Sometimes, company logos can shock with their controversial subtext. Designers don’t always notice the sexual context in their creations, but nothing can be hidden from modern society. Some companies even rebrand completely after logo scandals, while others seem to choose their designs on purpose.
Which old and modern company logos should be hidden from children?
These include logos that have a vulgar connotation. They are used, for example, by satellite dish company Mont-Sat, fashion brand A-Style, women’s clothing store CatWear, dance classes Junior Jazz, pharmaceutical company Kudawara, pediatric center Arlington, and research organization Brazilian Institute of Oriental. Research.
The main image of the company should be concise and accurately reflect the scope of the brand. The logo is the face of the company, and it affects customer loyalty. Customers will not want to use a product with a bad reputation that may cause ridicule.
Mont-Sat
The Polish company still uses this logo today. It can be seen on the firm’s official website. A very happy satellite dish invites consumers to use the company’s services. Most likely, Mont-Sat is in demand, and the logo does not interfere with the work but, on the contrary, attracts customers.
A-Style
An example of a logo specifically made with an undertone. In the early 2000s, this image could be seen on almost every traffic light in Milan. The logo became a cause for discussion in Italy, America, and other European countries. Such world publications as GQ and Cosmopolitan joined the discussion.
If you can’t figure out what the problem is, imagine that the dots are heads. The logo worked and, in a few years, brought the company a huge revenue of 20 million euros. According to creator Marco Bruns, the image carries a strong message but was not created to offend sensibilities.
CatWear
The logo design for a clothing store for independent women got a little out of hand. The image consists of the brand name, but instead of the letter “A,” it features an angry cat. The company has a strange idea of independent women, but the logo turned out poorly. Perhaps CatWear wanted to convey that the fairer sex doesn’t care about other people’s thoughts. In any case, it was necessary to choose a more successful variant.
Junior Jazz Dance Classes
At first glance, an innocuous, laconic, beautiful logo depicts dancing partners. However, attentive users disassembled part of the female body. Pay attention to the heads and arms of the dancers, which resemble an anatomical silhouette. Using the example of several logos, we can already conclude that it is better not to use tricky dots instead of the heads of figures. They do not bode well.
Kudawara Pharmacy
Unlike the Polish company Mont-Sat, the logo of Kudawara Pharmacy interfered with the firm’s work. The pharmacy underwent a complete rebranding and even changed its name. On one side, we see the letter “K” on a green and blue background. Everything would have been fine if the designers had not decided to add dots at the top of the letter. The logo took on a sexual connotation, which the audience didn’t like and only led to criticism and a spot on the top of unfortunate images.
Arlington Pediatric Center
Looking at the Pediatric Center logo raises a few questions. Did anyone even look at this image before posting it on the website and other channels? How did the designer not notice the double implication in his creation? Of course, after a heated discussion, the center changed the logo, but in the minds of customers, the first version remained. According to the designer’s original idea, the image shows a child with one of the parents. The shape of the body and the arrangement of silhouettes in the picture are associated with topics that are forbidden by society.
The Computer Doctors
This is one of the most unfortunate logos in our selection, and not only because of the sexual connotation. The disharmonious combination of colors and outdated fonts makes the image boring. And, of course, the main detail is a computer mouse instead of the letter “U.” I Agree; the mouse is not depicted. Fortunately, the company reacted to its failure and replaced the logo with an image of a doctor who “cures” the computer. The Computer Doctors also changed the green color to blue and changed the font.
Institute Of Oriental Studies (Instituto de Estudos Orientais)
The Brazilian Institute introduced a special logo to promote the Center for Oriental Studies. Initially, the logo represents a pagoda against a sunrise background. If you look closely, you can make out all the elements. But at first glance, you immediately see something different. The Institute of Oriental Studies removed the logo after a heated discussion of the additional subtext. The idea of the image is very symbolic; it is only necessary to work out the details and change the forms.
Office of Government Commerce
Rotate the image 90 degrees to address the main issue. In 2008, The Daily Telegraph published an article quoting the cost of the logo as £14,000. A huge sum for a huge failure. The employees of the organization were the first to notice the suspicious context, though only after they were given pens, mouse pads, and other items. In 2011, the organization was closed down. Perhaps such an unsuccessful rebranding was the reason for the closure.
Locum
Did the company fail to notice the failure when it first looked at the designer’s work? The iconic idea of using a heart instead of a letter or symbol works for many brands. But in the case of Swedish real estate company Locum, the logo is divided into three separate words. The firm uses a different logo: the company name is written in a plain white font on a blue background.
Clinica Dental San Marcelino
Another ambiguous logo, which, obviously, in idea, should not be so. The logic of the designer is quite clear: the dentist examines the patient and provides his services, and the name of the clinic is written. The wrong arrangement of the silhouettes of the doctor and the patient suggests other associations with sexual connotations. In addition, it is likely that the clinic has either closed or rebranded.
Modern designers recommend using more concise logos with fewer graphic details. Simple lines can create a light but memorable design and combine them with a beautiful font and harmonious shades.
FAQ
What are some hidden logos?
Hidden logos contain clever design elements with hidden meanings or messages. These go unnoticed at first glance and add creativity to the brand’s visual identity.
