Logo Critique

1. Nike

Nike's logo is a simple check. There slogan "Just do it," coordinates with the check symbol indicating that you have completed a task. The target audience is athletes. The check is a symbol that they got their workout in for the day. In 1971, Nike's symbol had the word "Nike" places on top of the check which slowly turned into the word "Nike" written above it in 1978 and 1985. Now, Nike uses the solo swish, starting from think to thin lining. Although it is simple, I think that is what makes it very successful.


2. Planters

Planters uses Mr. Peanut as well as the name "Planters" as their logo. The letters of planters are mechanical with straight sharp lines with lines on the top and below the word. The blue background is lighter on the left and increasingly gets darker towards the right. The letters pop out because of the contrasting color. Mr. Peanut also pops out with the yellow, black, and white colors. He looks very happy and from an older generation. Mr. Peanut gained color though out the years, as he started with just being black and white and less detailed. I think the logo is successful because it is clearly understood that Planters sells peanuts.

3. Starbucks

Starbucks Coffee uses structured mechanical letters and precise circles and stars. The figure in the middle is more mythical made with organic curvy lines. The white letters stand out against the green background, so it is very easy to see, as well as the white character in the middle against its black background. The logo can still be seen when the image is at a smaller size, allowing it to be placed on the different cup sizes. It is clear that the store is selling coffee because it says "coffee." I think the logo is successful because of the unique looking character in the middle that everyone remembers as the face of Starbucks. In 1971, the logo was brown with a less attractive looking creature in the middle. I think it was a good idea to evolve to green and change the look of the mermaid because green is more attractive color than brown and the character is also more attractive.

4. McDonald's

McDonald's logo are very simple "golden arches" that make up an "M." It is very well recognized and can be seen from far away and also when they are placed on smaller objects. The "M" is made with organic curves. The yellow pops out from far away when driving. It is well known which shoes that it is very successful. The logo has become simpler throughout the years, first starting as black writing of "McDonald's famous Barbecue" to the "M" with "i'm loving it" underneath, and finally the simple M. Becoming simpler and creating their own unique looking letter has made the logo successful.

5. Best Buy

Best Buy's logo is the name of the store in black letters against a yellow background. The letters are mechanical with crisp lines and stands out against the yellow background. The letters are places on a sale tag which indicates cheap prices. Although the logo doesn't exactly state what is being sold at the store, it is implied that whatever you are getting is at a discounted price. The store is widely known. The logo can be seen when shrunken down sizes. I think it is successful because it implies everyone knows what's bought in the store due to the sale tag symbol the logo uses.