Time Out Logo PNG
The Time Out logo exemplifies classic design, marrying the timeless combination of black, red, and white. Sometimes a red rectangle is placed under the logo, on which the name of the city in which the magazine is published is displayed. Representing the brand as an “ambassador of the city,” this palette serves as an evergreen trend and draws attention due to its vibrant contrast.
Today, magazine covers predominantly feature photos, and the logo retains its original form, except for a thick red line at the bottom of the black rectangle. In mobile applications, Time Out uses a simple black square with a thick, horizontal red line at its lower edge.
The emblem’s meaning reflects Time Out’s commitment to providing readers with comprehensive city guides. The timeless, bold design reflects their confidence and authority as a city guide, with strong colors that emphasize their dynamic, vibrant content. The addition of the red line could be interpreted as a symbolic representation of the city’s horizon line, further emphasizing the brand’s city-centric focus.
Time Out began in London in the summer of 1968, when 21-year-old Keele University student Tony Elliott used £70 from his birthday money to print a small city listings paper. The first issue was made on his mother’s kitchen table in Kensington and was first called Where It’s At. It was soon renamed Time Out, after Dave Brubeck’s jazz album, and sold for one shilling through record shops and independent kiosks.
In 1971, Elliott brought in art director Pearce Marchbank, and Time Out became a weekly magazine. Marchbank created the logo that remained in use across the brand. The magazine grew to a circulation of about 110,000 copies. It kept an alternative editorial culture, with collective management and equal pay in its early years. In 1976, it drew public attention by publishing names of alleged CIA agents in Britain.
By 1980, Elliott ended equal pay and collective control, leading to a staff strike and the creation of the rival magazine City Limits. In 1982, Time Out launched its first Eating & Drinking Guide, marking the start of a new line of city guides. International growth started with a Paris supplement in 1992, followed by Time Out New York in 1995. That same year, the first Time Out website appeared.
In 2010, Oakley Capital bought stakes in Time Out London and Time Out New York. In 2012, the London magazine moved to free distribution, reaching more than 305,000 weekly copies. In 2014, the first Time Out Market opened in Lisbon, turning editorial city curation into a food-and-culture venue. Time Out Group was listed on London’s AIM market in 2016 under the ticker TMO. Tony Elliott died on July 17, 2020, aged 73.
Meaning and History
The brand identity of Time Out is rooted in its role as a guide and a trendsetter. The logo, comprising bold white letters set against a vibrant red background, is a visual statement of the magazine’s dynamic, energetic persona. It echoes the publication’s commitment to staying on the pulse of urban culture and lifestyle.
The tagline, “Discover your city,” succinctly sums up Time Out’s mission. It is an invitation for readers to step outside their routines and truly immerse themselves in their city’s culture. This sense of discovery, exploration, and experience underpins the brand identity and further strengthens the bond between the publication and its readers.
What is Time Out?
Time Out is a global media and entertainment company headquartered in London, England. Founded by Tony Elliott in 1968, it started as a London-only publication, providing listings for local events, reviews of restaurants, theaters, and cinemas, as well as interviews and previews of upcoming arts events. The publication has since expanded internationally, providing city guides for major cities worldwide in both digital and print formats. Time Out is well-regarded for its influence in the cultural and entertainment spheres, helping readers discover the best things to do in their cities.
Time Out stands as an engaging and invaluable resource for urban exploration. Its brand identity reflects its mission to inspire, guide, and connect city dwellers and lovers, solidifying its position as a vibrant and trusted voice in city lifestyle and culture.