Logos with hidden meanings are a fascinating aspect of brand identity that often goes unnoticed. The symbols of many well-known companies contain subliminal messages and images that are worth examining. For instance, BMW’s logo was long thought to represent propellers in motion and the sky, but in reality, it was inspired by the flag of the Free State of Bavaria.
Similarly, many logos have hidden stories and meanings that are worth exploring. Here are fifteen logos and their secret meanings:
The Secrets Behind Famous Logos
Beats
The logo of Beats headphones is not just a “B,” but the head of a person with a helmet on in profile.
Quiksilver
But it is not a simple wave, it is the iconic image ‘The great wave of Kanagawa’.
And who had noticed that the Roxy symbol consists of two Quicksilver logos facing each other?
Audi
The four circles that make up the Audi logo represent each of the four companies that merged to create the brand: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer.
LG
The face that appears on the LG logo is formed with the letters of the brand, illustrating the ‘L’ on one nose and the ‘G’ on the rest of the face. Some people are reminded of the video game symbol Pacman.
Toyota
In the Toyota symbol, all the letters that make up your name are collected, from ‘T’ to ‘A’.
Carrefour
Carrefour in French means “crossroads”, and that’s why its logo shows two arrows pointing in different directions. The space between the two arrows forms a ‘C’ of Carrefour.
Coca-Cola
In some cases, there are hidden messages in some logos that are the result of coincidence. In the Cola-Cola logo, there is a Danish flag between the ‘O’ and the ‘L’, and the brand has used it to promote itself in the country, even if it is not there in a premeditated way.
Galeries Lafayette
The typography used by the Lafayette galleries gives it an undoubtedly French touch, but the font also honors its French origins: the iconic Eiffel Tower appears on the logo represented by the two letters ‘T’ of ‘Lafayette’.
VAIO
The initials ‘VA’ of VAIO, now independent of Sony, are displayed so that they look like an analog signal, and the last two letters, ‘IO’, to represent the numbers 1 and 0, a symbol of the digital signal.
Toblerone
Toblerone brand of chocolates comes from Bern, in Switzerland, also known as ‘The city of bears’. And who is hiding in the mountain of the logo?
FedEx
FedEx promoted its speed and precision when delivering parcels more than you can think, and insist on this concept by “hiding” an arrow between the ‘E’ and the ‘X’.
Amazon
The yellow arrow of the Amazon logo points from ‘A’ to ‘Z’, looking to represent the variety of items offered by the online store. It also looks like a smile, as a symbol of customer satisfaction.
Hyundai
It does not look like it at first sight, but the Hyundai H are two people shaking hands, dependent and customer, the gesture that takes place after the sale of a car.
The Tour of France
The yellow circle in the Tour the France logo not only resembles a sun in midsummer, it also represents the wheel of a bicycle, and the letter ‘R’ of ‘Tour’ has been designed to look like a cyclist.
Cultural Symbolism in Logos
Many logos incorporate imagery or symbolism from a particular culture, either to appeal to consumers from that culture or to convey a certain message. For example, the Nike “swoosh” is said to be inspired by the Greek goddess of victory, while the Starbucks mermaid is a nod to the maritime history of the brand’s home city of Seattle. Exploring the cultural significance of these symbols can provide insight into the meaning behind them.
Logo Evolution
Many logos have undergone changes over time, with hidden meanings being added or removed along the way. For example, the Apple logo started out as a detailed image of Isaac Newton sitting under a tree, but eventually became the simple, iconic apple shape we know today. Tracing the evolution of logos and examining the changes made can reveal interesting insights into the priorities of the brand over time.
The Psychology of Logo Design
Logos are often designed with specific psychological effects in mind. For example, many fast food logos use warm colors like red and yellow, which are thought to stimulate appetite and create a sense of urgency. Examining the psychological theories behind logo design can provide insight into the thought process behind the hidden meanings of these symbols.
The Impact of Hidden Meanings on Consumer Behavior
Some brands use hidden meanings in their logos as a way to connect with consumers on a deeper level. For example, the FedEx arrow is meant to convey a sense of speed and precision, which may appeal to consumers looking for reliable package delivery. Exploring how hidden meanings in logos affect consumer behavior and purchasing decisions can be an interesting area of study.
Logo Controversies
Some logos have sparked controversy over their hidden meanings, either because they are considered offensive or because they were not intended by the designer. For example, the logo of the 2012 London Olympics was criticized for resembling a swastika, while the logo of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team was redesigned after fans noticed it resembled a woman’s anatomy. Examining the controversies surrounding logos and their hidden meanings can provide insight into the power of symbols and the importance of careful design.
Isn’t cool? I hope this article helps you to increase your general knowledge. If you have any other queries regarding the above logos let us know them in the below comment box and we will get back to you as soon as possible to solve all your questions.
