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Champion Logo Design, History and Evolution

The Champion athletic wear company has been a consistent and trustworthy brand since 1919. Established in Rochester, New York by brothers Abe and William Feinbloom, the Champion logo has become an icon of sportswear and athleisure throughout the decades. Throughout its numerous changes and acquisitions, the Champion logo has kept its visual stability as much as the quality of its production. The “C” Champion logo is instantly identifiable and adorns the entire range of clothing and knitwear.

About the Champion Brand

The Feinbloom brothers had a passion for sportswear and created the Knickerbocker Knitting Company to produce their clothing. The University of Michigan noticed the high quality of the sweatshirts and sweatpants created by the Feinbloom brothers. In 1920, the Knickerbocker Knitting Company signed an exclusive agreement with the University of Michigan Wolverines to design and manufacture all the team sweatshirts.

In the 1920s, American colleges and universities were undergoing a boom of interest in collegiate sports. Previously, college sports teams did not have any regulated uniforms; The Knickerbocker Knitting Company was now at the forefront of promoting sports uniforms for the college sector. The reputation of the sportswear company spread as the Michigan coaches spoke with other schools and teams. In 1930, the company changed its name to Champion Knitting Mills and cemented its popularity as the top choice for sweatshirts, t-shirts, and socks in college bookstores.

Champion Innovations

The modern sweatshirt as we know it today was not the original design. It wasn’t until the 1930s that elasticized cuffs at the wrist and waists were added to the long-sleeve crewneck shirts to retain body heat. Champion also created the “hoodie” or hooded sweatshirt during this period; they called it the “side-line sweatshirt” and it was meant to keep the wearer warm between games or training periods.

Champion also began making their athletic apparel out of cotton instead of the commonly used wool of the era. However, the cotton clothing had a tendency to shrink and warp in the industrial washing machines. To combat this, the Champion company created the “reverse weave” method of producing knitwear. These types of clothing that use reverse weave are made of a heavier cotton fleece and are cut on the cross-grain to prevent vertical shrinkage.The reverse weave avoids the dispersion of heat during and after the workout or exercise; this allows for continued freedom of motion. The company began the patent process in 1938 to validate and protect the reverse-weave process. It wasn’t until 1952 that this patent was formally granted to Champion Products.In the 1970s, Champion began experimenting with new synthetic fabrics. They had a heavy hand in inventing and prototyping breathable mesh, nylon, and sports bras during this decade. Champion was also the first company to create the reversible, double-sided t-shirt as well as the mesh basketball jerseys and shorts. The first supportive jogging sports bra was released in 1977.

Not Just for Sports

Prior to the Second World War, the United States Military Academy contracted Champion to use their products during training exercises and classes. Champion Knitting Mills began producing clothing for the United States Army in the 1940s and 1950s. This was the first time that the Champion brand was worn off-campus and quickly became a comfortable wardrobe favorite. The Champion brand was a longstanding favorite in college bookstores, but it was only because of World War II that the sweatshirts and sweatpants began being worn outside the lecture halls.In the 1990s, Champion sportswear became known as a staple of the hip-hop community. The streetwear culture was influential in perpetuating the popularity of the hooded sweatshirt; the company was able to transcend demographic labels by appealing to jocks, preps, skaters, and punk rockers.Today, many designers are now collaborating with Champion to create couture items or nostalgic, throwback apparel. The high-quality, sturdy Champion t-shirt is a favorite for artists and designers to use as a blank canvas for designs.

Professional Licensing

In the 1960s, Champion established extensive licensing programs with professional teams. It became the exclusive provider of uniforms for the National College Athletic Association (NCAA), and in the 1970s, provided uniforms for many of the teams in the National Football League (NFL). Champion produced uniforms for all 27 teams in the NBA in the 1990s as the company continued as the leading provider of collegiate sportswear.

Champion produced the uniforms for the 1990 and 1992 Olympic basketball teams. In 2008, they expanded to overseas licensing and worked with teams in Wales, Greece, and Italy on sportswear uniforms.

The Champion Logo

A good logo is essential for any company. A logo visually identifies a company and is an important asset for connecting wordlessly with your audience. Color schemes, shapes, icons, and wordmarks are all important features to visually identify a business and make it sustainable through the years.A Champion brand logo was not created until the 1950s when the name was changed from Champion Knitting Mills to Champion Knitwear Company. The company used a running man crossing the finish line as its logo. By the 1960s, the company was affixing the now-familiar “C” in blue and red to the left sleeve of each sweatshirt. The “C” Champion logo is always embroidered and affixed on the left hip of pants and shorts and the left sleeve or left of the zipper on hoodies and t-shirts. On duffle bags and gym bags, the “C” logo is seen as the zipper pull.The script font can be seen on advertisements and labels as early as the 1950s. In 1967, the company went public and was simply known as Champion Products. The colors used for the logo were always red and blue on a white background. The distinctive logo is easily identifiable and visible and can be spotted quickly on clothing and uniforms. For example, by the end of the 1980s, the Champion logo could be found on uniforms for over 2,000 colleges, 19,000 high schools, and seven NFL teams.