The Bronx Zoo’s logo uses negative space between two giraffes’ legs to show the New York City skyline, connecting the zoo to its urban setting.
Formula One’s logo features the number “1” formed by the space between the black “F” and the red speed lines, highlighting the sport’s speed and precision.
Toblerone’s logo features a bear hidden in the mountain’s negative space, symbolizing Bern, Switzerland, the “City of Bears,” where the brand originated.
FedEx’s logo uses the space between “E” and “X” to form a right-pointing arrow, representing speed and precision in the brand’s delivery services.
Amazon’s logo has a hidden arrow pointing from “A” to “Z,” showing the brand’s wide range of products. The arrow forms a smile for customer satisfaction.
Baskin-Robbins’ logo features “31” hidden in the “BR” letters, representing the 31 flavors the brand offers, one for each day of the month.
Toyota’s logo consists of overlapping ovals stylized to spell out “Toyota.” This symbolizes the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation.
NBC’s logo incorporates a peacock with six colorful feathers, representing the network’s six divisions at the time. The peacock looks to the right, symbolizing a forward-thinking approach.
Pinterest’s logo hides a pin within the letter “P,” reflecting the brand’s core function of pinning ideas and inspirations.
These logos showcase creativity and thoughtfulness, making them memorable and meaningful. Hidden logos enhance brand identity and engage the audience by providing an element of discovery.
What is the hidden message in logos?
Hidden messages in logos use subtle elements to show deeper meanings or values of a brand. These messages can be symbols, shapes, or text within the logo. They create a subconscious connection with viewers, enhancing brand identity and appeal.
The FedEx logo has a hidden arrow between the letters “E” and “X.” This arrow shows speed and precision, matching the brand’s value of fast, reliable delivery.
The Amazon logo features a smile from “A” to “Z,” showing the company offers a wide range of products, making the shopping experience comprehensive and friendly.
The Baskin-Robbins logo has the number “31” in the “B” and “R,” representing their 31 flavors of ice cream, one for each day of the month.
The Toblerone logo includes a bear hidden in the mountain graphic. This nods to the Swiss city of Bern, known as the “City of Bears,” where the brand started.
The Pinterest logo hides a pin shape in the letter “P,” reflecting the brand’s function of “pinning” ideas and inspirations.
The Toyota logo has overlapping ovals forming a “T” and a steering wheel, showing the brand’s focus on quality and innovation in the automotive industry.
The Bronx Zoo logo features giraffes with the negative space between their legs forming the New York City skyline, showing the zoo’s connection to its urban setting.
The Formula One logo includes a hidden number “1” in the space between the black “F” and the red speed lines, highlighting the sport’s focus on speed and competition.
These hidden messages resonate with consumers subconsciously, reinforcing brand values and creating a memorable identity. Brands embed these subtle elements to add layers of meaning to their logos, fostering a deeper connection with their audience.
How do you put a hidden message on a logo?
To add a hidden message to a logo, use these steps:
- Negative Space: Use space around or within the logo to form shapes or symbols. For example, the FedEx logo has an arrow between the “E” and “X” to show speed and precision.
- Symbolism: Include symbols or icons that represent the brand’s values. For example, Toblerone’s logo has a bear hidden in a mountain, representing the Swiss city of Bern.
- Shape Manipulation: Change the shapes of letters or elements to convey a hidden message. The Baskin-Robbins logo has the number “31” in the letters “B” and “R,” showing their variety of ice cream flavors.
- Color Play: Use different colors to highlight the hidden message. This makes the hidden element stand out without being too obvious.
- Typography Tricks: Modify typography to include hidden elements. The Pinterest logo uses the “P” to resemble a pin, reflecting the brand’s function.
- Element Arrangement: Arrange elements to give them new meaning. The Amazon logo has a smile from “A” to “Z,” representing a wide product range.
- Simplification and Abstraction: Simplify complex images into basic shapes to hide them within the logo. The Bronx Zoo logo has giraffes with the negative space forming the New York City skyline.
- Hidden Numbers or Letters: Embed numbers or letters with special meaning. Formula One’s logo has a hidden number “1” in the space between the black “F” and the red speed lines, showing the focus on racing.
To use these techniques well, follow these design principles:
- Balance and Proportion: Ensure hidden elements do not overshadow the main design. The primary logo should stay clear and recognizable.
- Consistency: The hidden message should match the brand’s identity and values.
- Simplicity: Keep the design simple so the hidden message enhances rather than distracts.
- Test and Refine: Get feedback to ensure the hidden message is effective and not too obscure.
These methods help create a logo with a hidden message that adds depth and meaning, engaging viewers more deeply.
What logo has hidden alphabets of its name?
The Toyota emblem is a great example of a logo hiding all the letters of its name. It features three overlapping ovals, carefully designed to represent each letter.
The two intersecting ovals in the middle form a stylized “T.” This “T” is the most recognizable part of the logo. The vertical oval represents an “O.”
Hidden within the design are the letters “Y” and “A.” The outer oval’s curves and interaction with the inner shapes form these letters. The logo uses negative space and the positioning of the ovals to create these hidden letters, cleverly representing the brand’s name.
