Visual identity relies heavily on the effective use of shapes and geometric elements. Sometimes, these shapes help convey the logo’s basic concept. If a logo contains simple shapes, it is easier to remember. This statement is based on an understanding of how the human brain functions. Moreover, with abundant information from multiple directions, it is difficult for an individual to focus on a complex task. Simple and memorable logos win out. Our attention fixes on them faster. Therefore, such logos will outperform their “competitors” with complex or irregular shapes.
The symbolism of the circle is associated with completeness and infinity. Such symbolism of this figure is evident in corporate identity and across other areas and industries (e.g., the fine arts).
Analyzing in more detail the symbolism of the circle in the corporate style, it is worth noting that its meanings are:
- as an indication of the company’s activity;
- emphasis on its mobility, dynamism, and ability to be in the trend;
- integrity of the concept of promotion and the product offered under this brand.
Let’s look at some examples of logos that use the circle.
Pepsi
The American brand PepsiCo is among the largest companies in its segment. In the Pepsi logo, the circle resembles a globe. Here, naturally, the focus is on the company’s scale, popularity, and recognizability. The combination of blue, white, and red is visually striking and high-contrast. It attracts attention. The contemporary trend in corporate style, as employed here, combines bold colors with minimalism. Therefore, the logo appears bright yet is not overloaded with unnecessary detail.
Schindler
This Swiss company specializes in the production of escalators and elevators. It has a very solid history, having been founded in 1874. A century later, the company entered the North American market. Today, it is represented in more than 100 countries worldwide.
As in many other examples here, the logo has been modernized several times, but its basic idea has remained unchanged since 1910.
With its rich history, the company remains true to its traditions and operating principles, which it holds very dear. Schindler’s visual style conveys the attention to detail maintained throughout the production.
Interestingly, the company operated without a logo for the first 36 years. Maxime Chatel designed the first logo. This young artist was part of the Schindler family, so he conveyed the company’s positioning in all its dimensions.
The emblem was round, a shape preserved to this day. As a symbol of perfection, the circle is often used in brand visual identity, and Schindler is no exception. At the bottom is a compass, indicating that the company belongs to the architectural segment. The inscription “1874” underscores the brand’s solid history and pays tribute to its roots.
Today, the company supports innovation, as evidenced by its current logo, which uses a metallic color for the abstract round emblem. The compass has lost its former appearance; only the outline remains. At the same time, the symbol has become more multidimensional in meaning for those who do not know the company’s original history; this triangular element can be associated with the top (in turn, alluding to the pinnacle of quality). At the bottom is the company name in an elegant red font.
MasterCard
The famous MasterCard payment system used two intersecting circles in its logo. No less important here is the successful combination of geometric figures with their colors. The combination of red and orange colors looks effective.
If we analyze the logo in terms of the symbolism of colors in the identity, it carries a rather powerful message:
- Red conveys joy and passion;
- Yellow adds the symbolism of prosperity.
If you analyze this meaning in terms of the sphere in which the logo is used, everything becomes quite logical.
Xerox
The American corporation known for its name has become a global leader in its industry. The company’s copiers have optimized operations across many offices, educational institutions, libraries, and other organizations that require copying documents, book excerpts, periodical articles, and other information.
Xerox also uses a circular logo. Inside is a stylized letter X, reminiscent of the company’s name. At first glance, this idea may seem simple. However, its quality execution makes the logo bright, memorable, and attractive.
Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s Pizza is one of the largest foodservice companies in the United States, operating a vast network of pizzerias. The idea of dominoes is conveyed through the contrast of shapes and colors. The rectangular shape of dominoes would be incomplete without the circles inside, which give the figure its distinctive look. In addition, the contrast between white, blue, and red is spectacular. This is quite a popular combination; we have already considered it in the Pepsi logo above. But here, these colors are organically “stitched” into the main composition.
MegaFon
The Russian telecommunications company is known both domestically and internationally. The circle is used five times in this giant’s logo. First, the emblem itself is circular. Secondly, small circles play a functional role in their internal elements. The logo depicts a talking person. One of the circles symbolizes an eye, and the three circles in the other part of the emblem represent communication.
Radio Shack
This electronics company, founded in 1921, ceased operations in February 2015. In 1939, the company released its first catalog. Throughout its existence, the company has experienced fluctuations. Nevertheless, 2014 was a crisis year for the company. The company became bankrupt.
We will analyze its logo because, like the other logos in this collection, it employs a circular form.
The logo starts with a red circle. Within the negative space is the company name in capital letters. Interestingly, it is not located in the center but closer to the left edge and lower. This visual trick attracts attention. This is followed by the company name written in black.
Knirps
This German company is known for producing high-quality umbrellas. The company has a solid history dating back to its founding in 1928. The large red dot is not only a key element of the logo but also integral to the company’s corporate identity. In the company’s early years, the circle was white, but the brand’s designers later changed it to red. Notably, all Knirps umbrellas have a red button. Thus, the logo is conceptually connected with the product, which is a good decision.
London Underground
The London Underground opened in 1863. Since then, it has had to go through a lot. Nevertheless, it continues to function effectively and remains an important component of the city’s transportation infrastructure.
It is noteworthy that the London Underground is the world’s first underground railway. Additionally, it is among the largest subway systems in the world. It consists of 11 lines, each 402 kilometers long. 45% of the metro is underground.
In the London Underground’s graphic design and identity, the emblem is circular. Over the many years of the Underground’s existence, its emblem has changed many times. It is a red circle with negative space inside, horizontally intersected by a wide blue stripe bearing the inscription “Underground.” It appears very stylish: on the one hand, you can feel the company’s solidity, and on the other, its identity is updated in line with contemporary trends.