C9 by Champion Logo

C9 by Champion is an exclusive brand for Target stores across the country. The line has produced activewear for men, women, and children for 15 years with the contract expiring in 2020. The line also includes sports equipment as well as plus sizes and maternity sportswear. The logo is a gold or yellow C with the number 9 in the center of the “C”. The script Champion name and “C” logo is featured underneath the C9 badge. C9 by Champion is a brand separate from Champion Products; at press time, there are no plans to discontinue C9 by Champion after the Target contract is complete.

Champion Logo Design Evolution

Champion was founded in Rochester, New York and remained there for over 70 years. The company had manufacturing plants in nearby Wyoming and Livingston counties. Thanks to its rapid growth and popularity boom in the 1980s, the company became a target for corporate takeover. In 1989, the Sara Lee Corporation bought Champion Products for a reported $320 million. In 1992, Champion Products was moved from Rochester to Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Hanes Acquisition

In 2006, HanesBrands was spun off from its parent company, Sara Lee Corporation, which also owned Champion Products. Hanesbrands owns many clothing companies alongside Champion including Hanes, Playtex, Bali, Wonderbra, and Maidenform. In recent years, HanesBrands has opened Champion Outlet Stores. In 2016, HanesBrands acquired Champion Europe, cementing the brand recognition across the globe. The Champion logo is the same no matter where the clothing is being sold.

Champion Logo Stability

Despite changing ownership numerous times, the Champion logo has remained true to its humble beginnings. Unlike some companies that change their color schemes, fonts, and icons, Champion has stayed with the basic foundation on which the company began. The running figure crossing the finish line logo was phased out in favor of the “C” slowly through the 1950s, therefore creating a gradual change that was accepted by consumers. The color scheme of royal blue, red, and white has alternated placements, but the core of the logo has never changed.The scripted font began appearing on labels in the 1970s, although it can be seen on print advertisements from the 1950s. The “C” Champion logo and the familiar font is a strong example of the longevity of a true American brand.Modern designers are using the Champion logo in new designs and collaborations. The wave of throwback and nostalgia have led to a resurgence of the Champion logo’s popularity. Not only are the colors, font, and icons coming back into the public eye but a new generation of brand loyalists are being created. Even on blank t-shirts, the “C” logo on its own is enough to make a fashion statement.

Conclusion

Champion has been one of the most popular sportswear brands since its debut in 1919. From classic white t-shirts to professional sports team uniforms, the Champion logo is a symbol of quality, craftsmanship, and athleticism. The company will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2019 and it is clear that the Champion brand is here to stay.

ESPN Logo Design, History, & Evolution

By Eric N. Addams Leave a Comment

image source: www.incomestorage.com

All content factories owned by Disney have enjoyed some large degree of success, and ESPN is no different. It’s definitely a sports-centric brand that was acquired by Disney, however, it initially stood for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network. If you have any questions whatsoever about the ESPN Logo design, history, and evolution, you’ll find the answers to those questions here as we give you “en fuego” coverage of the ESPN logo!

About the ESPN Brand

Many sports enthusiasts are often surprised to learn that ESPN wasn’t always ESPN!

Not-So-Humble Beginnings

Before the ESPN brand was the ESPN brand, it was simply ESP. However, one of its founders, Bill Rasmussen, thought it prudent to differentiate ESPN from the “Big Three-letter Networks,” meaning ABC, CBS, and NBC, which also carry sports programming. Thus, the “N” was added to “ESP” to form “ESPN-TV.” Just before the channel launched, the “TV” part was dropped to avoid too much redundancy.

After all, it was obvious that it was a network, but the N was merely a differentiator from the “three-letter networks.” Thus, the ESPN cable network was formed, the ESPN standing for “Entertainment and Sports Programming Network.” The not-so-humble beginning? Well, the programming kicked off with an announcement from Lee Leonard that “What you’ll see … may convince you you’ve gone to sports heaven.”

ESPN Today

Whether ESPN is sports heaven or sports hell is a little beyond the scope of this article, however, we can tell you that the Walt Disney Company and ABC Television Network would eventually become a part of the ESPN network. From the very beginning, the ESPN network would become one of the most expensive and high-rated channels in the cable industry.

