Wish to see some of the best business logos ever created? Our diverse list includes classics from over 200 years ago and recent creations. Read on to learn more about these iconic logos defining the restaurant, medical, automotive, and technological industries.
A well-designed business logo is more than just a visual- it's the face of your brand, the essence of your identity, and the cornerstone of your recognition. Whether you're in the restaurant, medical, car, or tech industry, your logo plays a vital role in communicating who you are.
In this article, we'll explore the significance of a well-crafted logo and showcase some of the best business logo designs across the above-mentioned industries.
Contents:
- Key elements of a good logo
- Inspiring Restaurant Logo Designs
- Popular School and Education Logo Designs
- Iconic Car Logo Designs
- Famous Tech Logo Designs
- The Best Logo Design Tools
Key Elements of a Good Logo
Before we delve into the examples, let's quickly touch on the key elements that make a logo effective:
- Simplicity: A logo should be easy to recognize and understand.
- Memorability: A great logo sticks in your memory.
- Versatility: It should work across various platforms and sizes.
- Relevance: The logo should align with your brand's identity and values.
- Timelessness: A logo should withstand the test of time and retain relevance no matter how old it gets
All logos showcased in this article embody these principles, serving as the foundational building blocks of iconic design.
If you wish to understand logo design in-depth, read this article: Everything You Need To Know About Logo Design
Iconic Business Logo Designs
Now that we share an understanding of the metrics to consider when evaluating a logo, let's proceed through this curated list!
Best Restaurant Logo Designs
1. McDonald's
Source: 1000 Logos
Historical Evolution: McDonald's, the renowned global fast-food franchise, has adorned itself with 9 logos throughout its history, spanning from 1948 to 2023. While the initial three were solely type-based logos the iconic golden arches we instantly recognize today made their debut in 1961 during a significant corporate rebranding endeavour.
Current Logo: In 2018, McDonald's boldly displayed the yellow arches against a red background, a logo still used globally today. The modern McDonald's logo seamlessly combines a san-serif typeface with an iconic symbol- the golden arches- retaining much of its original charm while tastefully embracing modernization.
Trivia: These golden arches also represented the architectural innovation within McDonald's restaurants and were displayed on the exterior of every outlet.
2. Subway
Source: 1000 Logos
Historical Evolution: Established in 1965 as "Pete's Submarine Sandwiches," Subway has officially updated their logo 8 times over their 58-year journey. The first three logos did, in fact, feature “Pete” which was the name of their financier - Peter Buck. But the logo with the curved arrowhead first came into existence in 1972 and all the following versions including the current one are based on it. Despite a fair amount of evolution, the sandwich giant has maintained that distinctive and enduring element in its logo: a conspicuous utilisation of arrows at the termini of the letters ``S" and "Y."
Current Logo: The 2016 iteration of Subway's logo was the final one and represents a contemporary reinterpretation of its predecessors. It prominently features a bold and rounded sans-serif typeface, meticulously designed with the left portion in a resolute yellow, and the right side in a striking green. Notably, the arrows adorning the extremities of the letters "S" and "Y" underwent a refinement as well, manifesting a more modern design while remaining true to the longest-standing element.
Trivia: The 'S' incorporates a leftward arrow, and the 'Y' features a rightward arrow in the Subway logo, symbolising entry and exit, metaphorically representing the convenience of on-the-go dining.
3. Domino's Pizza
Source: 1000 Logos
Historical evolution: Originally named Dominick's Pizza, the 63-year-old brand’s shift in nomenclature in 1965, five years after the company’s inception, was supplemented with the introduction of the iconic dots in the logo. With a total of four iterations that followed this iconic mark, these dots serve as a poignant homage to the franchise's humble beginnings.
Current Logo: The 2012 redesign resulted in the "Domino's" wordmark, rendered in light blue and aligned to the right. It now coexists with the vibrant geometric emblem of Domino's Pizza chain prominently featuring a domino rendered in a captivating blue and red colour scheme, adorned with three white dots and the brand name featured in a sans-serif type font.
