No matter how big or small, brands change logos all of the time in order to keep up with the latest trends, or to give themselves a new look. We've seen major brands try to find a balance between staying relevant and keeping their distinguishing features that people know and love. Some do it successfully while others struggle. While change may be scary it's also inevitable.
Here are some of our favorite, and not so favorite, logo makeovers throughout time:
Apple Inc
The Apple logo progressively gets simpler over the years going from a detailed painting of someone under a tree to the simple gray apple. The logo is arguably a good example of keeping up with trends with color in the 70’s, the dark grunge look in the 90’s, and the current minimalistic approach all while keeping its identifiable apple. Not many brands can successfully change logo colors or styles as well as Apple.
McDonald's
It might surprise you that the McDonald’s logo didn't have its iconic golden arches until nearly 20 years after the fast food chain opened. The arches were inspired by one of the first McDonald’s restaurant’s architecture, which had two semi circles on the roof to draw attention. Since then the brand has successfully kept their notable logo intact, while making slight changes to keep things interesting!
The Gap
If your brand is ever wondering what not to do for its makeover, just take a look at the fourth Gap concept above. Gap switched to this in 2010 and customers got so upset over the redesign that the new logo only lasted a week! People get attached to iconic logos and this change after 24 years was just too drastic. The company redeemed themselves in 2016 by keeping the same font and redesigning around it.
Tropicana
Tropicana is another logo makeover that didn't go over well with customers. The company faced major criticism for going for a more contemporary look in 2009. The backlash was so bad that Tropicana had to revert back to its original logo. Never get rid of iconic features!
Burger King
Burger King’s most recent logo redesign does a great job playing on nostalgia. With recent trends paying tribute to the past, the fast food chain logo balances staying current while looking back to simpler times. People love to feel nostalgic!
Pepsi Cola
Pepsi has seen a lot of different logo designs over the course of more than 100 years. With every makeover the soda company successfully introduces a new design element while keeping something from the design before. This is arguably a good tactic in order to prevent the backlash experienced by The Gap and Tropicana from loyal customers. Redesigning the logo as often as Pepsi does is another good way to keep customers happy without blindsiding them with a brand new design.
If you're looking for some help with refreshing your brand, get in touch and schedule a free consultation with one of our Marketologists today.
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