ESPN would become highly politicized in the mid-2010s, in such a way that it hemorrhaged ratings. The brand would also grow to include a radio network, heavy product placement on Walt Disney Resort properties, and an Internet presence that would struggle to compete in the wild west of the World Wide Web. It’s headquartered in Bristol, Connecticut.

ESPN Logo Design

image source: flickr.com

It may look like a simple logo, but it throws plenty of symbolic curve balls. Take the primary red color that the words are printed in. Supposedly, the red symbolizes power and passion – as in blood. Yeah! Think about that the next time the soccer moms complain that televised football is too violent. The white supposedly symbolizes excellence, even purity. In the digital version, it’s surrounded by black, balancing out the white and, we suppose, keeps it honest.

The logo, you’ll notice, has a line slicing the top third of all the letters, and separating them from the bottom half. It’s a design that definitely has its roots in the 80s, and the famous clothing designs which used to denote “E” without the vertical line part of the E.

The trend of such abstract lettering has since gone by the wayside, but ESPN likes its logo. Hey, if it works, don’t fix it. And besides, plenty of other logos have done the same thing – retained original stylings that have otherwise gone out of style.

ESPN Logo Print Variation

The print variation of the ESPN logo allows for ESPN to be printed in black lettering, while maintaining all the shape features of the logo.

ESPN Logo History

Forget George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and the history of Western Civilization. Instead, let’s focus on the logo of an entertainment sports television network, because that’s so much more important than – you know, actual history. Although we’re sure Disney loves us for writing this article.

1979 ESPN Logo: ESPN in a Circle

The 1979 Logo appeared in one particular promo as an orange circle that started smaller and then quickly expanded to show the letters ESPN. In this, we saw a precursor to the line that would eventually cut through the lettering ESPN, however, it was more of a reflection effect than the defined line that would reappear later.

1981 ESPN Logo: Very 70s

The 1981 ESPN Logo was relatively logical and simple, maintaining the font of the 1979 logo. It was a simple capitalized, red ESPN surrounded by a thick orange rectangle with rounded corners, both atop a white background. Orange has long been known as a color that agitates its audience, which is why in Fast Food restaurants like McDonalds, you usually find orange.

The Fast Food psychologists found that the color orange prods guests to eat more quickly, and perhaps consume more food, and to ultimately clear out the tables for more guests, so that would be the psychology of the orange – it primes the audience to be engaged and waiting eagerly for what’s coming next. And – perhaps the orange primed viewers to order more McDonalds while they watched the athletes push their bodies to their limits.

Allegedly, the red lettering, like the red lettering in your Bible, forces you to pay attention to the logo. Red, of course, is the color of blood, priming the audience to feel passion and love of the televised version of the sports America loves. The white color represents the saintly, the pure, the reliable, and integrity.

1985 ESPN Logo: Just Do It?

1985 saw a new logo for ESPN, most of which would survive until this day, but one part of it would mysteriously vanish. It’s a mystery shrouded in as much controversy as the death of hula hoops. But before we get to that, let’s go over the basics of the all-important 1985 ESPN Logo, because you’re going to get quizzed on this in gym class.

The main features of the logo include black lettering over a white background, with a line slicing the top third of the letters from the bottom to make one continuous white line through the letters. This almost indicates a commonality among the letters, ESPN.

Because our eyes are drawn to lines, particularly in the top third (which is where in camera terminology we get the phrases “top third,” “bottom third,” and the like, the line gives the audience the impression that there is forward motion from one letter to the last, moreso than in normal reading text. Thus, the ESPN logo gives a sense of excitement and anticipation among viewers.

According to sources which are disputed, the other feature of the original ESPN logo form 1985 was a red swoosh from the bottom left corner and arching over the stylized letters, “ESPN” toward the upper right corner. The swoosh is fattest and shortest to the leftmost side of the letter “E,” and progresses to get thinner above the logo, progressing over and back down toward just past the letter N.

Swooshes, as most of us can imagine, have come to be associated with NIKE, and the famed NIKE “swoosh,” although this particular swoosh in the ESPN logo was not oriented in the same way, as it was flipped and turned on its side – modified just as much as one can modify a swoosh.

To be fair, the swoosh was not always employed. In some on-screen promos, the ESPN would appear in various colors. However, it was clear that the slash going through all four letters was here to stay.

2003 ESPN Logo: Definitely No Swoosh

We don’t believe that there was ever any legal action on the part of Nike suing ESPN regarding any kind of modification of the swoosh used in a sports promotion context, however, Trademark law may or may not have been violated. That said, eventually, the swoosh part of the logo would be disposed of, leaving the ESPN logo that we know today, as it began in 1985, just without the swoosh.

