The Bigger Boat's top logos

I recently came across the 2011 issue of Creative Review, in which they had published an online article about their top 20 Logos, delving into the research that had gone into choosing these logos.

This included the artists and writers that had nominated their favourite logos and their reasons behind their choices. As I read through this, I thought it might be fun ask everyone in the office what their favourite logo is, and their reason for it.

Kara (me)

Favourite Logo: Victoria & Albert Museum by Alan Fletcher

Why: I love ampersands and I think any logo that successfully uses one is pretty incredible – take Hole & Corner for another example. I think what makes V&A even more amazing is the relationship between the elements; Fletcher spent two weeks cutting out the letters and reordering them until he had his ‘eureka moment’ in the shower. He ran to work and successfully made, in my opinion, the world’s most beautiful logo.

Doug

Favourite Logo: FedEx by Landor Associates

Why: The FedEx logo might appear simple, boring even, to the casual observer. But once you have spotted the forward-facing arrow created by the negative space between the ‘E’ and the ‘x’, it is impossible not to think, “That’s clever”.

Mark

Favourite Logo: Spartan Golf Club by Richard Fonteneau

Why: Whilst it might conjure up images of the 300 Spartans defending their lands against the Persian’s, you’re more likely to be shooting birdies around the Spartan Golf Club. The illusion is really good, with the path of the swing forming the mane of a Spartan helmet, and the golfer’s body forming the face. Grab some tartan trousers and hit the fairways.

Dave

Favourite Logo: Sonos by Bruce Mau Design

Why: I love the Sonos logo which pulses as you scroll down… it brings a static image to life, incorporating exactly what Sonos is all about – sound. The pulsing effect represents the sound waves coming from a speaker, which is no mean feat in a static image. Once you start scrolling up and down, you won’t be able to stop – it’s so utterly memorizing. Plus it’s a palindrome, and who doesn’t like a palindrome?!

Laura

Favourite Logo: Santa Cruz Logos by Jim Phillips, & Jimbo Phillips

Why: I like that there are lots of variations of the red/yellow logo as well as the iconic blue hand. Also, I love the massive skate/surf culture history surrounding the brand, and how they’ve brought a retro feel to the logo.

Hannah

Favourite Logo: Sony Vaio by Timothy Hanley

Why: I like this one. I think it’s clever as the V and A represent an analogue wave, and the ‘I’ and ‘O’ as a 1 and 0 from the digital world.

Lindsey

Favourite Logo: Unilever by Wolff Olins

Why: Each individual icon represents something important to the business. I think it’s very clever and it’s great that they have managed to incorporate all of their values and everything they are passionate about just in one logo.

Lee

Favourite Logo: BMW by Franz Josef Popp

Why: I like the fact that it’s not changed in almost 100 years….unlike every other brand that feels the need to change them every other week!

Andy

Favourite Logo: Deuren

Why: You’ll laugh as mine is a client – Deuren.

What I like about it, clean & modern but reflects the craftsmanship and heritage of making doors. I also prefer icons as part of a logo – when they make sense and haven’t just been plonked there for the sake of it. If you can remove type and just have an icon, and people know who you are and what you do…. you’ve made it.