Minolta
The Japanese company Minolta specializes in producing cameras, camera accessories, and other equipment. The Minolta logo has changed periodically, but the circular logo has been used since the 1970s. The symbolism of this logo is notable, as it represents the globe on which the rays of light fall. This indicates the company’s scale and global recognition.
Sony Ericsson
In 1876, a young Swede, Lars Magnus Ericsson, together with his colleague and comrade Carl Andersson, founded workshops to repair telegraph and signaling equipment. The foreman, who came from a large, low-income family and had experience in the mine and in other people’s jobs, was very diligent. Lars Magnus worked 12 hours a day. His labor was not in vain, and he invented the desk telephone, a new device of its time with a horn and a magneto.
In 1901, Eriksson resigned as head of his company. He served as a board member for a short time, after which he transferred the business to his partners, selling them his shares, and set out to realize the goals of that period. Lars Magnus, 57, took on the idea of an all-electric farm. At the same time, Ericsson’s story did not end with the retirement of its mastermind. The company kept up with the times and, in the early 2000s, was the world’s third-largest cell phone manufacturer. However, a fire at the production site caused significant losses. To maintain its position, Ericsson merged with the Japanese giant Sony.
The round Sony Ericsson logo has even been given its own name: Liquid Energy. The merit of this logo is that it is both futuristic and recognizable. The three-dimensional effect complements the logo’s freshness and brightness. It is no coincidence that this logo, which embodies successful modern graphic design in metallic colors and various shades and gradients of green, is recognized as one of the most notable logo designs of the 21st century.
Westinghouse
This American company, founded in 1999, operates in the nuclear energy sector. The Westinghouse logo itself is enclosed in a circle. In addition, there are three small circles on the tops of the letter W. The designers did a good job, as the logo’s meaning proved multidimensional. On the one hand, the letter’s stylization evokes associations with the nuclear chain. On the other hand, it looks like a crown, symbolizing respectability and reliability.
Upon analysis of the color scheme, the blue in the logo appears appropriate. It is often used in corporate identity to emphasize professionalism, consistency, and other virtues that give prestige.
The mugs used in this logo serve both decorative and functional purposes. They are camera elements that represent the brand’s logo. Today, Instagram is a social network used as a kind of business platform. Many professionals sell their services there, and manufacturers sell their goods. However, originally, this social network was a place for sharing photos. Therefore, the camera was chosen as the logo, not by chance. Bright, cute gradient colors make the logo look modern.
7Up
This brand is known worldwide for its carbonated drinks. The 7Up logo features many circles: one large one with the word “Up” and many small ones representing bubbles. This is a sound stylistic solution given the product that the company offers its consumers. In short, the logo is interesting and attractive. In addition, it is semantically quite capacious.
Holden
Holden began operations in 1858. It would be logical to continue celebrating this Australian automaker’s success; however, the company recently ceased operations. Initially, the company was independent, then became a structural subdivision of the renowned industrial giant General Motors.
The company was founded by James Alexander Holden, an English immigrant who moved to Australia. The company’s first emblem depicted a horse. Moreover, the brand’s owner did not stop there and ordered a magnificent life-size horse statue. It was made of natural wood and was displayed at the entrance to the company’s premises. James Alexander Holden demonstrated to prospective customers that his company produces horse-and-carriage equipment.
The lion later appeared on the company’s emblem, as it expanded over the years and began producing car bodies.
Subsequently, the emblem was modernized to reflect the prevailing trends. However, the key idea, reflected in the round emblem featuring a lion, persisted until the company’s dissolution. The strength and integrity of the concept characterize this manufacturing giant, which has remained in the market for more than 150 years.
Ubuntu
Debian GNU/Linux established the Ubuntu brand. Canonical assumed the role of the product’s developer and sponsor. It is an operating system for personal computers, laptops, and servers.
This logo is worth considering for its depth and conceptual validity. The fact is that it is not just geometric shapes in a visually appealing combination. The logo’s concept touches on humanity. If you look closely, you can see the figures of three people. They are holding hands and looking up into the sky. Thus, the idea of a “circle of friends” is conveyed. Three such figures form the main circle. Additional small circles are used functionally. They perform the role of heads, which, in combination with the arches, form the outlines of people.
The logo’s color scheme is dynamic and saturated. Warm and bright colors effectively convey positive emotions in interpersonal communication.
Ubisoft
This brand also operates in the computer technology industry and uses a circular logo. However, this French company offers users computer games rather than operating systems.
The following features characterize the Ubisoft logo:
- Three-dimensionality. The icon looks voluminous and interesting.
- Association with dynamics. The logo resembles a whirlwind.
- Futuristic. The emblem is also associated with something cosmic, indicating development and a vector toward the future.
This image looks very interesting. The designers’ creative vision and artistic approach are evident in it, which is important in game design.
Target
The American company Target operates a chain of stores of the same name in the retail segment. The logo’s concept combines minimalism and specificity. It looks quite stylish, laconic, and bright. To some extent, the emblem resembles a target, suggesting the company’s ability to hit targets. Inside the emblem is a solid, massive red dot. Around it is a transparent background. The frame is also red and thick enough.
Such a composition looks orderly. Its color scheme may be associated with strength and a confident management style, thereby emphasizing the company’s scale.
If you delve into the company’s history, its logo becomes even clearer. The company traces its history back to 1902. Therefore, to remain competitive in the long term, it is necessary to communicate and embody the value of sustainability.