As we discussed earlier, the colors also received a bit of an update, with, as you can see in the graphic, red lettering outlined by white against a black background.

ESPN Logo Design Evolution

So as we’ve seen in the previous section, the ESPN logo evolved from the simple 70s orange rounded rectangle logo in plain capital letters to the 1985 black-lettered logo with the progressive slash through the letters, plus the red swoosh. And then we saw how 2003 saw the swoosh vanish.

Many, many variations of the logo have been used over the years, and we can’t list all of them here, however, they all contributed a kind of personality to the programming as unique as the athletes pushing themselves to the limit every day on the air.

Conclusion

Now you know the history of a brand which was at times fighting to establish itself, and which would grow to be one of the top cable channels. ESPN costs more for cable networks to carry than most other cable networks. That’s because America has got tons of sports nuts, and nobody brings them the “sports heaven” they love like ESPN, now controlled by Disney.

Nothing better expresses and encapsulates the continuing legacy of ESPN than the ESPN logo. It’s gotten a little more palatable over the years, but the basic concept is the same, and we can even trace the slash through the letters back to an earlier historical appearance of the ESPN logo, indicating a long and trustworthy track record in the entertainment industry.

CBS Logo Design, History, & Evolution

By Anthony Pena Leave a Comment

Image via flickr

If you grew up watching American television, you are aware of the CBS logo present in commercial breaks and between programs. It has been a symbol of stability in entertainment and pop culture for as long as most us have lived on this earth. You may have realized the design resembles an eye, and maybe even thought of it as looking at you as you were looking at it. Well, in this article we are going to investigate it ourselves, probing CBS and the history and evolution of this simple and iconic logo.

About the CBS Brand

Originally dubbed Columbia Phonographic Broadcast System in 1927 when the Columbia Phonograph Company became a major investor with United Independent Broadcasters, CBS took on the name Columbia Broadcast System when the company was sold to Isaac and Leon Levy in 1928.

They owned one of the affiliates of the small network of radio stations, but turned management of the overall company to a young in-law by the name of William S. Paley. It was he who trimmed the name to Columbia Broadcast System. That year, he purchased enough of the company to become the majority owner. With the growth of radio and Paley’s highly competent management, CBS expanded rapidly through the next decade and became a major player in the broadcast industry.

The Many Faces of CBS

Obviously, CBS became much more than a radio network. In the 1940s, they were developing their television network in competition with NBC and eventually ABC. Although CBS has been through many changes, mergers and splits, its arms branch out like a massive tree.

It must be mentioned that Viacom took over CBS in 2000 and another entertainment giant known as National Amusements owned Viacom. So when Viacom split from CBS in 2006, CBS Corporation came into existence as an entity and National Amusements remained in control. There is a vast array of CBS Corporation assets that illustrate the diversity of the CBS brand.

The CBS Corporation owns CBS Entertainment, which is made up of the basic TV network, CBS News (television and radio), CBS Sports (television and radio), The CW, and CBS Television Studios with its many subsidiaries. In addition, there are network holdings internationally.

CBS owns CBS Cable Networks, which include such organizations as Showtime, The Movie Channel, CBS Sports Network, and AXS TV. They also own CBS Publishing. Under that name is Simon & Schuster with their many imprints such as Atria Publishing Group, Gallery Books Group, Scribner, Aladdin and many more.

Although there are over 200 non-owned CBS television affiliates, they still own at least 16 television stations. CBS television programs are shown in Canada, Bermuda, Mexico, five European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and five Asian countries. They also own CBS Local and CBS Local Sports, which give the network a presence in local digital media organizations..

CBS Logo Design History

The CBS logo we know today was preceded by one designed during the radio years. It was basic, using block lettering of CBS on a plain surface that appeared to be under a spotlight. The letters were raised, meaning the spotlight effect threw shadows on the letters. This added to a slight three-dimensional look. It’s not bad, really, but the CBS President Frank Stanton felt the logo was boring and had no style.

He asked network graphic designer William Golden to present something more interesting for the network ‘ident’, which is a visual image used to remind viewers between programs as to the network they were watching.

The Inspiration

Golden was driving through Pennsylvania Dutch country when he noticed an old Shaker design used and embellished by the Amish on the outside of their barns which conveyed the Eye of Providence. This symbol was meant to show God is watching, warding off evil. Golden was taken by the design and took time to study Shaker art he found in a magazine. He passed it along to his fellow graphic designer Kurt Weihs to refine the design into something the network could use to identify itself.

Weihs came up with the CBS logo that became such a success. We do not want to forget Georg Olden, another designer in the company, who may have had a role in the development of the logo. He was an African-American who was a graphic designer of note in the years following World War II.

