The first children’s toy for girls appeared and at the same time got a recognizable Barbie logo, which underwent a series of changes, retained its recognizability, modern look, and compliance with the new requirements. The color and style of the logo are a reflection of the target consumer and its gender characteristics.
Barbie: Brand overview
Founded: | March 9, 1959 |
Founder: | Ruth Handler |
Headquarters: |
United States |
Meaning and History
The girls so liked the adult doll with many outfits and accessories that it quickly gained worldwide popularity, becoming a real brand. Its logo appeared simultaneously with the toy, and over the years, it has endured about five modifications. At first, the brand name was written in italics by hand, and then it got a different design, as Barbie’s design expanded.
What is Barbie?
Barbie is a toy brand from America. The brand name became the own name of the dolls, which first appeared in 1959. For a long time, they were the best-selling dolls in the world, but after the creation of Bratz, their popularity began to decline. The main brand owner and doll manufacturer is the parent company Mattel.
1959 – 1975
The original emblem is handwritten in a childish and semi-glamorous style. The first letter is uppercase; the rest are lowercase. The lowest is “a,” “r,” and “e.” The upper loop of the second “b” in height almost equaled the capital “B.” Thanks to the dot, the “i” sign looks quite large and only slightly inferior to the “b” in size.
The text symbol has two highlights. The main one is jumping letters, which are arranged randomly, and not by ranking. They have completely different not only the top but also the bottom, which makes the logo perceived as light and laid-back. Such a stylistic device supports a playful mood, airiness, naivety, and charm. An additional feature is a curl at the capital “B.” It is located at the bottom and directed inward, forming a miniature oval.
1975 – 1991
The debut logo was used for more than 15 years, after which it was redesigned. An attempt to modernize the brand name led to the emergence of a three-dimensional name – practical, without any background in the form of a joyful mood. The main emphasis is placed on the rigor and shadow that give the word a 3D effect.
All letters in the logo are the same height and are lowercase, except the capital “B.” The line is flat, and the characters are arranged as if in a line. The only thing that dilutes the emblem’s gravity is the inscription going up, as the word is placed diagonally. This technique speaks of a feeling of happiness and the presence of optimism. The most unusual letter is “B,” consisting of two graceful curls. The rest appear elongated and wide due to too large shadows.
1991 – 1999
In 1991, the designers decided to return the logo to the cheerfulness and children’s ease. They eased it by removing massive parts. The shape of the letters was left unchanged, removing the extra curls from “B.” This option was perceived much more interesting, despite the restrained writing style. Lowercase “b” and “i” are now almost the same height.
1999 – 2004
In 1999, the developers of the logo revised it again. As a result, the inscription became italic with a slight tilt to the right. The capital “B” has returned the lower inner curl, which makes it airy and elegant. The word “Barbie” as if written by hand in a single stroke, without interrupting the connection between the characters. The color of the logo is close to red.
2004 – 2005
The previous version of the emblem lasted only a year, after which it was adjusted. Artists made the first letter sweeping and bold, so the top and bottom go far beyond the front legs. Symbols are written without an internal connective and are arranged differently, which is why the name looks galloping. Lowercase “b” received a ponytail, and “i” received a five-petal flower replacing the dot. So the company management made sure that the logo turned out as childish as possible.
2005 – 2009
After four years of use, the logo was again transformed: the flower disappeared, and a classic dot replaced its place. The letter “a” remained unclosed and the “e” with the leg extended upward.
2009 – today
Now the debut emblem, approved in 1959, is used. It is accepted without changes and recognized as a reference both in style and in color.
Font and Colors
For all the years the Barbie brand has existed, designers have used only the word part in the logo – there has never been a graphic in it. The word is located diagonally and is read from bottom to top.
The font of the emblem is individual, mainly in italics and handwritten. The color since the appearance of the brand has been soft pink, candy, which has remained for all years.
Barbie color codes
Barbie Pink | Hex color: | #e0218a |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 224 33 138 | |
CMYK: | 0 85 38 12 | |
Pantone: | PMS Blue 072 C |
What is Barbie’s signature color?
The Barbie brand has its signature color. It belongs to Mattel and is called Barbie Pink (Pantone 219C). To underscore this, Mattel and Pantone have partnered to release a new doll that was dressed in a pink dress with numerous Pantone 219C lettering.
Why is the Barbie logo pink?
When choosing a color for the Barbie logo, the designers proceeded from gender stereotypes. They made the word mark bright pink because it was believed to attract the attention of the target audience – girls and women, in this shade.
What is the logo of Barbie?
The Barbie logo is a bright pink wordmark. The lettering is in the handwritten script that seems elegant and casual at the same time. All the edges of the letters are slightly rounded.