10 Brand Logos That Really Stand out and Why

If you’ve ever played a ‘guess the logo’ game, you’ll know how surprisingly easy it is to get so many of them right. That’s because brand logos permeate our everyday lives in so many ways – we’re surrounded by them. If your business’ logo is being all too easily forgotten, it may simply be because you’re not standing out enough to make a lasting impression.

Here are 10 examples of popular brand logos that really stand out - and why they do:

1. Netflix

The Netflix logo is instantly recognisable for using a using a limited colour scheme of red, black and white. The colours are strong, fierce, and immediately catch your eye. The typeface also cleverly allows the logo to be cut up and stacked whilst still remaining recognisable. 

2. Converse

Popular shoe brand, Converse, redesigned their logo in 2017 after a new purpose that promised to serve the ‘daring spirit of youth with tools that enable movement(s)’. The new logo now uses a star and chevron to depict the brand’s mission of moving forward. What makes the Converse logo so iconic, is its nods to the tradition of the brand’s history.

3. Calvin Klein

Although the Calvin Klein logo has undergone many changes, it has always remained recognisable. The logo is aesthetically clean and simplistic but creates a feeling of luxury. The Calvin Klein logo is a great example of a relatively simple design that stands out for all the right reasons.

4. Twinings Tea

The Twinings Tea logo was first designed in 1787 and even holds a record for being the world’s oldest continually used company logo. Its capitalised font beneath a lion crest shouts tradition, as well as celebrating the popularity of tea consumption in Britain during the 19th century. The logo is authentic and traditional, which is why it has stood the test of time.

5. Neal’s Yard

The Neal’s Yard brand logo includes a limited colour palette of dark blue and white which creates a feeling of calm, but also of high quality. The iconic rounded logo depicting a tree and its reflection, including a capitalised font gives it a traditional feel, similar to the Twinings logo. Compared to other health and beauty stores, Neal’s Yard logo stands out as being professional and trustworthy.

6. Audi

Audi’s four overlapping rings reflect the four manufacturers of Auto Union and are a reminder of the oldest carmakers in Germany. What makes the Audi brand logo stand out is that it evokes strength and security. It’s a symbol of protection and power, helping to increase the loyalty and superiority of the brand

7. V&A

The V&A logo is another example of a classic brand logo design that has been popular since the 1980s. Since then, it has continued to help elevate the brand, catching the eye of visitors, as well as becoming one of the world’s greatest design and fashion museum.

8. Cadbury

Cadbury’s Chocolate is one of the most famous chocolate brands since its launch in 1905. Its purple and gold colour palette evokes that their products are indulgent and luxurious. The iconic swirl of the ‘C’ represents the action of swirling melted chocolate, increasing the brand’s appeal and ability to spark recognition.

9. Penguin

Book publishers Penguin are an example of a brand logo that uses one simple image to stand out and charm its customers. Over the years, it has been modified to create a more uniform aesthetic, but still captures the brand equity, characteristics and unique character of the brand – and, of course, the penguin.

10. Kodak

With the rise of digital cameras near-eliminating the need for physical film, Kodak is a brand that has struggled. However, in a recent rebrand, they have returned to their roots by favouring the brand's classic red icon (first shown in the 1970s) as a way to establish history, strength and confidence but in a more contemporary and current way.

What do you think - is this a good list of stand-out brand logos? Which logos would you have included and why?

Are you wondering how to go about making your brand logo stand out? Why not call the Focus7 creative team on 01462 262020 for a no obligation chat, or email us at [email protected].