An interesting side note is that Golden took the eye logo and two other proposals to CBS management, receiving a less than enthusiastic response. Fortunately, Stanton liked what he saw and made an executive decision to use it. When Golden wondered aloud the following year what he could present as the ident for the new season, Stanton proclaimed with certainty he didn’t want it changed. It was his backing that made the icon permanent.

Another appealing feature of the logo was the font. Golden took it from two similar typefaces known as Didot and Bodoni. He changed their lettering for CBS and the result was the distinctive, strong yet elegant look that accompanies the circular logo design.

The Eye

The concept of the CBS logo as an eye was one the network came to use in its marketing. CBS stars were brought on to do endorsements, using the logo. For instance, famed actor Conrad Nagel, whose career spanned the silent film era through sound film, radio and television, did a voice-over spot with the CBS logo on the screen, saying, “This is Conrad Nagel, suggesting you keep your eye on this eye, the CBS Television Network.” It was 1951 when it was adopted. TV was coming into its own, but radio was still strong in many parts of the country.

CBS came to be known as the Eye Network and the logo was credited with possibly hinting at the forthcoming dominance of television over radio in the following years.

CBS Logo Evolution

The core design of the CBS logo has never been altered, but over the years there have been changes to enhance its effect on the viewer. Once it was being used on screen in the beginning, it was shown to be in motion. The camera would slowly move in toward the logo’s inner circle and the center “pupil” would open to reveal “CBS Television Network,” then shut in the manner of a camera shutter.

Different Takes through the Decades

In the 1960s, the network wanted to emphasize its transition to color programming. When showing the CBS logo, it would show the letters in vivid color next to the eye while the iris was left in black and white. The only difference was, the white was primary and black was secondary— a reversal.

To celebrate 50 years of broadcasting, in 1971 CBS made the logo look more electronic, resembling a neon light. The background was blue with a thin purple line running most of the way across the screen behind the basically white eye. The lines of the eye were shaded to blue and pink at places along the way. “CBS Television Network” was shortened to just “CBS.”

In the 1980s, the CBS logo was for the first time a completely computer-generated image. The background was blue transitioning to purple and the lines of the eye were shades of white, blue, pink and now yellow with a bit of red. No writing was in the eye, but “SHARE THE SPIRIT OF CBS” was written on the lower right. The slogan also was printed subtly in the entire background. The graphics weren’t great, in retrospect, but for the times it probably achieved the purpose of making CBS appear to be advancing technologically with the rest of the world.

The eye returned to a more simplistic look in the 1990s, but the graphics dramatically improved. The modernistic eye, in shades of blue mostly, was prominent and seemed to be suspended in a space-like environment. The background was colorfully lit in blues, purples, yellow and black, blending softly reminiscent of the aurora borealis.

In the first decade of this century, the CBS logo evolved to high definition. The network went back to black and white, but again with the colors reversed to white being primary. The background is mostly black with some spots of white bleeding into the lower left of the screen. Under the eye in big letters of white and a textured blue, “ONLY CBS” is written.

Conclusion

The CBS logo is a model of simplicity, high quality art, and accessible symbolism. The most successful logos are the ones that, when you look at them, the name of the company springs to mind. Examples of this are Apple, Mercedes-Benz, and McDonald’s. None of these need to put their name on their logos for you to recognize them. CBS accomplished this with the eye.

Even with the cosmetic changes to update the presentation of the iconic design, the logo is easily identified. Its basic integrity has been preserved throughout, which is a tribute to Frank Stanton and all CBS presidents who have followed him.

Star Trek Logo Design, History, & Evolution

By Logo Realm Team Leave a Comment

Star Trek is a popular science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry that debuted in 1966, and the Original Series ran for three seasons. Now there has been a 22-episode Star Trek: The Animated Series, a successful film franchise, five television spin-offs, and adaptations in other media. Ever since the Star Trek logo was introduced in the Original Series, people have been trying to figure out its meaning.

The original Star Trek logo is shaped like a delta, or an arrowhead, and it’s an insignia that represents an assignment to the USS Enterprise, the fictional spaceship of the show. The arrow-shaped, asymmetrical design was displayed on all Starfleet crew uniforms, installations, Starship hulls, and equipment.

What Is the Star Trek Logo?

The delta design of the Star Trek logo was inspired by the old NASA, later UESPA, logos used in Earth’s space programs in the 20th and 21st centuries. These symbols were used by the first space explorers, and so the Star Trek logo signified the duties of the crew aboard the USS Enterprise. The design is a simple pointer with a round backdrop, and while it was originally worn on the left shoulder, it was later moved to the right shoulder.