Air Canada
It is the largest Canadian airline headquartered in Montreal. It is engaged in both scheduled and charter passenger transportation. Air Canada was founded in 1937. To this day, it confidently holds its position in its industry and adheres to the principles of sustainable development. It is no coincidence that there are 207 flight destinations available today. The company’s main hubs are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver airports.
Throughout the company’s existence, there have been at least seven logo updates. However, each of them has used the circular emblem and the maple leaf associated with the brand’s birthplace.
The company’s current logo combines solidity and elegance. The name is fully capitalized and in bold black sans-serif font. It looks laconic and convincing.
The red-and-white emblem, featuring the country’s symbol and the color palette of its national flag, appears patriotic and appropriate. In short, the logo designers considered all necessary semantic nuances.
Xbox
The Xbox brand is well known. It is a home game console developed and produced by Microsoft. The circle in the logo is stylized as a three-dimensional sphere, with the brand’s first letter painted on it.
The logo is designed to evoke light emanating from the letter “X.” Its originality lies in a stylized play of color contrasts.
The circular shape in the logo design is traditionally associated with positive emotions, integrity, and completeness. Emphasizing the positive emotions conveyed by the logo is important to its semantic content. The game console is designed to bring joy and variety to your leisure time. It is a good addition to fun evenings with family and friends. The designers conveyed this idea quite well.
ABC
This American company was founded in 1943. The abbreviation comes from the words “American Broadcasting Company”. The company’s headquarters are located in Manhattan, New York.
In 1948, the company began broadcasting on television. Then followed its gradual development. The years 1961-1964 were marked by rapid growth and some restructuring for the company. In 1965, a new round of success began. In 1977, ABC became the most successful channel in the United States.
Further, the company’s history developed in waves. There were recessions and rises, loss of hits, and new risky decisions. In any case, ABC’s path is quite interesting to study. For example, its logo. Inside a solid black circle, the company name is written in small white letters. Symbols of clarity, contrast, and balanced opinion are exactly what the channel requires.
Timberland
The company is based in the USA and specializes in producing outdoor clothing and footwear. If we examine the name in detail, it literally means “land overgrown with branches.”
The Timberland emblem is circular. Inside, a tree is growing on the ground. The tree’s stylized crown is also round, mirroring the emblem’s shape. By the way, the emblem’s history is quite scandalous. For a long time, there were rumors that the owners of the company belonged to the Ku Klux Klan, and the tree itself allegedly symbolizes the trees on which once lynched dark-skinned people were once lynched.
Company representatives had to put in significant effort to distance themselves from such negative rumors.
Garnier
Today, the cosmetics brand Garnier is part of the industry giant L’Oréal. However, the brand was acquired by this company in the 1970s. The history of Garnier dates back much further. It happened in 1904. Initially, the company specialized in tanning oil production; later, it specialized in household hair dye. The brand is now known for its cosmetics, developed with the specificities of each continent’s skin and cultures in mind.
The Garnier logo uses a circular shape stylized to resemble a tree leaf. Given the emphasis on natural ingredients in cosmetics, this approach looks thoughtful and conceptual. At the same time, it conveys a deep philosophy of the unity of man and nature.
The gradient is an effective color solution, as it makes the logo appear more natural. In addition to this element, the brand name is used in the logo. A circle with a gradient, stylized under the surface of the leaf, softens the sharpness of the font lines. Thus, the composition looks more harmonious and thoughtful. In general, the designers have done a good job.
BCLC (British Columbia Lottery Corporation)
The full name of this brand is “British Columbia Lottery Corporation”. This corporation specializes in lotteries and legal online gambling. The brand’s logo is based on the letters of its first word. In the negative space, there are three circles of different colors. Red, green, and orange colors, which symbolize various positive emotions, are used.
If we dwell on the symbolism of colors in more detail, this logo can be interpreted as follows:
- orange: energy;
- red: passion;
- green: progress.
Intense colors combined with rounded letters appear simultaneously stylish, effective, and restrained.
CBS
One of the largest television and radio broadcasting networks in America. The company’s name is an abbreviation of its former legal owner, the Columbia Broadcasting System. The company was founded back in 1928, when its owner, William S. Paley, acquired 16 radio stations.
Many experts consider the company’s emblem to be one of the most stylish round logos ever created. The simplicity, brevity, and boldness of the design are reflected in the concept, which conveys the essence of the company and its main areas of activity.
The logo is an abstract eye. On the one hand, it emphasizes the audience’s needs; on the other hand, it can symbolize the company’s deep vision for its goals. There are 2 round elements used in the logo. One of them forms the base of the figure, and the second one symbolizes the pupil. It looks very effective.
USA Today
This publication can rightfully be called legendary in the United States. The first national daily newspaper enjoys well-deserved authority among American readers. Al Newhart founded this edition, and a significant event took place in Washington.
The logo of USA Today uses a large blue circle, which, as an emblem of the newspaper, can have several meanings:
- balance of opinion and stability, which is one of the principles of journalism;
- stability, which is important for unbiased reporting;
- an emphasis on the globality of vision and understanding of the processes taking place in the world.
Despite the logo’s simple visual appearance, its semantic field is voluminous and interesting. This is just what is needed for the emblem of a respected publication.
Yonex
This Japanese company has a solid history, having been in the industry since 1946. It produces badminton, golf, and tennis equipment. The designers who worked on the company’s visual identity have done a great job. The overall style of the Yonex logo conveys the characteristics of the company’s products. Two letters, “YY,” are depicted as badminton shuttles (round elements play a functional role here). In combination with the font used for the company name, these two details look harmonious. This visual solution made the logo recognizable. In addition, it looks stylish and attractive.
