Animal Symbolism in Logo Design: The Power of Nature

Since the dawn of civilisation, humans have felt a deep connection to the natural world and its animals. Animals have become powerful symbols representing the values, attributes, and personality we aspire towards – For brands looking to design an impactful Logo that resonates with customers, incorporating animal symbolism can be an extremely effective strategy.

In this blog post, we'll explore the psychological power behind animal symbolism and how brands of all sizes have utilised particular creatures in their logos to convey fundamental brand values. Animals can elicit emotional responses and help crystallise abstract ideas into memorable visual images. We'll look at famous logos like Lacoste's crocodile, Penguins… Penguin and World Wildlife Fund's iconic panda and analyse what makes them so effective.

Whether you want to convey speed, trust, playfulness or power, there is likely an animal that can get the message across in your logo design. Let's look at some best practices for choosing and implementing animal mascots to maximise logo recognisability and brand loyalty. The connection between humans and animals runs deep; tapping into this primal energy can give your logo serious stopping power. Read on to unleash the power of nature in your logo design!

Why use animal symbolism in your logo?

Using animal symbolism in a logo design can be a powerful strategy to create a memorable brand identity. Animals have long been associated with specific traits and stories, and incorporating these symbols into a logo can help convey the desired message to the audience. Animal logos are visually appealing and can capture the attention of potential customers.

Animal symbolism can be used even if the business has nothing to do with animals. For example, a technology company can use a lion in their logo to symbolise power and strength, or a healthcare brand can use a snake to represent healing and transformation. These symbols help connect the brand and its intended audience, reinforcing its values and characteristics.

Furthermore, animal symbolism adds depth and meaning to a logo. By selecting the correct animal symbol, businesses can tap into the rich history of symbolism associated with that particular animal. For instance, a lion logo can evoke feelings of courage, leadership, and authority, which can contribute to building a solid brand image.

Moreover, animal symbolism can also be a way to differentiate a brand from its competitors. With so many businesses in every industry, it's crucial to stand out and be memorable. By incorporating animal symbolism into a logo, a brand can create a unique visual identity that sets them apart. Additionally, animal symbols have universal appeal and can resonate with people from different cultures and backgrounds, making them a versatile choice for global brands.

Incorporating animal symbolism into your logo can provide numerous benefits for your brand. Not only does it create a visually appealing design, but it also helps to establish a connection with your target audience. Using animal symbols adds depth and meaning to your logo, allowing you to tap into the rich history of symbolism associated with that particular animal. By carefully selecting the correct animal symbol, you can effectively communicate your brand's values and differentiate yourself from competitors.

Famous brands using animal symbolism

Many famous brands have successfully incorporated animal symbolism into their logos. Let's take a look at a few examples:

Duolingo

Duolingo's popular language-learning app uses a distinctive green owl character as its mascot and logo. This wise owl named “Duo” embodies the brand's spirit of fostering education and intellectual growth.

The choice of an owl as their mascot is an intentional one by Duolingo. Owls have long been associated with wisdom, intelligence, and scholarship in many cultures worldwide. The owl's large eyes and stern gaze evoke a sense of solemnity and contemplation, suggesting deep thought and focus. As such, Duo the Owl reinforces Duolingo's mission to provide a practical and engaging learning experience that helps people expand their knowledge.

The green colour of Duo is also symbolic. Green typically represents nature, freshness, and renewal. For Duolingo, the vibrant green plumage of their owl mascot visually communicates the idea of cultivating new skills and personal flourishing. It reinforces their commitment to helping their users grow by learning new languages. The green colour also stands out, making Duo eye-catching and memorable.

The duo often wears a graduate cap in Duolingo's branding and marketing materials. This again links back to education and the accumulation of knowledge. It portrays Duo as a learned teacher guiding Duolingo's users in their language studies. Even Duo's name hints at his purpose – “duo” meaning two in Latin, referencing the two persons involved in a teacher-student relationship.

So, while friendly and whimsical, Duolingo's choice of a green owl as its central icon is thoughtful. Duo's associations with wisdom and growth allow him to represent Duolingo's mission to foster engaged language learning through technology. His memorable and appealing image helps build brand recognition across Duolingo's global user base.

