One of the most visible colors to the human eyes is blue. Be it the sky or the oceans, blue is everywhere. The most fascinating aspect of the blue color is the fact that human eyes do not require to make an extra effort to perceive it.
Blue has a calming effect on the mind since the eyes very easily discerns the color.
According to a survey conducted on 1,974 people by the University of Maryland Sociologist Philip Cohen, it was found that blue was the favorite color of majority of American men and women. 42% of men picked blue as their favorite color while only 25% picked green as their favorite color.
In yet another survey conducted by researcher Joe Hallock, it was found that blue was not the “least favorite color” of any of the participants.
A Forbes Magazine article states, “When asked what their favorite color is, the most common answer around the world is blue,” the article reports. “This may be because when our ancestors used to see blue – like a clear blue sky or a watering hole – it was a good sign, according to color psychology expert Sally Augustin.”
What does the color blue represent?
The color blue represents power, loyalty, authority, professionalism and trust. Brands tend to use the color since it invokes a sense of security while conveying loyalty and professionalism. Kate Smith, an internationally acclaimed color expert, consultant and designer writes, “Blue represents the healing nature of water and the power of stormy seas. It’s what separates bodies of land from one another, and it’s a marker of loyalty.” She further writes, “While blue conjures images of sky and sea, it’s also the color of bravery and dedication. Blue represents introspective journeys and symbolizes wisdom and depth of understanding.”
Why do brands choose blue for their logos?
Blue is not only people’s favorite color, it also represents 28% of top-earning businesses. But, why is blue used in logos? Blue logos can be used in science and technology companies because of its typically cool tones. The color is also favored by eco friendly and wellness brands because of its association with sky and water. Some of the reasons why brands choose the color blue for their logos are as follows:
- popular with people
- associated with power and loyalty
- easily perceived
- represents reliability
Some of the biggest brands in the world use blue in their logos. Let us look at 10 top international brands with blue in their logo:
1. Pepsi
The “Pepsi Globe” is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. The logo is a combination of red, white and blue which feels like a sphere. The Pepsi logo was first designed in 1945, during World War II. The current logo was designed by Peter Arnell in 2008 and is now known as the “Pepsi Globe”
According to reports, the Pepsi globe represents geodynamics and Pythagoras. Some even claim that the Pepsi Logo represents the Earth’s magnetic field. Keeping the claims aside, the new design is not very different from the old logo.
The color combinations used in the logo conveys the product’s core emotional values. According to a consumer research, blue in the logo conveys the idea of “cool” and the feeling of being refreshed.
The red, white and blue were chosen to show the company’s support for the American troops who fought during World War II.
2. Hewlett Packard
HP is the new name for the American IT Company, Hewlett Packard. Established in 1939, HP is known for producing some of the best computers and accessories.
The “HP” monogram in a circle has always been a part of the company’s brand identity since its inception. The logo has been redesigned but the original logo has remained the same.
Replacing its solid blue shade with a light sky-blue, the current logo of HP has been in use since 2012. The logo looks innovative with every line being of a different length. The new logo looks more tender and welcoming and manages to keep the essence of the old design.
3. Bank of America
Did you know that the Bank of America was founded in 1904 as the “Bank of Italy”? The bank changed its name only in 1930.
The bank of America is one of the most successful banks in the world. The logo works very well since it captures the patriotism of Americans. The logo has a close resemblance to the color palette used in the American flag. Blue and the red stripes of the American flag can very well be seen in the logo. The logo certainly evokes a feeling of trust in the customers since its likeness to the flag.
Banks and financial institutions such as PayPal and American express all have blue in their logos.
4. Goldman Sachs
One of the world’s biggest financial groups, Goldman Sachs provides financial services such as investment management and securities.
Light Blue Square with the company name written in white, the Goldman Sachs’ logo is simple and minimalistic. Light blue portrays the company’s positive attitude towards life and a thirst for evolution. The color blue has been beautifully used in the logo and is extremely easy on the eyes. The logo instantly evokes a feeling of trust and positivity.
5. Facebook
The Facebook logo has not changed a great deal since its inception in 2004. The company name in lower case and the rectangular shape has remained the same.
Mark Zuckerberg suffered from deuteranopia (red-green color blindness) but could detect shades of blue normally undetectable to most human eyes. According to the New Yorker’s statement, Mark’s vision defect prompted him to use the blue background.
The combination of blue and white evokes a feeling of purity and youth. The Facebook logo also expresses optimism and serenity.
The new logo was designed in 2014 keeping mind the inflow of mobile devices. The new logo caters to a greater range of screen resolutions.
Facebook has become an inseparable part of our lives and has helped people across the world in more ways than one
6. Samsung
Created in 1938, Samsung did not have the need for a logo as the operation of the brand was rather modest. Since the brand had grown by 1958, it needed its own insignia. The first Samsung logo was nothing like we know it today. The logo had three stars, three stripes and wheat plants inside a circle. The three stars symbolized the name of the company and the wheat grain portrayed its agricultural roots.
Samsung currently uses two logos: one with a blue ellipse and the other without it.
The blue and white combination is very easy on the eyes. The elliptical shape of the logo symbolizes a moving world and the name of the company symbolizes the desire to serve the society as a whole. Samsung has a fantastic blue logo that has come a long way.
7. BMW
Established in 1913 as RAPP Motorenwerke, BMW specialized in the production of engines for aircrafts. The company changed its name to Bayerische Motoren Werke in 1916 and quickly became famous as BMW.
The iconic blue and white checkered insignia, which resembled a plane’s propeller, was designed in 1916. The logo represented the company’s legacy and roots
The new logo was designed in 2020 and reflects the company’s willingness to embrace change and move forward. The black portions of the logo have been completely done away with making it appear fresh and cool.
8. Intel
The original logo was designed by Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore, who founded Intel. The “dropped-e” logo was used from 1968 to 2005. Intel created the Intel Inside logo in the 90s to keep up with its new marketing strategy.
The light blue shade portrays the company’s power in the minds of people. Intel, like most companies that deal in high-tech products and innovations, has used the color blue. The color blue symbolizes wisdom and tranquility which goes very well with the company’s vision.
9. Walmart
The company finally settled for the current logo in 2008. The new logo emphasizes its move from marketing cheap products to eco friendly and innovative products. The yellow and blue combination evokes a feeling of hope. The yellow spark right at the end reflects it’s new approach of being environment friendly.
10. Boeing
An aerospace corporation established in 1916, Boeing designs and manufactures commercial and military airplanes. The company is named after its founder William Boeing.
The redesigned logo was a result of Boeing merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997.
The blue lettering along with the grey emblem very well reflects the company’s essence symbolizing the sky, air, speed and safety. Rick Eiber, the celebrated American graphic designer, combined the logos of the two companies to come up with this masterpiece.
Blue is a color favored by top brands across the world due to its visual appeal. From IT companies to aerospace corporations and from banks to nature friendly companies, all use shades of blue to symbolize many different things. Using blue in logo designs can give your company leverage over many companies since it is a color liked by thousands. Business owners can grow their business overtime if they choose the right designs, proper color scheme and adapt to new technologies.
Besides having grown up in the design Industry, Christiaan has advised some of the world’s largest companies on their branding & packaging designs. Has been the resident judge for design awards, and has spoken at numerous global design & marketing events. Christiaan founded the London office of the award-winning Cartils agency, and has founded the DesignBro.com platform.