When the United Federation of Planets was founded in 2161, individual assignment patches were worn on both shoulders and a solid silver delta was on the left breast. In the 23rd century, a simpler version was used on Federation installations and starships, and it was not put on personnel uniforms. Some starships, such as the Defiant, had assignment patches that were similar.

There were six insignias used in the Original Series for Starfleet personnel:

Fleet Command – a senior field commander personnel emblem
Starbase Duty – used by Ground installation, Drydocks, Space stations, and Headquarters personnel
Cadet Duty – Starfleet academy students (pewter colored, smaller version of Starbase Duty)
Outpost Duty – Colony and Outpost personnel (a gold spikelet with a black background episode Balance of Terror and Arena)
Spacecraft Duty – merchant Marine/Auxiliary Fleet personnel (Charlie X episode)
Starship Duty – Fleet personnel

What It Means?

The Star Trek logo evolved from a delta shape to the arrowhead design that’s used now, and it shows the duties of the crew who wear it with division symbols. Crew members with a planet in the design are in the Sciences division, a stylized “E” is for Engineering, which later became Operations, and a red “Swiss Cross” is for the Nursing Corps.

Different ships wore different insignias, and because they were not part of the Enterprise crew, their insignias were Starfleet standard-issue. The insignias are equivalent to United States Service members to show how they serve. Roddenberry was in the Army Air Corps and producer Justman was a Naval radio operator, so they understood the significance of visual communication.

How Has the Star Trek Logo Changed Over Time?

The delta Star Trek logo was used for much of the exploration division while a starburst design was used for administrative and flag officers of fleet star bases and headquarters. Constitution Class Federation Starships also used a variety of insignias unique to their ships, but the USS Enterprise maintained its delta logo design for its insignia and assignment patches.

Year 2270

Starfleet Command adopted a new insignia, the MACO five-pointed star in the arrowhead. Its design was inspired by the United States Armed Forces space command used on UESPA exploration on vessels such as the Friendship 1 from the 21st century. The symbol pointed upward when worn on the shoulders or chest and on signage, it pointed down when used on the hull, and it was phased out in the late 2270s. It was also used for some Starfleet division into the 24th century.

A metal version was used as a com-badge in Voyager: Friendship One, The New Generation: Yesterday’s Enterprise, and Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan.

Year 2340

A stylized version of the Star Trek logo featuring only the arrowhead, no other symbols, mounted on an oval background was incorporated into uniforms, and a metal version was used as a com-badge and worn on the chest of personnel uniforms. It became common as the starship hull pennant.

Year 2370

A newer Star Trek logo was created to be used a com-badge. It had a trapezoid shaped background, and hull pennants were simplified as well, using only the arrowhead with a background. Starfleet Command still used the design from the 2270s with the circular background and an inscribed star in parts of the flag officer uniforms and signage as in Star Trek: Insurrection, Voyager: Caretaker, Deep Space 9: The Search, and Star Trek Generations.

How Can We See the Different Logo Designs That Have Been Used?

In the alternate reality episode with Nero’s incursion, Starfleet had no assignment patches in the 2250s, but a gold arrowhead was modified from the patch used on the USS Kelvin. It has a slight indentation on the inside of the arrowhead with a hollow division design inside. This is like the assignment patches used on the USS Enterprise.

In the Mirror Universe, the insignia used was Earth impaled with a dagger, as this was the Terran Empire’s symbol. It was used in the Imperial Starfleet and in episodes TOS: Mirror, Mirror, DIS: Despite Yourself, and ENT: In A Mirror Darkly parts I and II. Parallel and future versions in the Barash illusion created by Riker in 2367 show the symbol as an arrowhead in gold or silver with four horizontal bars to indicate rank. These were used in The Next Generation: Future Imperfect, and an alternate reality with Worf in 2370 Parallels.

In other alternate timelines, other variations of the Star Trek logo exist. In the 2390s and in the 29th century, there is a rotated arrowhead that has the bottom filled with a mirror at the top of the shape. The 29th century hull decorations have the arrowhead pointing backwards, possibly showing time travel in the episodes Voyager: Relativity and Future’s End parts I and II.

Series Inspiration

The Horatio Hornblower novels, Gulliver’s Travels and westerns such as Wagon Train inspired Gene Roddenberry, and it has been a cult phenomenon for many decades. Fans call themselves “Trekkies” and there is a wide range of franchise products that includes comics, toys, novels, figurines, and games. There was even a Star Trek attraction in Las Vegas from 1998 to 2008, and in 2016, the franchise generated $10 billion in revenue, one of the highest-grossing media franchises in history.