Regarding color schemes, different schemes were used at different points in the company’s history. It is now a combination of green, blue, and white.
Tide
Most people have probably heard of this laundry detergent. It was introduced in 1946 and is among the world’s best-selling detergents. This brand is owned by Procter & Gamble. Although it introduced its first powder to customers in 1933, the company’s technologists sought a formula for a new, more powerful product. Thirteen years later, Tide was born. It was advertised as a powder that could cope even with heavy soiling. Since the advertising slogans matched reality, Tide quickly gained popularity.
Its logo also played an important role in popularizing the product. The bright combination of blue and orange quickly attracted customers’ attention. Sold in brightly colored packaging, the powder stood out against competitors. The logo was designed by the renowned industrial designer and architect Donald Deskey.
The Tide emblem is the brand name, written in blue with a white border, set against a tiered circular background. In the center is a solid yellow circle framed by an orange and then a yellow border. The logo looks convincing, optimistic, and, to some extent, even bold. At the same time, all its elements harmoniously coalesce.
Jeep
These cars embody power, dynamics, and drive. A good SUV is a dream of many drivers who appreciate quality off-road vehicles. The Jeep company was founded in 1941 and has not lost its position since. Buyers are used to a simplified version of the brand logo: a bold, monochrome sans-serif font. However, experts know that the logo also includes a graphic element. It is in it that the circle is used.
Within the round emblem is the logo’s well-known font, combined with a minimalist rendering of the car’s grille. Also inside are two circles with a clear functional purpose, symbolizing the car’s headlights. Thus, the logo looks voluminous and informative. It is visually appealing and conveys the designers’ intended meanings for the brand’s visual identity.
AOL Inc.
AOL Inc. is a media conglomerate from the United States. The company offers online services and operates several electronic bulletin boards and an Internet pager. At one stage of its existence, it was the leader in its niche in America. The brand name originated from America Online.
The company was founded in the early 1990s. In the early stages of its development, the first logo was designed, featuring a circle. For a long time, the circle was the primary element shaping the company’s visual identity. However, the logo has changed over time.
Until 2009, a white circular shape was used on a blue triangle background. The emblem has undergone several transformations. The circle appears as a small solid dot after the logo. This is an excellent solution because, semantically, it combines brevity with semantic content. The logo looks convincing and cohesive.
AT&T Inc.
This American telecommunications conglomerate, based in Dallas, has a strong reputation. AT&T has been in the industry since 1885. In the early 80s, a blue sphere was used in the brand’s logo. However, even before that, the circle was present on the company’s emblem, serving as a frame.
If we talk about the symbolism of the logo, these are:
- unity;
- communication;
- reliability;
- a sense of security.
Rotring may also indicate that the company emphasizes customer loyalty in its communication policy.
Rotring
This German-based company specializes in supplying professional tools for fine art. The double-round element is integrated into the company’s logo because it represents the letter “O.” Moreover, in addition to its functional meaning, the circle serves as a visual accent in this composition.
From a balance perspective, the company’s designers made a rather interesting decision. The stylized letter “O” is not the only round element in this logo. There is also a small solid dot above the letter “i.” Thus, the proportions in the logo are well respected.
Bic
This company, with a short, catchy name, is known worldwide. The brand’s home is in France. The company was founded in 1945 and named after its founder, Marcel Bic. Marcel did not create the company alone; his partner was Edouard Bouffard.
The company specializes in producing lighters, razors, and ballpoint pens. Since the company pays special attention to pens, this is reflected in its logo.
As for the round elements in the BIC logo, there are 2. As in the previous case, one of them is a dot above the letter “i.” The second circle depicts a man in a yellow suit holding a pen. The logo looks not only stylish but also quite optimistic and cheerful. It evokes positive emotions and fosters loyalty in the potential target audience.
Another distinctive feature of this logo is the abundance of small details. Nevertheless, they are not lost and look relevant.
SAF-Holland
This company produces axles and air suspensions for trailers and semi-trailers. In its niche, the company is a leader in Europe.
The logo’s symbolism indicates strength. The laconic and strong red logo is enhanced by the solid red circle that follows the brand name in the emblem. Despite the visual concept’s minimalism, the logo’s semantic field is quite extensive. It conveys strength, reliability, and solidity, the main advantages of mechanical parts sold under the SAF-Holland brand.
The visual composition is impressively straightforward. Everything is clear, and there are no hidden meanings. The brand strengths are emphasized convincingly. They also emphasize the company’s confidence in its strategy, which has enabled it to maintain its market position since 1881. Despite its origins as a village blacksmith shop, the company is now a global brand. Impressive, isn’t it?
QlikTech
QlikTech is a company specializing in software development for the business intelligence industry. The company is headquartered in Radnor. The brand’s logo uses two circular elements. On the one hand, the logo looks quite simple. There are no complex or multilayered elements or hidden subtexts in it. However, the visual solution proved highly effective, helping the logo attract attention.
The first circle appears in the first letter of the company name. The color used is solid gray, as for the rest of the letters.
Also, circular elements are used in the image that follows this name. You can see the partial duplication of the capital letter in green. However, the interior is not entirely negative space; rather, it is a large, solid gray dot that appears framed. The gray color harmonizes with the brand name’s font color scheme. It gives the logo a stylistic unity. The green color makes the logo more interesting, bright, and memorable.
Lucky Strike
This famous American company manufactures cigarettes. It also made history in the tobacco business by producing the first chewing tobacco. The company is one of the oldest in its industry, with a history dating back to 1869. At the beginning of the last century, the brand was bought out by ATC. It later became known as British American Tobacco.
