reflect the essence of the business. It is also important to consider the color palette and fonts, which can evoke certain associations in the target audience. An effective logo fosters trust in customers and increases brand loyalty.

    A logo doesn't necessarily have to match the business or product it represents. This may seem surprising, but the most important thing is that the logo is memorable and stands out from the competition. For example, a modern registry office employee can wear a stylish lustrine jacket, bright orange ankle boots, or even Nike sneakers. The main thing is to create a unique image that will be associated with your brand and attract the attention of the target audience.

    Nike Sneakers. Image: Nike Facebook page*

    The Nike logo, known as the swoosh, raises questions about whether it truly reflects the brand's sportiness. If you believe that it does, this implies that the brand's sportiness determined the character of the logo, and not vice versa. Thus, we can interpret the semantics of this graphic element ourselves. Now imagine that the swoosh is used as the emblem of an airline. This is perfectly acceptable. However, for a funeral home, for example, "Nymph" in a small town, such a sign might seem overly dynamic.

    A logo should reflect the essence and values ​​​​of the brand it represents. It should not leave any doubt as to its connection with the product or service. Quality of design and consistency with the brand concept are key aspects of a successful logo.

    You should not expect your visual style to make a significant impression on others. Few design professionals are capable of analyzing your graphics to organize a meeting that aligns with your brand. In most cases, attention to your style goes unnoticed and doesn't play a decisive role in how your business is perceived. A coffin maker in Bezenchuk doesn't necessarily have to depict a coffin on their sign, although it may be appropriate. At the same time, using unusual images on signs, such as a mermaid instead of a coffee cup at Starbucks, can be justified, although the rationale behind this choice is often of little interest to clients. It is important to remember that the sign design should attract attention and be consistent with the concept of the business, while providing an understanding of the services provided.

    Starbucks logo. Image: Wikimedia Commons

    The mermaid can symbolize a wide variety of things, from a cruise ship to a women's craft group in Peabody, Massachusetts, population 51,000. When colored black, it can even represent a funeral home. This image is versatile and can convey a variety of ideas and emotions depending on the context.

    We present additional examples of non-illustrative clothing. These options are perfect for those seeking stylish and practical solutions. Non-illustrative styles are often characterized by minimalist design and versatility, making them easy to combine with other wardrobe items. Pay attention to the textures and materials used in the clothing, as they can significantly impact the overall style and comfort. Consider incorporating these elements into your wardrobe to create unique looks without the clutter.

    Adidas logo. Image: Wikimedia Commons

    Adidas is more than just a well-known brand of sportswear and footwear. A possible direction for its development could be the creation of a business center in the Skolkovo innovation complex. This will allow the company to strengthen its position in the Russian market, as well as attract startups and innovative solutions in the fields of sports and technology. Investments in such projects will help Adidas expand its horizons and implement new ideas, combining sports and high technology to create a unique user experience.

    Volvo logo. Image: Wikimedia Commons

    Volvo is not only a car manufacturer but also a major player in financial markets. The company actively participates in the global economy, offering a wide range of transportation solutions. Investors are attracted to Volvo as a potentially profitable investment due to its stable financial position and innovative technologies. When analyzing Volvo stock, it is important to consider trends in the automotive market, changes in consumer preferences, and the development of electric vehicles. Information about the company's financial performance and strategy can also help investors make informed decisions when investing in Volvo stock.

    Cadillac logo. Image: Wikimedia Commons

    Cadillac is associated with high-end real estate and legal services. The brand symbolizes luxury and status, making it a popular choice among affluent clients and professionals in the real estate and legal fields. Cadillac embodies quality and elegance, attracting the attention of both luxury real estate buyers and attorneys seeking to enhance their image.

    Peugeot logo. Image: Wikimedia Commons

    Peugeot can easily be compared to a football team, as this brand, like successful teams, demonstrates excellent teamwork, high quality, and a constant pursuit of excellence. Peugeot cars are distinguished by outstanding design, innovative technology, and reliability, making them popular among car enthusiasts. Like a well-coordinated team, Peugeot is constantly improving its models to meet the highest standards and satisfy customer needs.

    McDonald's and AliExpress logos. Image: icon99 / Shutterstock / McDonald's / AliExpress

    McDonald's and AliExpress can easily swap logos, while their core meaning will remain unchanged. Both brands are large international companies, but operate in completely different segments. McDonald's is associated with fast food and convenience, while AliExpress is an online shopping platform. Swapping the logos would merely emphasize the versatility and strength of both brands without affecting their identities or consumer perceptions. Imagine how the world would change if Pepsi and NASA joined forces. Instead of the usual advertising, we might see space missions featuring the Pepsi logo. This collaboration could lead to the creation of unique space beverages capable of satisfying astronauts' needs in zero-gravity conditions. Joint Pepsi and NASA projects could also inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers to make advances in technology and space exploration. Bringing these two worlds together would open up new horizons for creativity and innovation that could transform both the beverage industry and space exploration.

    Pepsi and NASA logos. Image: icon99 / Shutterstock / Wikimedia Commons

    With logos like these, you can successfully explore outer space and produce carbonated beverages.

    We're only considering logos that are in the public eye—those that consistently attract attention. However, if your business targets a narrow audience and your company sign isn't visible in public spaces, then what's depicted on your logo doesn't matter. It's important to understand that successful branding requires considering both visual identity and the target audience. The logo should not only be recognizable, but also understandable to those to whom it is addressed.

    Logo of the State Corporation "Rostec". Image: Wikimedia Commons

    "Rostec" is a name that may seem unfamiliar to many. But it's important to understand that this is not just an acronym, but a large state-owned corporation engaged in the development of high technology and manufacturing in Russia. Many may wonder what exactly Rostec does and what significance this structure has for the country's economy. The answer to this question lies in its role as a catalyst for innovation and industrial support.

    AMD logo. Image: Wikimedia Commons

    I won't wonder why it resembles the AMD logo, because it doesn't matter. The AMD logo is also not in the public domain. These two squares have no effect on the essence of the question.

    Don't put images of a coffin on a funeral service sign. Instead, offer your ideas about who might own famous logos if the current owners changed. Your creativity and imagination can lead to interesting and unexpected results.

    Refer attention to previous issues.

    • New gates for rams: how a redesign differs from restyling and rebranding
    • Logo face operations: is it necessary to redesign a logo, what prompts this, and what can it lead to?