Trivia: The three dots in the Domino's logo represent the first trio of restaurants that sprouted into existence in 1965 and the design element has remained consistent despite rapid expansion.
4. Taco Bell
Source: 1000 Logos
Historical evolution: Taco Bell, founded in the early 1960s, has had 6 iterations to its logos. A substantial change was observed in 1985 with the addition of the bell icon that served as the foundation on which the logos of the future were developed and was retained by the 2016 version we are all familiar with. The bell at Taco Bell visually represents the brand's name in honour of its founder Glen Bell.
Current logo: The 2016 version of the iconic bell is all about simplicity and style. It rocks a colour combination of purple, white, and black. The writing, in a bold yet classy sans-serif font, adds to the clean and traditional look, giving the logo a polished finish while keeping up with the time and retaining its cultural appeal.
Trivia: The bell icon serves another purpose. It holds cultural ties to Mexico, influencing the menu, and to California, the birthplace of the brand.
Popular School and Education Logo Designs
1. Harvard University
Source: 1000 Logos
Historical evolution: The documented history of Harvard University verifies that the Harvard Shield was officially introduced on September 8, 1836, aligning with the institution's Bicentennial celebration. This emblem has remained unchanged throughout its existence.
Current Logo: As mentioned before, the official logo of the university has largely remained unaltered throughout its history. It features a shield with the Latin words ``Veritas”, etched in a serif font, over three books which translates to “verity” and “truth” in English. The name of the university, featured alongside the mark also utilises a serif font type that visually communicates the prestige of this Ivy League university.
Trivia: The first logo sketch was found by President Josiah Quincy in the College Archives after being forgotten for many years.
2. Stanford University
Source: 1000 Logos
Historical evolution: Founded in 1885, Stanford University employs various logos for distinct purposes. The official seal, established in 1891 and still in use today, proudly bears the motto "Die Luft der Freiheit weht," translated as "the wind of freedom blows." In addition to this enduring seal, Stanford utilises a wordmark, emblem, and a combination of the two, each serving specific functions. Unlike the seal, these logos are relatively new. Nevertheless, these diverse motifs remain actively employed, contributing to the university's visual identity across various contexts.
Current Logo: The present logo of Stanford University is notably distinctive, featuring a block "S" accompanied by a tree—an iconic symbol for the institution. Importantly, the logo employs a combination of two colours, namely Cardinal red and Palo Alto green, enhancing its visual appeal. The institution's name, situated beneath the logo, is presented in a serif typeface, contributing to the overall design coherence.
Trivia: The design of the Stanford tree is inspired by El Palo Alto, a significant tree depicted on the Stanford seal.
3. Princeton University
Source: 1000 Logos
Historical Evolution: Established in 1746, the original seal of the "College of New Jersey" (now Princeton University) featured a circle with an outer ring and inner image, depicting a Bible with 'Vet Nov Testamentum,' signifying the New and Old Testaments. The 1896 sigil showcased a shield within a circular frame, with the outer ring bearing 'Sigillum Universitatis Princetoniensis,' meaning "Seal of Princeton University," and the central shield surrounded by the motto 'Dei Sub Numine Viget,' translating to 'Under God's Power She Flourishes.'
Current Logo: In 1987, the logo was transformed with a two-line inscription featuring the university's name. The left retained the original seal's shield, upholding a connection to the institution's history. This shift in visual representation preserved the logo's heritage, while the colour palette changed to black and orange, complemented by a serif font for the school's name.
Trivia: The oldest surviving and legible Princeton University seal discovered to date was found on the 1749 master’s diploma of Ezra Stiles.
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Source: 1000 Logos
Historical evolution: The original university emblem, designed in 1861, was a circular design with distinct layers. The outer ring featured slender and bold lines, surrounding a lectern holding books labelled "Science and Arts." A laurel wreath with the year "1861" denoted the institute's founding. A blacksmith and scholar, along with the motto "mens et manus" (mind and hand), adorned the emblem.
