The TV series’ Sons of Anarchy logo corresponds to the plot. Since the main characters are members of the motorcycle club SAMCRO, the symbol system is directly related to biker patches. The main emblem features an image of the so-called Grim Reaper, dressed in a black hooded robe.
Sons of Anarchy: Brand overview
Founded: | September 3, 2008 – December 9, 2014 |
Founder: | Kurt Sutter |
Headquarters: | United States |
Meaning and History
A detailed study of the biker subculture allowed Kurt Sutter to depict even such details in the series that many viewers did not notice. For example, in all seven seasons of Sons of Anarchy, numerous symbols can be seen – not just in the form of tattoos. This includes patches denoting the status of motorcycle club members. It is a unique identification system, as there are separate patches for route coordinators, bodyguards, accountants, the acting president, and even for those planning to join SAMCRO. Visual signs show the role assigned to each person in the internal hierarchy system.
One of the most important symbols is the so-called Grim Reaper, which is featured on the Sons of Anarchy logo. It can be seen in the opening credits of the series – in the last frames when Jackson “Jax” Teller’s back with a tattoo appears. This moment is very indicative from the point of view of the biker subculture because, according to the plot, all SAMCRO members must not only wear a jacket with the Reaper image on the back but also have the same tattoo on their body. In case of expulsion from the club, its former members must remove the drawing from the skin – either burn or cut it off. This happened with Kyle, who was expelled for betrayal.
What is Sons of Anarchy?
Sons of Anarchy is an American crime TV series that tells the story of a motorcycle club, their personal and family lives, and their relationships with gangs. It is a project by screenwriter, director, and producer Kurt Sutter. He even played a cameo role, appearing as one of the SAMCRO members. The series was presented on the cable channel FX in September 2008 and aired until December 2014. A total of 7 seasons were filmed. In addition, comics, novels, and video games were created based on the original plot, making Sons of Anarchy a media franchise.
The brand’s signature emblem for Sons of Anarchy and all SAMCRO bikers is the Grim Reaper. The mystical character is depicted in its usual form: it looks like a skeleton in a black hooded cloak draped over the skull. The Reaper also has a scythe, but on the logo, its blade is attached to an M-16 rifle because the club’s main source of income is the storage and assembly of weapons. The slightly open mouth with two even rows of teeth looks like a creepy smile, and the gaping holes in place of eyes and nose are filled with deep blackness.
In the outstretched hand is a crystal ball, similar to those used by fortune tellers. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that this object possessed magical properties and allowed one to peer into the future. On the Sons of Anarchy emblem, inside the crystal is the letter “A” – the symbol of anarchy, on which the club’s name is based. This is an obvious hint that SAMCRO does not abide by the rules of the American Motorcyclist Association and operates outside the law, developing its criminal business.
Above is the name of the series, curved in the shape of an arch. It is written in large black letters, stylized to resemble fonts from old city signs. The scythe blade depicted just below has a similar arc shape, visually connecting the two parts of the logo: the drawing and the text. At the same time, the cloak of the mystical entity billows, creating the impression of burning flames. Something drips from the blade – obviously blood, considering the Grim Reaper’s line of work.
In the Sons of Anarchy storyline, all club members must have a Reaper tattoo and a patch with the same image on their leather jackets. Patches with images of death and skulls are often used in the biker environment to scare enemies. In the case of SAMCRO, it is a symbol by which motorcycle club members recognize each other, as other biker groups use entirely different signs. Potential SAMCRO members are not allowed to wear the Reaper until they prove their loyalty, so it is a very important emblem for the series.
Font and Colors
The logo is complemented by the inscription “SONS OF ANARCHY,” using a gothic retro-style font. The vintage design with triangular spikes in the center of each glyph is reminiscent of vintage signs. Large capital letters are arranged in the form of an arch, making the text appear to glide. However, the symbol “A” on the magic ball consists of sharp and abrupt lines.
The color scheme of the logo also looks brutal. It contains only white, black, and shades of gray of varying intensity – possibly to make it easier for motorcycle club members to use this design as a tattoo.
Sons of Anarchy color codes
Black | Hex color: | #000000 |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 0 0 0 | |
CMYK: | 0 0 0 100 | |
Pantone: | PMS Process Black C |