The Lucky Strike logo is remarkably consistent, featuring a red circle with three rims: white, gold, and black. This visual solution is like a target, with the brand name inside.
Currently, this emblem has been redesigned to remove the motifs associated with the target. On the emblem, the red circle served solely as a background for the gold letters.
Le Creuset
This French company specializes in the production of cast-iron cookware. It is widely known for its high-quality pans, pots, and other kitchenware. It was founded in 1925 and will soon celebrate its centennial.
This cookware is produced using modern technologies, emphasizing a harmonious blend of high quality and fashionable design.
Most of the company’s products are orange. It is not for nothing that it is featured in the logo, which underscores the brand’s identity and its products. Using round graphic elements, an abstract visual composition evoking a culinary theme is depicted.
A solid orange circle within a black frame, repeated in its shape, generally resembles a stove. The logo’s laconic, semantic nature enhances its elegance.
BH Cosmetics
Decorative cosmetics sold under the BH Cosmetics brand are in great demand. This is the case when affordable cost does not equal low quality, because the brand’s target audience highly appreciates these products. Among the main factors contributing to the success of these cosmetics are innovative formulations, stylish, original designs, and affordable pricing.
At the same time, the concept’s originality and paradox lie in the logo’s starting with a square formed by four circles. Delicate pastel colors enhance a sense of friendliness and calm. Here, you can see turquoise, pink, green, and orange colors. The tenderness and unobtrusiveness of the color scheme evoke a sense of natural beauty and are intended to emphasize the quality of the cosmetics. The font used for the company’s logo appears elegant and confident.
Although the company does not yet have a solid history, having been founded in 2009, it has every chance to succeed in the market in the long run with this strategy.
Bavarian Nordic
Bavarian Nordic’s logo consists entirely of circles of different sizes. The company operates in the biotechnology industry. It produces anti-cancer drugs and vaccines against various infections. The company was founded in 1995.
Eight solid circles are used in the composition. In this abstract image, associations with molecules and bacteria indicate the company’s sphere of activity. And in this lies not only the sphere but also the main goal, the direction of the work of the company. The composition looks stylish and effective, paired with the futuristic font used for the company name.
Volkswagen
The Volkswagen logo is known worldwide. This icon is a stylized combination of the letters V and W, arranged on a blue background. The logo’s round shape looks stylish and harmonious. At the same time, its semantic content aligns with the values the company instills in its cars. The round logo, in principle, conveys the harmony and integrity of the brand concept and the product offered to customers. The blue color is associated with depth and a thoughtful approach. These values are embedded in reliable, practical, and durable vehicles.
If we move beyond the logo itself to the history of this German company, we should begin with the meaning of its name. In translation from the original language, it means “car for people.” Curiously, the first car was released under the patronage of Adolf Hitler, who sought to make automobiles available to the public. The significant event took place in 1934. There is a version that Hitler even took part in naming the car, but it has no confirmation and remains at the level of hypothesis.
Despite such a scandalous history, cars are associated not with bloodthirsty politicians but with reliable technical mechanisms that provide drivers with safety and comfort on the road.
BMW
This abbreviation is derived from the company’s name, which translates to “Bavarian Motor Works.” The company’s history is quite solid, dating back to 1917. This brand emerged after the company was renamed from Rapp Motorenwerke, which specialized in aircraft engine production. Curiously, with the company’s renaming, there were no changes in the staff. Nor did the equipment’s context change.
When the first emblem was designed at the company’s inception, logos did not yet play the decisive role they do today. They were not intended as tools for communicating with the audience. Nevertheless, the logo’s key motifs have been preserved to this day. This also applies to the round shape.
There is an interesting legend associated with the BMW emblem. Some believe that the round shape depicts a rotating propeller. This does not correspond to reality. This version appeared in 1929, after the advent of airplane advertising, featuring the BMW emblem inscribed on a rotating propeller. Such a publicity stunt was related to the company’s desire to focus on new aircraft engines and probably has nothing to do with the logo concept.
In 2020, the logo was updated, and the black color was removed. The updated concept and color scheme’s accents symbolize the future of mobility and the importance of the company’s openness in communicating with its target audience.
WordPress
When people who know how to build websites hear this term, they recognize it as the most widely used content management system on the Internet. Simply put, it refers to the engine that powers the site.
The WordPress logo is simple, clear, and concise. At the same time, this concept confers recognizability and indicates information saturation and capacity. The emblem has a circular shape. In the center is the brand name in capital letters. A very interesting font has been chosen for it. One symbol combines clarity and smoothness of lines. This visual solution makes the logo memorable and distinguishes it from many others. This is the case when a concise design is combined with a detailed account of the ascent.
The first version of WordPress was released on May 27, 2003. Today, this engine hosts about one-third of the world’s Internet resources.
Korean Air
This is South Korea’s largest aviation company, founded in 1969. To this day, the company continues to operate successfully. The company, speaking about the meaning of its emblem, associates it with its leading position in international air transportation.
Korean Air’s emblem is not round, but a circle is used as one of its elements. It is used to visually stylize the second letter of the company’s name. On the one hand, it is an oriental sign, “yin-yang”; on the other, it is a hint of propellers in motion. Thus, the logo designers sought to emphasize dynamism, a quality many associate with air transport.
Bayer
This company produces both pharmaceuticals and agricultural products. The company is very successful, and its management declares values that are relevant and understandable to the target audience. Bayer offers its customers products and services that benefit people and improve their quality of life. The company adheres to the principle of sustainable development and takes its social responsibility seriously.