Current logo: In 2003, MIT adopted its first logo, in dark red and grey, featuring a geometric design with the institute's full name in three tiers. The stylized MIT abbreviation resembles a microcircuit, symbolising the university's expertise. The lettering is a traditional sans-serif font in the title case, reflecting the institution's evolving aesthetic and branding needs.
Trivia: In 1876, MIT officially adopted Cardinal Red and Silver Gray as its colours, following approval by the Alumni Association and the Faculty.
Best Medical Logo Designs
1. Mayo Clinic
Source: 1000 Logos
Historical evolution: Mayo Clinic has officially operated under three logos in the last 47 years. Although the logos have retained their core- the three shields- in these past four and a half decades, two markedly distinct fonts have been employed. The wordmark employed in 1977 used a straightforward sans-serif typeface, while the one in use since 2001 features a more elegant serif font.
Current Logo: In the 2011 iteration, the emblem's borders adopted a deeper hue, imparting a heightened contrast and enhanced visual clarity to the logo. Above the emblem, the clinic's name, written in a refined and timeless serif font, underwent a transformation and was split into two distinct words, each elegantly positioned on separate lines.
Trivia: The three shields in the Mayo Clinic logo represent clinical practice, education, and research.
2. Kaiser Permanente
Source: 1000 Logos
Historical Evolution: Kaiser Permanente's visual identity has exhibited remarkable consistency since the early 1990s. The original logo, crafted in 1991, featured a modern sans-serif inscription and a stylized "K" emblem. The 1998 redesign introduced a sun motif, replacing the "K" and slightly modifying the wordmark.
Current Logo: In 1999, the logo retained its emblem but underwent significant changes. The black and white colour scheme gave way to a calm blue-on-white, symbolising reliability and professionalism. The wordmark adopted a simplified, confident sans-serif font, exuding professionalism and authority.
Trivia: Kaiser Permanente's minimalist and meaningful visual identity symbolises unity and care, reflecting the Consortium's commitment to providing Americans with top-notch medical services for happier and longer lives.
3. Massachusetts General Hospital
Current Logo: Massachusetts General Hospital (Mass General) proudly embraces a minimalist and timeless logo. Their one and only emblem features the institution's distinguished initials, "MGH," thoughtfully accompanied by its foundational year of 1811. All of this is set against a tranquil backdrop of Munsell blue, a colour choice that conveys serenity and trust.
This enduring logo has remained a steadfast symbol of Mass General's heritage and unwavering dedication to excellence since its inception in 1811. It encapsulates the institution's rich history, showcasing its long-standing commitment to providing world-class healthcare.
4. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Source: Logopedia
Historical Evolution: Cedars-Sinai, a prominent medical centre, has seen its logo evolve and change twice officially from the time of its inception in 1902. The logo, adapting to changing times, has consistently symbolised Cedars-Sinai's dedication to medical advancements and superior patient care. The changes observed in 2013 were quite minute with the inscription becoming more modernised and the stylised hyphen being replaced by a more straightforward sign.
Source: 1000 Logos
Current Logo: In 2019, Cedars-Sinai underwent a transformative rebranding initiative, resulting in a fresh and modern logo design. This updated emblem pays homage to the institution's rich history while embracing a more approachable and legible contemporary visual identity. The rebranding standardised the logo's orientation and refreshed primary and secondary colours, making Cedars-Sinai's visual identity more contemporary and user-friendly while preserving its heritage.
Trivia: The new brand identity depicts the unification of two entities and exhibits the symbolic representation of the merger between Cedars of Lebanon and Mount Sinai hospitals.