The series has left its mark well beyond the realm of science fiction. It is noted for its stance of standing up for civil rights, as most of the stories in the show focus on the adventures of humans and aliens working together, and for having one of the first multi-racial casts in television.

The protagonists hold altruistic values and apply them to complex situations, and many of the themes explored contemporary cultural scenarios, including the ideas of war and peace, personal loyalty, the role of technology, feminism, sexism, human rights, religion, racism, economics, class warfare, imperialism, and authoritarianism.

Roddenberry wanted Star Trek to have a progressive political message showing the emergence of the youth movement’s counter culture, but he was not forthcoming to the networks about it. He wanted to show what humanity could become if it could learn from experience and work specifically towards putting an end to violence. An example of this is the Vulcan race of aliens, who overcame their violent history and became able to control their emotions. The show had a definite anti-war message.

Mythology

The Original Series of Star Trek was modeled after classical mythology, with the trio of McCoy, Spock, and Kirk being the focus. The show follows people searching for answers, and it offers a hopeful vision and imaginative solutions for the future. Fans connect through their love of the stories that highlight friendship, adventure, discovery, and exploration and promote diversity, technology, and a peace-loving society.

Timeline:

The Original Series (1966-1969)
The Animated Series (1973-1974)
The Next Generation (1987-1994)
Deep Space Nine (1993-1999)
Voyager (1995-2001)
Enterprise (2001-2005)
Discovery (2017 – present)

Conclusion

The original arrowhead Star Trek logo was created by costume designer William Ware Theiss for the Original Series. Three versions of the logo were created for engineering, science specialists, and command personnel to wear on their uniforms to show their assignments and specialties, and a fourth one was created with a Red Cross for Nursing.

Another version of the Star Trek logo was used in Star Trek: The Next Generation and in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. A version in The Cage was a box with a “C” shape inside, but only two crew members wore this and it was never seen again. Wearing the delta Star Trek logo signified that the person wearing it achieved the goal of cadets in the academy and the dream of fans: the honor to serve aboard a Starship and boldly go where no man has gone before.

Nascar Logo Design, History, & Evolution

By Logo Realm Team Leave a Comment

Until just recently, fans of NASCAR racing have seen the same logo during televised races, on marketing materials, and displayed proudly on t-shirts since 1976. In December 2016, a new NASCAR logo was unveiled for the first time in over 40 years, and it started being used regularly in January 2017. Along with the logo change, NASCAR announced that the official title of the NASCAR cup will be the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, which is sponsored by Monster brand energy drinks.

The stock car racing brand has undergone a few logo redesigns during its rich history. This article will take a look back through years of the NASCAR racing series, along with how the NASCAR logo has changed with the times. The brand has been driven to keep up with the trends through constant sponsorship updates. Those involved in the logo update believe it will bring the brand up to date while also paying homage to the image fans have come to associate with over 70 years worth of racing history.

About the NASCAR Brand

Image by skeeze from Pixabay

When abbreviated, National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing spells “NASCAR.” The company promotes and operates over 1,500 auto races at over 100 tracks in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Europe and is most associated with stock car racing. It began in 1948 under the leadership of Bill France Sr. Since 2003, his grandson, Brian France, has been the CEO. The headquarters is in Daytona Beach, Florida, and spectators in over 150 countries can watch NASCAR races on television.

Before Monster Energy in 2017, previous sponsors of the NASCAR Cup series were R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (Winston Cup) and Nextel/Sprint (The Chase/Sprint Cup). Drivers can win the cup by accumulating points on a system that has undergone several revisions since its inception. The driver with the most points when a season concludes is the winner. Some famous winners have been Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jimmie Johnson.

NASCAR Logo Design History

Image by skeeze from Pixabay

The original NASCAR logo was used from 1948-1955, and it has a look that is representative of that era. It features two minimalist, stylized cars facing off against each other, one on the left and one on the right. The backs of each car morph into a shape that looks like wings, to convey the notion of speed or movement, which is appropriate for a motorsport such as racing. A simple arched banner that contains the word “NASCAR” in black connects the two cars. Even in this earliest incarnation of the logo, one can see the formation of the lettering style used on today’s NASCAR logo.

Behind the two cars and NASCAR banner are two checkered flags that mirror each other and billow outward toward the edges of the logo. The checkers on the flags are red and white, and red is the only color (aside from black) featured on the original emblem. In between the flags, in arched, vintage type, are the words “National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Inc.” This logo is far more complex than later versions and embodies the spirit of the time in which it was used.