The Bayer logo is based on a cross-shaped intersection that duplicates the name. Such a logo has existed since 1904. In the city of Leverkusen, where the company’s headquarters are located, this logo, the largest luminous advertisement in the world, is installed. This logo attracted attention and was included in the collection for a reason; it, too, features a circle. The cross-shaped figure formed by the intersection of the two words “Bayer” is in a circular frame that complements the composition.
Lucent
This company operates in the telecommunications and computer hardware sectors. It began in 2006 and was discontinued in 2016. It is also known as Alcatel-Lucent. The company was once a pioneer in the 4G network equipment market. In addition to technological innovations, the company became known for its involvement in several corruption scandals. In short, the company’s history was bright, interesting, and, in some ways, contradictory.
The purple circle used for the company’s logo is decorated on the inside with a stylized symbol resembling the transition from the letter A to the letter L, created with a rough brushstroke. Such a logo conveys relevance, dynamism, and creativity, qualities important to companies that represent innovation.
Vodafone
Vodafone, a mobile communications company, was founded in 1984. The name was formed by combining the abbreviation “Voice Data Fone” into a single word. The name turned out to be very successful, capacious, and memorable.
The company’s corporate colors are white and red. The logo has changed several times. But since 1997, its basic idea has been preserved. Inside the round emblem is an inverted comma, which symbolizes direct speech.
The contrast between white and red in the logo is striking and encourages action. In general, the company’s corporate identity conveys a focus on each client, attention to detail, and comfortable service.
SPAR
This Dutch company was founded in 1932. It owns grocery stores and hypermarkets. The company’s history is quite interesting. Adrian van Well founded it as a voluntary grocery chain, observing the emergence of large retail chains in Europe. They decided to keep the cooperation between retailers and wholesalers. The company’s positioning was initially built on the idea that its members benefit from cooperation. The name means “spruce.” Today, the SPAR network is represented in 48 countries and unites more than 13.5 thousand stores.
The company logo is eloquent and laconic. Inside the solid red stripe is the company name in white lettering. The smooth edges of the letters somewhat counterbalance the visual accents created by the contrasting colors. Adjacent to it is a green circle containing a Christmas tree, set against a negative-space background. Thus, the drawing reinforces the text and further emphasizes the name. The logo somewhat resembles a store sign, which is very useful given the company’s specifics.
Bacardi
The Bacardi company was founded in the United States. It specializes in beverage production. The company has been operating since 1862. It is privately owned and owns more than 40 trademarks. Among them are famous brands of rum, vodka, martinis, and tequila.
When a company has been on the market for many years, it is logical that its logo undergoes various transformations. Bacardi is not an exception. Its logo has been repeatedly updated to reflect modern trends, but its key element remains unchanged: a red bat emblem. Another distinctive element of this logo is the inscription “Bacardi Marca de Fabrica,” which encircles the emblem.
Notably, a very interesting fact is associated with the bat’s appearance on the company’s emblem. When, in 1862, the Bacardi family acquired a distillery, these creatures lived under his roof. Since then, the bat has always been part of the company’s emblem.
Below the emblem is the company’s name in black font. Quite interestingly, the stylized letter I, the upper part of which resembles a lantern. It looks stylish.
Alfa Romeo
The modern version of the Alfa Romeo emblem was developed in 1910. However, it is based on more ancient symbols. This is the coat of arms of Milan, dating back to the 14th-15th centuries. The cross in the logo is a sign of respect for Milanese warriors and, of course, a revered symbol of Christianity.
The emblem also depicts a snake with a human body protruding from its mouth. The body is red. This symbol is borrowed from the Visconti family’s coat of arms, which was the most influential in Milan. This visual composition is said to symbolize power and influence.
If we consider the history of this famous Italian automobile brand, we see that its name has changed over time. The company was called Alfa Milano, and its name was based on a rather laconic yet capacious idea. The first word denotes the first letter of the Greek alphabet and, in this context, connotes superiority, high standards, and advanced quality. The second word indicates the brand’s city of origin. In 1915, the second part of the name was changed in honor of the new owner, Nicola Romeo, who acquired the company. Despite the company’s transition into new hands, the basic elements of its round logo remained unchanged.
Vattenfall
The company operates in the energy sector. Since its founding in 1909, it has held an international status and a solid history. The company generates electricity and operates in several countries (Sweden, the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, etc.). The company’s turnover is substantial: in 2017, its net profit amounted to approximately 9.5 billion kroner.
The current Vattenfall logo, developed in 2018, retains certain elements from earlier versions. The company name is written in a dark gray sans-serif font. Here, we see a combination of brevity and persuasiveness. This is followed by a circle divided into two parts, yellow at the top and blue at the bottom. The color scheme of the sun and water effectively captures the essence of the energy company.
Motorola
This company was very famous in its time. It functioned in the telecommunications industry. Despite a fairly solid history, the company at one point in its development was unable to cope with financial losses.
The company was founded in 1928. Between 2007 and 2009, it lost approximately $4.3 billion. The company could not recover from such losses and maintain its development trajectory. Therefore, after two years, it ceased to exist. However, many people remember Motorola phones for their durability, high quality, and functionality for their time.
For the company’s corporate style and visual identity, a blue circle was chosen as the emblem. Inside it is the letter M, for which a very interesting technique was used. Two triangular figures with arc-shaped holes form the letter. The meaning of such an emblem is highly multifaceted, ranging from a literal emphasis on the brand’s first letter to a metaphor in which mountain peaks symbolize inspiration and perfection. Blue complements this composition. It is only a pity that, having suffered losses, the company was unable to regain the heights it had earlier reached.
