Pixar Logo

Pixar LogoPixar Logo PNG

Viewers are familiar with the Pixar logo, as it appears at the beginning of every animated film released by this company. The designers approached the name of the animation studio creatively to intrigue and evoke anticipation of something incredible.

Pixar: Brand overview

Founded:February 3, 1986
Founder:Edwin Catmull, Alvy Ray Smith
Headquarters:
1200 Park Avenue, Emeryville, California, US
Website:pixar.com
Pixar is an animation studio located in Emeryville, founded in 1979. Its activities encompass everything related to computer animation. It operates as a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.

Meaning and History

Pixar Logo History

Until 1986, Pixar Animation Studios was known as The Graphics Group and belonged to George Walton Lucas Jr. Then, Steven Paul “Steve” Jobs bought it at a price six times lower than the stated one. The new owner appointed Alvy Ray Smith III, who gave the company the name Pixar, as the head of the company. Only after this did it receive its first logo, which was used for eight years and became the basis for the current brand name.

What is Pixar?

Pixar is an American animation studio that creates animated films with computer graphics. It emerged in 1986 and is located in Emeryville, California.

1979 – 1986

Graphics Group Logo 1979-1986

The well-known animation company started as the Graphics Group. This phrase was placed on its logo for the first seven years. Designers centered the name at the top of the emblem, unevenly placed above a triple oval. The fragment on the left was done in thin red letters, and on the right – the same threadlike symbols, but in black. A similar palette was used for the main element – an elliptical graphic symbol.

The first was a border strip of uneven width: narrow at the top and bottom and thickened at the sides. Next was a free white space, repeating the contours of the edge line. Behind it was another oval-wide, divided in the middle into two parts. They were colored similarly to the phrase and matched in color. In the center was an inverted letter “C,” which faced downwards. Under the logo was the modest inscription “THE ART OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION,” styled the same as the top line. Both inscriptions were set in avant-garde gothic font.

1986 – 1994

Pixar Logo 1986-1994

The debut emblem was executed in the form of a square with wide edges and a round hole in the middle. It was called Beveled Square with a Dent. Simultaneously, the BSD acronym was associated with Berkeley Software Distribution and UNIX family operating systems.

The image was based on Pixar’s graphic computer developments. John Lasseter created the inscription under the geometric figure. To modernize the Stevens Titling font, he used an unusual tool – a stone-cutting machine.

1994 – today

Pixar Logo 1994-present

During the filming of “Toy Story,” the company decided to abandon the old square emblem and adopt a new one without drawings. The trademark became a two-line inscription “PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS.” Pete Docter is the developer of this version.

Pixar: Interesting Facts

Pixar Animation Studios is a big deal in the movie world, and it is known for making movies that both kids and adults love.

  1. How It All Started: Back in 1979, Pixar wasn’t making movies yet. It was a part of Lucasfilm, working on computer stuff to help with animation.
  2. “Toy Story” Makes History: In 1995, Pixar changed movies with “Toy Story,” the first movie made completely on computers. It showed everyone a new way to tell stories with animation.
  3. Winning Big Early On: Even before “Toy Story,” Pixar won an Oscar for a short film called “Tin Toy” in 1989. It was a sign that Pixar was onto something big.
  4. Steve Jobs Steps In: In 1986, Steve Jobs bought Pixar. At first, he thought Pixar would sell computer gear, but after seeing how great their movies could be, he helped them focus on making more films.
  5. Team-Up with Disney: “Toy Story” was just the start of Pixar’s collaboration with Disney. This partnership produced many hit movies. In 2006, Disney liked Pixar so much that they bought it, but they ensured Pixar kept doing its own creative thing.
  6. RenderMan: Pixar developed its software called RenderMan, which is so good at creating movie images that other big movies use it, too.
  7. The Brain Trust: Pixar has a group of smart, creative people who give honest feedback to help make each movie the best it can be.
  8. Touching Hearts: Pixar movies are loved because they tell great stories with feelings that everyone can understand, using characters that stick with you.
  9. Getting the Word Out: Pixar knows how to get people excited about its movies, using fun previews and online content to grab their attention and keep them guessing.
  10. Teaching Others: Pixar also teaches people how to make animations. It works with Khan Academy to offer free movie-making courses, showing that it cares about helping new artists grow.

From starting with computer tech to leading the way in animation, Pixar has shown the world how to blend art with technology to make stories that touch our hearts and spark our imaginations.

Font and Colors

Pixar Emblem

In some logos, Pixar’s mascot – Luxo Jr., the desk lamp from the eponymous short film – is present. It replaces the letter “I” in the name. There are also anniversary emblems dedicated to the studio’s 20th and 25th anniversaries.

The foundation of Pixar’s corporate style is the Charlemagne Std-Bold font with long serifs. Although logos with a grey lamp and blue background are widely used, the official color is black and white, though logos with a grey lamp and blue background.

Pixar Symbol

Pixar color codes

BlackHex color:#000000
RGB:0 0 0
CMYK:0 0 0 100
Pantone:PMS Process Black C

FAQ

What does the Pixar logo represent?

The Pixar logo is a combination of the channel’s name, written in capital letters, and its mascot – Luxo Jr—the letter I is replaced by a semi-anthropomorphic lamp.

Why is the Pixar logo a lamp?

The lamp is associated with the studio’s first short film, where it appeared. Therefore, the channel made it its mascot, naming it Luxo Jr. Since then, the semi-anthropomorphic character appears on the logo and jumps on the letter I in PIXAR, taking its place.

What does the letter I in Pixar mean?

The letter “I” in “PIXAR,” located on the logo of the eponymous studio, represents a desk lamp – its mascot. It was named Luxo Jr.

Where is the Pixar studio located?

Pixar began at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT). Now, the headquarters of the television studio is located in Emeryville, California.

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