Many of the logos we see daily have fascinating origins and hidden meanings. From subtle messages to historical inspirations, these designs hold secrets that make them more captivating. Let’s explore nine famous logos and the intriguing stories behind them.
1. Frank Brown Is the Face of a Famous Rice Brand
The well-known parboiled rice brand, which debuted in the U.S. in 1943, has featured the image of an elderly Black man in a bow tie on its logo since 1946. According to one story, the face belongs to Frank Brown, a maître d’hôtel from Chicago. The company’s owners reportedly discovered him while dining in a local hotel and compensated him to use his image as their trademark.
2. Tesla’s Logo and Its True Inspiration
Tesla Motors, named after inventor Nikola Tesla, was founded in 2004. Its logo has sparked debate on social media, with theories ranging from it resembling a cat’s nose to the female reproductive system (a joke even Elon Musk acknowledged). However, the design is actually a cross-section of an electric motor, paying tribute to Tesla’s 1883 invention.
3. The Hidden Candy in Hershey’s Logo
The Hershey’s Kisses logo contains a cleverly hidden candy. Between the letters “K” and “I,” you can spot the silhouette of a Hershey’s Kiss, shaped like a drop.
4. A Famous Painting Inspired Quiksilver’s Logo
Quiksilver’s iconic logo, created in 1973, was inspired by Japanese artist Hokusai’s woodcut The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Founders Alan Green and John Law used the image of the powerful wave to represent the adventurous spirit of their brand.
5. Versace’s Hypnotizing Medusa
The Versace logo, created in 1987 by Gianni Versace, features Medusa Rondanini, a sculpture depicting Medusa’s transformation from a monster into a beautiful woman. Gianni chose Medusa as a symbol of allure, hoping that people would be captivated by his designs, just as Medusa’s beauty entranced those who looked at her.
6. Tinker Bell in Disney’s Logo
The Walt Disney Pictures logo, appearing before its films, features a castle inspired by the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, linked to fairytales like Sleeping Beauty. The shooting star above the castle is often mistaken for a falling star, but it is actually Tinker Bell from Peter Pan.
7. The Laughing Cow’s Droste Effect
The Laughing Cow’s logo is more complex than it first appears. The cheerful cow wears earrings that feature smaller versions of herself with identical earrings, creating an infinite loop known as the Droste effect. This clever design adds a unique touch to the brand’s image.
8. NASA’s “Meatball” Logo
NASA’s round blue logo, often nicknamed the “meatball,” was designed in 1959 by James Modarelli. Each element represents a different aspect of the agency: the blue sphere symbolizes Earth, the stars represent space, the red wing stands for aeronautics, and the white orbit line signifies space exploration.
9. Lukoil’s Name Encodes Its Origins
The Russian oil company Lukoil derives its name from the first letters of three Siberian oil-producing cities—Langepas, Uray, and Kogalym—combined with the word “oil.” This clever acronym reflects the company’s geographical roots and industry focus.
What do you see when you look at the Tesla logo or any of these iconic designs? Let us know how these stories change the way you perceive these famous brands!