Firefox
The Firefox brand appeared in 2002. Now, it is so well known under its current name that few people remember that it was originally called Phoenix. The idea of flame and power remains key, despite the rebranding. Fox is only used for its image. Accordingly, this is reflected in the name.
The first logo featuring the phoenix did not include round elements. Such an element had already appeared in 2004, after the brand’s renaming.
The circle in the logo changed and simplified over time. Since 2019, it has been a round shape in shades of purple. If you examine the logo’s history, it was originally a stylized globe rendered in gradient shades of blue. In principle, it is understandable if we are talking about a browser that helps people read information from around the world and communicate on websites. The fox image in the logo has gotten simpler over time. The trend of simplification is evident not only in this brand’s logo but also in many others.
PBS
This is the brand of the public broadcasting service. The company was founded in the United States in 1952. Initially, this national enterprise served as an important educational radio and television center.
The PBS logo has been redesigned several times to better align with contemporary design standards. It now uses a monochromatic blue color scheme, with white above the emblem. The logo begins with a circular form, within which a stylized male profile is repeated three times. The contrast between blue and white forms the second figure.
If you analyze the logo semantically, you can see how effective its composition is. It is quite logical for a broadcasting company to use images of people in its logo. It suggests communication and the idea that a broadcasting company is an enterprise in which some people work for others, providing them with important information.
Danone
This company has a solid history. Founded in 1919, it still has a strong market position today. Danone specializes in producing food products. The company’s territory spans more than 130 countries.
Through its logo, it conveys high-quality products and customer loyalty. Through its visual image, it seeks to convey a message of reliability.
It should be noted that the round shape did not appear in the logo immediately. It resulted from its redesign. In this case, the circle is not used in isolation. With the font change, the traditionally oval letter O, as we see it in the alphabet, acquired a similar outline.
In addition to the stylized letter O, the logo now features a circular emblem depicting a boy. The idea for such changes to the logo belongs to Daniel Carasso, the son of the company’s founder. Also, on the modern logo, under the name of the trademark, appeared the inscription “One planet. One Health.” The color scheme employed a blue-to-white gradient.
General Electric
General Electric is one of those companies that values its roots. This is evident in the company’s visual style, established at the end of the last century. Today, the company is more than 125 years old. Its logo has not changed substantially. General Electric subsidiaries operate in a variety of industries, from diagnostic imaging to financial services.
Unlike many other companies with a solid history that, over time, produce radically different logo redesigns, this brand remains true to its traditions.
The first General Electric logo appeared in 1892. Impressive, isn’t it? Then, the company’s emblem was a laconic yet elegant monogram consisting of two capital letters of the brand name. The black-and-white palette rendered the emblem timeless. At the same time, it demonstrated the company’s professionalism. In 1900, the monogram was placed within a circular frame to achieve visual completeness.
Now, the emblem retains both the authentic letters and the surrounding frame. At the same time, the letters themselves have become more distinct, and loops have been added to the frame to depict movement. This is a very successful idea. It conveys the idea of a company that remains true to its traditions and best practices while also adapting to contemporary conditions.
ESA
This is the abbreviation chosen for the American hotel chain’s name. Although the company was founded in 1995, it now has more than 600 offices in the USA and Canada. The popularity of its services stems from its affordable extended-stay rooms.
Although this brand’s logo lacks a clear circle, it is included in this collection for a specific reason. In front of the company name, the logo features a stylized star with rounded edges. This distinctive design distinguishes this logo from many others that also use a star. At the same time, if you analyze the segment of services in which this hotel chain operates, then this logo becomes quite logical in meaning. Its smooth lines may suggest customer loyalty and low prices.
Starbucks
This coffee shop chain was founded in 1971 and has grown significantly since then. The number of more than 23,000 coffee shops worldwide speaks volumes. The logo’s symbolism is highly controversial. Within the round green logo is an image of a siren. On her head, she wears a crown whose center features a star that echoes the company’s name.
The siren is a mythological figure. According to many myths, she lured sailors with her songs, leading them to shipwreck. The brand’s creative director, Steve Murray, describes Sirena as the brand’s primary symbol. If we trace the logo’s transformation over time, we can observe the same trend.
Anti-Zionist groups criticize the Starbucks logo. There are versions in which, if you turn the 1971 logo over, you can see the head of a goat, which is not a good symbol used by the Illuminati. Some versions depict Queen Esther.
LG
A world-renowned company based in South Korea. In addition, its products are sold in more than 70 countries worldwide. The company manufactures electronics, home appliances, and some other products. The company traces its history back to 1947.
Currently, LG uses a version of the logo that was redesigned in 2014. Regarding the round symbols in this logo, there are 2. In front of the company name, there is a round emblem rendered in a burgundy gradient. Its contour partially resembles the stylized letter G, and the interior contains the smaller letter L. The letters inside the emblem are white. Adjacent to them is a solid white dot, the second round element in this logo. The brand name is displayed in gray font, with the inscription “Life’s Good” below. The brand’s meaning conveys solidity, balanced by the optimistic motto.
Mercedes Benz
The Mercedes-Benz brand celebrated its centennial in 2021. It remains popular, maintains its position, and is associated with high-end automobiles. The three-pointed star in a circular frame is recognizable. Throughout the brand’s history, the logo has undergone several changes. It reflected contemporary trends, yet the basic composition was recognizable and featured the company’s logo.
Today, the logo uses the fashionable color “metallic.” Companies in the automotive industry often use it. In this case, a color gradient was used to associate the emblem with the product’s cost and prestige. In practice, this is the case. The 3D effect makes the emblem appear more three-dimensional and visually complex.
Safari
This is a browser designed specifically for Apple devices and supported by them. It appeared in 2003. After Google Chrome, it is the second-most-popular browser.
