What's your favorite logo and does it have a story behind it?

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Melinda Moore Profile
Melinda Moore answered

Thanks for asking such a great question, which really made me think! Hadn't realised how many great logos there are out there, or how much we take them for granted, until I started trying to choose my favourite. Then I realised I was spoilt for choice.

In terms of ones which have a story behind them - and real character - I think I'm going to pick the Michelin man, also known as "Bibendum", or "Bib", or "Bibelobis".

Here he is, in his current form - though I much prefer some of the older versions:

(Source: Http://goodlogo.com/extended.info/michelin-logo-2369)

Bibendum is one of the world's oldest trademarks, being introduced in 1894 at the Lyon Exhibition. 

His slogan, "Nunc est bibendum" means "Now is the time to drink", and is a quotation from The Odes, by Horace, a Roman lyric poet.

(Source: http://logoblink.com/michelin-logo-in-vintage-posters/)

Apparently, the Michelin brothers noticed that a pile of tyres (or tires, if you're in the US) resembled a male figure and, some years later, when they met French cartoonist, Marius Rossillon, they mentioned this. 

Rossillon (also known as O'Galop) then showed them an image he had created for a client, who had rejected it. This showed a man holding a glass of beer in the air, and included the quote from Horace.

The Michelin brothers suggested replacing the man with one made from bicycle tyres, and so Bibendum was born. 

(Source: http://violetsvintagevault.wordpress.com/2012/08/)

He hasn't remained unchanged over the years, though - and has been modified to suit changing tastes and cultural mores. 

Now, he has become slimmer, has given up his cigars, and also his pince-nez, or glasses. I preferred him as he was originally!

(Source: http://www.designclarksville.com/whaddya-know-michelin-man-evolution/)

I think the reason that I like this logo so much is because it has such a sense of humour, as well as a distinct personality of its own. It's irreverent, instantly-recognisable, and the phrase, "Michelin Man" has even entered the popular vernacular. 

I say it about myself, when I'm layered up in thermal underwear, in the winter - and, funnily enough, "Bib" happens to be my son's nickname, amongst the family, though that's entirely coincidental.

If anyone wants to add their favourite logo to the answers to this question, there's a great selection of famous ones here. 


Crystal B.  Astrology Profile

My favorite logo is my own :-)  I had a vision and hooked up with a graphic designer I still work with today.  The girl, who I refer to as my "Astro gal" is me!  She's holding the lucky planet Jupiter and kicking back the troublesome planet Saturn.  I wanted to have both the lucky and challenging planets in my image because it always helps me remember that life isn't always one way or the other - it's about balancing both :-)


thanked the writer.
Yo Kass
Yo Kass commented
I love branding that has a personal message behind it - great answer! Astro Gal is pretty cute too :)

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