Top 6 Iconic Corporate Logo Designs

A powerful logo is the difference between a memorable brand that you know by name and its generic counterpart. If a company doesn't have a unique logo that showcases brand credibility, they might as well not have a name. Though it's a no-brainer that you need a compelling logo to create brand identity, it's easier said than done. The best way to learn what works and what doesn't is to examine the components of your favorite brands' logos. Here are six of the most-recognizable and iconic corporate logo designs:

1. Nike The sneaker giant's simple, yet unmistakable swoosh adorns billions of sneakers worldwide. Since its inception in 1971, the brand has been synonymous with superior athletic performance. At present, the brand has developed far beyond its initial scale; now even couch potatoes can create an athletic self-image simply by wearing any of Nike's swoosh-adorned apparel or footwear. In addition to unmatched public recognition, Nike's logo has an inspiring history as well. It was the brainchild of Carolyn Davidson, a Portland State University student who sold the design to Nike in 1971 for just $35.
2. Apple Apple's logo design has evolved over the years, much like their product offerings. Upon the company's formation in the early 1970s, their logo depicted Sir Isaac Newton sitting under a tree from which an apple fell toward his head. This illustrated logo was a nod to Newton's discovery of gravity. Years later, designer Rob Janoff simplified the logo to a rainbow-striped apple with a single bite taken out of it. This logo represented the brand until 1999 when they reinvented the company image with a monochromatic apple replacing the rainbow-striped predecessor.
3. Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz has been a trusted luxury vehicle manufacturer since Wilhelm Maybach and Gottlieb Daimler founded the company in 1886. Their logo changed often throughout the company's youth until 1926, from which point they've used a three-pointed star as their logo. The star's three points represent the brand's domination of land, air and sea transportation.
4. Olympics The Olympic Games date back to ancient Greece; however, the modern games and logo that we associate with the Summer and Winter Games today weren't conceived until 1912. That's when Baron Pierre de Coubertin designed the Olympic emblem, which featured five interlocking rings that represent the world's five continents that compete in Olympic competitions.
5. Chanel The House of Chanel's inimitable logo featuring its namesake's interlocking initials is perhaps the most recognizable logo in the fashion industry. Company founder Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel designed the iconic image herself in 1921 to adorn the lids of perfume bottles for the brand's signature fragrance, Chanel No 5.
6. McDonald's This fast-food conglomerate's signature golden arches signify to patrons the world over promises of flavorful burgers, salty French fries and creamy milkshakes. However, the arch logo was initially intended to be a part of the restaurant's architectural design, though the owners vetoed the idea. A decade after it was originally presented, co-founder Dick McDonald opted to use the design as the sign for his namesake restaurants that we know and love today.