The NASCAR logo underwent its first redesign in 1956, and that version was used until 1963. It features many elements of the previous logo, but those elements have been rearranged and more color has been added. The logo now features a predominant oval shape in golden yellow that is representative of a stock car racing track. The words “NASCAR International” in all caps flow in an arch inside the boundaries of the track.

The 1956 logo also features two facing cars and two about-facing flags just like its predecessor but with a few tweaks. The checkered flags are now smaller and in black and white and serve as ornaments for the two upper corners of the design. The two cars are now a burnt red color and slightly more angular than the ones used prior. The two cars sit on top of the track facing each other.

The NASCAR logo that was used from 1964-1975 once again utilizes similar elements from its predecessor. However, the racing track oval has been removed, and the colors have been simplified to blue, gray, and black. Like previous versions, two stylized cars with winged backs face each other, this time in gray with black outlining. They sit atop a vertical line pattern that resembles the grill of an older model car. The checkered flags are larger now and make up the middle background of the design.

Two blue banners connect the entire design together on top and bottom. The word “NASCAR” sits predominantly on the top banner, and the word “International” runs a bit smaller on the bottom banner. Overall, this version of the NASCAR logo appears to be a bit squashed vertically, which is an interesting design choice. Perhaps the compression of the cars makes them appear longer and leaner or as if they are going faster.

Then we come to the longest-lasting incarnation of the NASCAR logo so far, and also the one that most patrons of the brand will recognize. It ran from 1976-2016, and features the word “NASCAR” large and slanted forward as if it is moving quickly into the future. The type is straight-edged with angular corners on the letters and features a registered mark.

The white text sits on top of colored bars that change from left to right in an almost-rainbow sort of progression. The colored bars are also slanted themselves, giving the illusion of propelling the text forward down a race track.

This 1976-2016 NASCAR logo was far simpler than its predecessors, making the brand name the focus and easily recognizable to fans. The color choice on the slanted colored bars includes the colors from previous versions of the logo (yellow, red, and blue) with the addition of a purple/magenta color in between. In this sense, this logo honored the ones that came before it.

NASCAR Logo Evolution

Image by Mark Thomas from Pixabay

It was the debut of a new NASCAR sponsor that prompted the logo redesign. This, plus a new series of rule changes in 2017 made the timing right for an updated look as the brand marches into its future. Jill Gregory and Peter Jung (Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer and Managing Director of Brand and Consumer Marketing, respectively) worked together with Rare Design to develop the new NASCAR logo.

NASCAR understood that the previous logo was synonymous with the die-hard brand loyalty of its fans, and so the new logo retains many elements of the old. The updated NASCAR logo, even though different, is still easily recognized by fans. It is essentially a stripped-down and modernized version of its predecessor. NASCAR fans are notoriously resistant to change, and so the logo’s updates were intentionally discreet while still giving the brand a fresher look.

The updated NASCAR logo removed the slanted colored bars from behind the white text on the previous logo and shifted them toward the left of the NASCAR text. The colored bars still slant forward, giving the illusion of motion, which continues to be appropriate for a speed-driven sport. The logo keeps the primary colors of yellow, red, and blue, but the purple/magenta colored bar is now gone.

The NASCAR wording appears to be basically the same font with angled corners on the letters, and it slants to mimic the lean on the colored bars. Each letter now has an even space in between instead of some letters being joined like on the previous NASCAR logo. The text also appears to have been widened slightly, and a trademark symbol follows the letters instead of the registered mark.

The removal of the colored bars from behind the text allows the logo more versatility. The NASCAR wording can be either white or black, depending on whether the logo sits atop a light or a dark background when printed or displayed online. This was perhaps one intention of the designers since most modern companies desire logos that can be used easily in multiple applications.

There is a second version of the new logo that appears with the new sponsor’s branding. When the NASCAR logo is used in conjunction with Monster Energy, the Monster logo appears larger. The NASCAR-related text reads “NASCAR Cup Series” in all caps instead of just the singular “NASCAR” text.

Reaction to the logo seems to be mostly favorable with many fans not noticing a major difference. The revised NASCAR logo keeps its brand familiarity while successfully honoring the company’s history, which appears to achieve the goals of company officials with regard to the new design. The new logo is slightly more clear to read and seems a bit less dated than the previous incarnation.

Conclusion

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Overall, the NASCAR logo redesign is a success for the brand. The company is able to retain its brand loyalty among diehard fans with minimal criticism (if any). The “NASCAR” text is easier to read, and the slant of the colored bars and text appear to be pushing the name forward at an accelerated pace.

This gives it the same illusion of movement as the previous NASCAR logo while bringing the logo up to date and allowing it more versatile usage in print and digital design. An added bonus to fans would be the potential increase in value to previously purchased merchandise that sport historic versions of the emblem.