Iconic Car Logo Designs
1. BMW
Source - 1000 Logos
Historical Evolution: BMW, established in 1913, has been a prominent figure in the automotive and engine manufacturing industry. Throughout its history, it has had 8 official logos, undergoing a significant change in 1916. The original circular medallion with a thick black border, featuring "RAPP MOTOR" in capital letters, white stripes, and stars, was replaced by the now-iconic blue and white chequered design. This update marked a pivotal moment in BMW's branding history, symbolising the enduring and globally acclaimed image it maintains today.
Current Logo: The eighth and latest BMW logo introduces a circular design with blue and white checkers. It features a subtle grey outline, a bold white border, and a modern, slightly extended Sans Serif "BMW" inscription. This update maintains iconic elements, providing a fresh and refined aesthetic that aligns with contemporary design trends while preserving the brand's essence.
Trivia: The BMW logo resonates with the Bavarian flag, featuring a blue and white chequered diamond pattern, creating a visual connection to its Bavarian roots.
2. Mercedes-Benz
Source: 1000 Logos
Historical evolution: In its 121-year history, the company and its logo have elegantly evolved. Initially, relying on a typographic approach for seven years, Mercedes later fused typographic and pictorial elements, creating the now-iconic three-pointed star recognized globally. This strategic branding progression has played a key role in the company's enduring legacy and contemporary resonance in the industry.
Current logo: In 2011, the brand underwent its ninth logo revision, closely resembling the 1989 version but with a thicker circular frame. The wordmark lines became slimmer and more refined, featuring a typeface reminiscent of the timeless Corporate A font family. This adjustment subtly modernised the emblem, maintaining an enduring sense of sophistication and refinement in the brand's visual identity.
Trivia: In 1909, the Daimler brothers adopted the 3-pointed star logo for their company, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG), inspired by the location marker on their father's 1872 postcard.
3. Tesla
Source: 1000 Logos
Current logo: This automotive giant specialises in electric vehicles and its one and only logo was strategically crafted to universally symbolise the concept of electric motors. The minimalist logo embodies a clear emphasis on electrification with a sleekly styled "T." Its futuristic design aptly mirrors the company's identity, its remarkable accomplishments, and its innovative approach to vehicle manufacturing.
Trivia: The tesla logo represents the cross-section of an electric motor.
4. Toyota
Source: 1000 Logos
Historical evolution: Since 1935, Toyota has evolved its logo through eight distinct approaches. The original featured a red and white diamond shape with the central inscription "Toyoda." In 1989, Toyota introduced its enduring oval emblem, which has remained unchanged.
Current logo: In 2020, Toyota streamlined its visual identity, removing the text and retaining the iconic symbol. The emblem's contours were refined while maintaining its shape and line thickness, resulting in a more contemporary aesthetic that preserves the emblem's essence, which is a symbol of Toyota's brand recognition.
Trivia: The most popular interpretation suggests that the Toyota emblem incorporates all the letters of the company's name within the three ellipsoidal elements, characterised by smooth, curved contours.
Famous Tech Logo Designs
1. Apple
Source: 1000 Logos
Historical evolution: The original Apple logo is relatively less known, presenting a badge encircled by a fluid ribbon with the text "Apple Computer Co." The inscription employed a robust serif typeface, rendering its capital letters both solid and refined. It was not until 1977, that we saw the apple logo in rainbow
Current logo: Apple underwent a logo transformation in 1998, bidding farewell to the rainbow variant that was in use for nearly two decades, in favour of a sleek monochrome version. The iconic Apple in black quietly graced the brand for years but gained official prominence with the launch of the iMac. Today, this black emblem against a white backdrop stands as a symbol of style and technology, synonymous with quality and excellence.
Trivia: Designed by Ronald Wayne, the initial Apple logo features a depiction of Isaac Newton reading under a tree.
2. Google
Source: 1000 Logos
Historical evolution: Google, the world's most widely used online search engine, began in 1995 as "BackRub" before adopting its iconic name in 1997, derived from "Googol" meaning a large number. The 1997 logo was for the beta version but served as the foundation for all the visual identity designs that followed. Since then, their visual identity has remained consistently bright and simple.
