Most major brands are synonymous with their logos. When we hear the name of the brand, we automatically picture their logos. In fact, it is hard to imagine a time when their logos looked any different than they do know.

However, many brands have gone through changes over the years and this includes updating their amazing logo design. Following are some examples of how top San Diego logo design agencies and west coast studios have changed the landscape of brand design over the years. Come, take a walk with us down memory lane so we can explore how logos have changed over the years.

Unique logo designs are the lifeblood of any good brand. Here are some examples, of major brand logos that have evolved over the years… the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Nike Logo Redesign

When we hear the name Nike, we immediately think of their bold letters and that famous Nike swish. However, if we travel backward through time, we will find that back in the early sixties, not only did Nike not have the swish, they weren’t even called Nike!

Blue Ribbon Sports would update their name and their look and by 1971, they revealed a logo with a swish the went directly through the letters. In 1978, they changed things up by moving the swish below the letters and making the letters big and bold to provide a more streamlined look.

Volkswagon Logo Then and Now

That interlocking VW has become a look the Volkswagon brand is known for. It dates back to the brand’s creation in 1937 but back then, the letters were a part of a much more abstract design that looks somewhat like a fan or a satellite dish.

30 years later, a new look emerged that was much closer to the one we know today. In 2000, small touches were added to give the logo a more defined and powerful style.

Starbucks Logo Evolution

Starbucks was originally founded in 1971 as a local coffee bean retailer. Started in Seattle, the coffee store is now the world’s biggest coffeehouse, with approximately 21,000 stores!

The first Starbucks logo was the image of a dual-tailed mermaid, aka a siren. Greek mythology has it that sirens lured sailors to shipwreck, with their beautiful voices. Which is how most people feel about their daily ritual if they don’t get their caffeine to get going.

The new Starbucks logo is a more minimalistic, simplified version of the logo. The cleaner new version of the logo does away with the fussy lines and even the text. This is a bold risk, but for a company as big as Starbucks, that was a natural evolution. Most smaller brands could not get away with removing their actual name.

Pepsi Logos Old and New

Pepsi’s bold lettering and red, white, and blue rounded shapes and color scheme is one so ingrained in our memories, it may be hard to believe that logo is less than 50 years old.

In 1898, the brand first emerged with a logo that looked more like it was written in Chinese than English! In 1973 the logo was revamped to feature the bold blue letters between the red and blue swirls. Some may not even realize that it has changed since then.

In 2014 the logo underwent another update so now the official logo features a modified lower case font for the word ‘Pepsi’ with the red and blue swirly ball next to it. The background is plain white.

Pepsi may be capitalizing on the minimalist and slightly more generic look that is popular today.

Some Other Notable Great Brand Redesigns

Logo looks have come and gone over the years and major brands have updated along with them. This is a great way to keep branding fresh.

If you feel like your logo needs an update, Lien Design can provide you with a California logo design you are sure to love. They are up on the latest trends and can breathe new life into a classic look without disorienting your customers. Call them today to give your brand a facelift that will keep things modern and fresh.