Volcom Logo PNG
The Volcom logo reflects the spirit of freedom, rebellion, and independence, which has become the foundation of the brand’s philosophy. This symbol conveys the lifestyle that the brand promotes through its products. The brand combines a sporty approach with a focus on comfort and quality, emphasizing its commitment to creating products for active and independent individuals.
Volcom: Brand overview
In 1991, Volcom’s history began in Costa Mesa, California. Richard Woolcott and Tucker Hall, two ardent snowboarders and surfers, created the business. Their journey to Tahoe to snowboard gave birth to the brand’s concept. They decided to find a business that would embody their love of extreme sports because they were motivated by the spirit of adventure and independence.
The initial sounds of the founders’ last names—”Vol” from Woolcott and “com” from Hall—combined to form the moniker “Volcom.” Like many businesses in the extreme sports sector, the company started small, operating out of Woolcott’s bedroom in his parents’ home.
The brand’s debut offering was a series of T-shirts bearing its initial logo—a stone for tenacity and strength. Local skiers and surfers rapidly adopted these T-shirts as favorites.
The company introduced its debut collection of snowboarding clothing in 1993. This development, which came at a time when snowboarding was becoming increasingly popular as a sport, led to rapid growth.
1995 was pivotal for the firm when it ran its first ad campaign in extreme sports periodicals. These advertisements were notable for their nontraditional strategy and captured the brand’s rebellious essence.
The brand started supporting professional athletes in 1997, contributing to its recognition in the extreme sports industry. Prominent snowboarders and surfers were among the first athletes to get sponsorships.
The firm saw rapid expansion during the 2000s. The business listed its shares on the NASDAQ exchange when it went public in 2005. This IPO provided additional resources for expansion.
The company expanded its product line by acquiring the eyeglasses and accessories business Electric Visual in 2007.
A significant event occurred in 2011 when the French conglomerate Kering (previously known as PPR) paid $608 million to acquire the brand. This transaction provided access to a vast international group’s resources and a worldwide distribution network.
The firm kept growing in the ensuing years, entering new markets, introducing new product lines, and increasing its global footprint. The business continued to promote professional athletes and a variety of surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding events, maintaining its focus on extreme sports.
In 2016, the company introduced “True To This,” a new worldwide marketing campaign highlighting its love of extreme sports and dedication to its heritage.
The business improved its online presence in 2017 by introducing a redesigned website and increasing its e-commerce capacity. This made it possible to respond to the expanding trend of online purchasing and better connect with a younger audience.
2018 became a significant year as the firm was named the official supplier of the U.S. Snowboarding Team for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. This cooperation greatly increased the brand’s recognition and visibility on the international scene.
The ownership structure saw a major shift in 2019. Authentic Brands Group purchased the company from Kering (ABG). This transaction transformed the firm’s history and presented new prospects for expansion and advancement.
For the business, 2020 was a year of digital advancements. The company started several online campaigns and virtual events to maintain audience engagement despite international limitations.
In 2021, the company continued expanding its product range, emphasizing eco-friendliness and cutting-edge materials. The firm also increased its visibility in the streetwear market by forming joint ventures with well-known designers and artists.
In 2022, the brand returned to its roots in extreme sports. The business demonstrated dedication to its athletic history by sponsoring multiple significant surfing and snowboarding competitions.
The company proceeded with its global expansion, focusing especially on developing countries in Latin America and Asia, where the brand saw enormous growth potential.
The tagline, “Youth Against Establishment,” has remained loyal to the firm throughout its existence, encapsulating its rebellious nature and ambition to challenge conventional notions of sports and fashion.
Additionally, the business prioritized growing its music program, helping up-and-coming artists, and planning musical events, which enhanced the brand’s affinity with youth culture.
Meaning and History
What is Volcom?
It is an American company specializing in producing apparel and accessories that draw inspiration from the culture of board sports, such as snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing. The company sells various products for men, women, and children, such as apparel, accessories, footwear, and outerwear. In addition to its unique stone-shaped logo, the company is known for its “True To This” slogan, which reflects its uniqueness to board sports and alternative lifestyles. The company offers more than streetwear; its product line includes snowboarding and surfing gear. The company’s products are sold worldwide through various retail channels, such as its stores, specialty stores, and online retailers.
1991 – 2009
The brand’s emblem includes a large name and an image resembling an arrowhead. The company name comprises the first syllables of the words “Volatile” and “Company,” reflecting the idea of dynamism, unpredictability, and a free lifestyle. The logo combines movement and stability: the dynamism and need to maintain balance, like on a board, are complemented by a solid and confident inscription. Despite life’s unpredictability, the brand’s clothing promises reliability and quality thanks to high-class materials.
The arrowhead, cut like a diamond and known as the “Stone,” symbolizes movement, the pursuit of a goal, and strength and resilience—essential in extreme sports and everyday life. The massive letters of the logo emphasize the strength, health, and confidence the brand brings through its stylish designs.
2010 – 2012
The emblem was updated by adding the element of a black chalkboard, with the letters of the name written chaotically. This change reflects the brand’s philosophy of striving to be a mentor in a free and independent lifestyle. At the same time, the arrowhead symbol, an important element of the logo, is retained on the right, emphasizing the unchanged key values of the company.
2013 – today
The Volcom logo, designed as an abstract geometric image, symbolizes the brand’s strength, independence, and unique style. After the company was acquired by the Kering Corporation, known for its luxury brands, it focused on preserving the brand’s spirit and heritage while adding more elegant and refined elements.
The emblem represents a stylized image of a feather or gemstone, highlighting the brand’s commitment to high quality and refined design. Clean lines and the contrast of black and white create a sense of precision and perfection, aligning with the company’s philosophy of creating stylish and functional clothing for youth.
Volcom originally emerged from subcultures associated with skateboarding, surfing, and snowboarding. As a result, the visual symbol retains a bold yet minimalist style, reflecting a drive for individuality and freedom of expression. Despite management changes and a shift toward a more elegant appearance, the brand’s core philosophy remains the same—creating unique products for those who live outside conventional norms.