Current logo: Google introduced a logo redesign in 2015, maintaining its iconic colour scheme while entirely transforming the style and shape of the letters. The updated inscription features a bold sans-serif typeface known as "Product Sans," a custom creation for Google. Notably, both "O" characters in the logo are now circular, eliminating the previous slant in the design.
Trivia: The updated Google logo preserves the rotated 'e' from its predecessor, serving as a reminder that Google intends to maintain a touch of unconventional flair.
3. Microsoft
Source: 1000 Logos
Historical evolution: The initial logo of the company, during its "Transfer of Data" era, featured a stylized mark derived from the acronym "TOD." In 1975, the company transitioned to the name "Microsoft" and introduced its first official logo. This monochrome logotype, presented in all capital letters with extra-bold lines, was composed of numerous thin lines in black and white.
Current logo: In 2012, Microsoft embarked on a comprehensive rebranding of its corporate visual identity. The new emblem showcases a geometric icon consisting of four small colourful squares forming a larger one, accompanied by a light grey logotype. The logotype employs a modest and tidy sans-serif typeface.
Trivia: Each square in the logo represents a Microsoft product/offering. The red square symbolises Microsoft Office, the green square embodies Xbox, the blue square signifies Microsoft Windows, and the yellow square stands for Bing.
4. Meta
Source: 1000 Logos
Current logo: The logo of this new company features a distinctive blue symbol that signifies infinity. The company's name, illustrated in a sans serif font, is derived from a Greek word, translating to "After." It takes the form of a stylized Möbius ribbon, which is a remarkable one-sided topological object that possesses only one edge when situated in a standard three-dimensional space. This emblem conveys a sense of endlessness and the idea of moving forward, aligning well with the company's name and ethos.
Trivia: The logo can resemble an M for “Meta,” and also at times an infinity sign, symbolising infinite horizons in the metaverse.
The Best Logo Design Tools and Software
Creating a logo is now more accessible than ever, thanks to numerous free logo-making tools available online. Now that you’ve read through and seen some legendary business logo designs, here’s a roundup of the software you can use to design your own.
- Adobe Illustrator: One of the most popular and industry-standard vector graphics software for logo design, it offers powerful tools for creating scalable and high-quality logos.
- Adobe Photoshop: Primarily a raster graphics editor, it is still commonly used for logo design, especially when the design involves a combination of raster and vector elements.
- CorelDRAW: Another well-established vector graphics software that is known for its user-friendly interface and robust design capabilities. It's a popular choice among logo designers.
- Inkscape: A free and open-source vector graphics editor that provides a wide range of features similar to Adobe Illustrator. It's an excellent choice for those on a budget.
- Affinity Designer: A powerful vector graphics software that has gained popularity for its affordability and feature-rich design tools. It's available on both Windows and MacOS.
However, crafting a logo that truly encapsulates your brand's essence often requires thinking like a designer alongside learning how to operate a software program. Graphic design courses can go a long way in helping hone your skills and bring your logo ideas to life effectively.
Meanwhile, you could also catch a glimpse of the remarkable projects that some of our graphic design learners have undertaken!
- Brand Identity Design Project by Bibin S
- Print and Publication Project by Sai Prasad Chandran
- Brand Identity Design Project by Dushyant Singh
Next Steps
If you're inspired by these remarkable business logo designs and aspire to create your own, consider learning graphic design to master the art of logo creation. It's a crucial step towards building a unique brand identity. If you wish to read more on the subject, here are a few recommendations:
- A Guide to the 7 Different Types of Logo Design (With Examples)
For further information, here are some additional resources you can consider:
- Watch this session by graphic design industry leaders Soumya Tiwari and Sakshi Jain.
- Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
- Explore our Graphic Design Course, which is taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts, and comes with a job guarantee.
- Take advantage of our scholarship and funding options to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.