The circular shape at the base of the logo is justified and indispensable, given that a compass was chosen as the logo’s symbol. To date, the logo has been redesigned six times. Each time, it has been increasingly simplified visually. Thus, only those details that allow us to discern the concept’s basis and to see the visual similarity to the compass have remained. In principle, this tendency toward simplification is not new; it has already been noted in several other logos above. So here, we can say that the Safari logo follows the same path as the Firefox brand.
The color scheme is quite simple; it uses gradients of blue, red, and white.
The American social network, headquartered in San Francisco (California), has a very recognizable emblem. It was launched simultaneously with the Internet communication platform in 2006. The iconic bird on the Twitter logo is within a blue circle and symbolizes the active transmission of messages. This feature is based on its natural ability to “chirp.”
Skype
The telecommunications program is owned by Microsoft and managed by its Skype Technologies division. The application’s popularity stems from its convenient remote communication capabilities, which enable the transmission of various message types, including voice, text, and video. This is reflected in the round blue Skype emblem, which features two diagonal half-discs. In the center of the emblem is a white letter “S”, the first letter of the name of the service.
An online job-search and recruitment service that was launched in 2003. It serves as a platform for career development, enabling employers to post job openings and job seekers to post resumes. The LinkedIn logo is a blue circle with a white fragment of the site’s name. The lettering consists of two lowercase letters, “in” (there are two pairs).
NASA
The logo of one of the most important federal agencies of the United States uses an abbreviation of its full name, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This service was established in 1958 and has since been involved in various space programs. The modern NASA emblem is circular, representing the universe. In the background, a thin elliptical orbit of a rocket, a red forked sign in the form of a flying ribbon, and the name are depicted.
Telegram
This messaging service has gained significant popularity for its encrypted chats and video calls. It has been running since 2013 and is compatible with various systems. The Telegram logo features a white paper airplane in a light blue circle, symbolizing fast messaging. It has rounded ends to convey reliability, security, and confidence.
HP
An American technology company specializing in computers, laptops, printers, and consumables. It has existed since 1939 and is based in Palo Alto, California. The HP logo uses a lowercase abbreviation in italics. The designers emphasized the near-identical letters and extended them to the edge of the circle, creating an open appearance.
This platform combines two areas of interest: practical and creative. It helps you create and share ideas based on images saved on your personalized board page. The Pinterest logo follows this concept: it consists of an element that resembles both a pencil and a pin. The background is a red circle.
Hoover
The company’s products are in high demand, so its logo is well known in the United States. Since 1908, it has produced household appliances, particularly vacuum cleaners. The Hoover emblem consists of a red circle with a white ring; in the center, a diagonal name is affixed to the frame.
Fiat
The Italian automobile company was founded in 1899 and gradually grew into the largest factory. Its name is an abbreviation of the phrase “Fabbrica Italiana Automobili di Torino”. The round Fiat logo resembles a chrome-plated rim, a steering wheel, and a modern control panel. In the center is the brand name in bold gray letters.
Texaco
This brand of technical oils was founded in 1902 and is owned by Chevron Corporation. Its name is a shortened form of “Texas Company.” At the center of the Texaco logo is a block-letter “T” on a white star background. That, in turn, is drawn in a large red circle.
Opera
Both this software company and its web browser use circular logos that represent the initial letters of their names. The Opera symbol is bright red. The brand first appeared in 1995. Now, the Norwegian tech company is betting not on one, but on several internet browsers.
Lipton
The famous UK brand was founded in 1890 and has since grown into a real tea empire. Now it belongs to the company “Ekaterra”. The modern Lipton logo is a circle with a narrow golden border. In the center is a figurative element in the same color as the manufacturer’s name.
Scoot
The Singaporean airline began operations in 2012 and currently serves airports across the Asia-Pacific region. The Scoot logo consists of a yellow circle bearing the name in lowercase. It corresponds not only to the air carrier’s purpose but also to its slogan, “Escape the Ordinary”: the letter “t” is at the edge of the circle and resembles an airplane.
Turkcell
It is the main mobile operator in Turkey. It entered the market in 1993 and currently has almost 40,000 subscribers. It also has a yellow icon: a circle with two elements resembling snail horns. While Turkcel’s logo was previously flat, it is now convex, with a gradient and subtle highlights.
Symantec
Symantec is the old name of an American software developer. It is now called Norton LifeLock, which is reflected in its logo. To the left of the inscription is a wide ring with a check mark in the center. Its right side transitions into pixels at the top.
Versus Versace
The same creator owns this brand and the fashion house of the same name: Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace founded them in 1989. The brand’s main specialization is watches. Each product is decorated with a round, humanized lion rather than the Versace logo. It represents the reverse side of the image of Medusa, the Gorgon, and epitomizes passion, determination, and confidence.
Wikipedia
This is the Internet’s main cognitive and informational resource, presented as an electronic encyclopedia. Designers proposed that Wikipedia be an icon in the form of a globe consisting of puzzles. Each fragment depicts one letter from the alphabet of a country in the world.
Bored Panda
This is the name of a Lithuanian internet resource that publishes light content on innocuous topics. It was created in 2009 by Tomas Banisauskas, then a student. The Bored Panda logo, naturally, depicts a panda. It has a large, round head, almost-invisible paws, and differently colored eyes.
White Claw
The brand, launched in the US in 2016, is owned by Mark Anthony Group. It is an alcoholic beverage produced from seltzer water. The White Claw logo, in addition to a circle, features a frame bearing the manufacturer’s full name. Around the center, part of a circle reads “high waves and seagulls.”
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