Crocs

The iconic logo of Crocs footwear features the outline of a crocodile in a circular emblem. This unique logo effectively captures the essence of the Crocs brand.

The crocodile was chosen to represent many essential qualities that define Croc's shoes. Crocodiles are known for their rugged, leathery skin and armoured bodies, making them the perfect symbol for the durable and resilient Crocs material. Just as a crocodile's hide can withstand the rigours of nature, Crocs shoes are designed to be long-lasting and withstand heavy wear.

In addition, crocodiles are considered efficient and powerful predators, able to traverse land and water to hunt prey swiftly. This speaks to the versatility and functionality of Crocs, which are water-friendly shoes that can transition seamlessly from land to sea adventures. The crocodile logo conveys that Crocs deliver reliable performance in and out of water.

Yet despite their fearsome reputation in the wild, crocodiles have an endearing, almost comical image in pop culture, from tickling their bellies to wearing them on hats. The whimsical crocodile in the Crocs logo adds a playful personality that matches the brand's lightweight, casual and even quirky image.

So, every time you see that iconic Crocs logo, think of the toughness and versatility of the crocodile. It's a visual reminder that Crocs shoes are made to be durable, efficient, functional and fun – the perfect shoes for casual comfort and adventure. The crocodile symbol has become synonymous with the Crocs brand.

Lacoste

The iconic Lacoste crocodile has been a symbol of style and sophistication for over 90 years. Lacoste, the renowned French clothing company, was founded in 1933 by tennis legend Rene Lacoste and Andre Gillier. Lacoste embraced the crocodile as his emblem on the tennis courts, and it later became the brand's signature logo.

The origins of the crocodile trace back to Lacoste's tenacious playing style and nickname “The Crocodile”, which he earned in the 1920s. During a significant tennis championship in 1923, Lacoste bet with his team captain that he would win an important match or a crocodile skin suitcase would be his. Lacoste won the critical game and embraced the crocodile, putting the reptilian logo on his blazer.

When Lacoste partnered with Gillier to launch his new clothing line in 1933, the crocodile logo was boldly embroidered on the breast of the revolutionary short-sleeve cotton piqué tennis shirt, the “polo” shirt. The lightweight, comfortable shirt changed drastically from the formal and stiff tennis attire typically worn during the era. The stylish polo shirt bore Lacoste's emblem and became an instant classic.

Over the decades, Lacoste's reputation for quality and innovation has made the embroidered reptile a global status symbol. The timeless crocodile represents a harmony of elegance, sporty comfort, and French chic. The logo itself is an aesthetic and visual statement. The green crocodile is intentionally uncluttered, using clean lines and negative space to create a striking impression. The contemptuous crocodile remains relaxed yet vigilant, defiantly facing the world with its mouth closed and eyes open, suggesting quiet confidence.

Today, Lacoste's snapping crocodile continues to represent the brand's heritage while symbolising modern style, sophistication, and luxury. The iconic reptile endures as a design classic, cementing Lacoste's place in fashion history.

Jaguar

The iconic Jaguar logo features the sleek silhouette of a prowling jaguar, capturing this majestic big cat's feline grace, speed, and power. As one of the foremost luxury automotive brands worldwide, Jaguar aims to echo the Jaguar's athleticism and elegance in its lineup of high-performance vehicles.

The leaping Jaguar has been central to Jaguar's brand identity since its founding in 1922; originally known as the Swallow Sidecar Company, the company first placed the jaguar emblem on its vehicles in 1935. Even in those early days, the bold, streamlined logo spoke to Jaguar's dedication to stylistic innovation and engineering excellence.

Over the decades, Jaguar has modernised and refined the details of the logo, but the essential image of the leaping Jaguar endures. Rendered in glossy black against a polished silver backdrop, this athletic cat symbolises the spirit of speed, agility, beauty and power that Jaguar attempts to capture in the ride and handling of its luxury sports cars and sedans. The centred Jaguar conjures visions of flawless momentum, muscularity and grace, fitting associations for vehicles intended to perform as well as they look.

Beyond the Jaguar itself, the stark, minimalist presentation of the logo aligns with the core facets of the Jaguar brand identity: sophistication, elegance, and luxury. By reducing the iconic Jaguar image to its essential outlines, Jaguar conveys that its brand identity stems from classic and timeless ideals rather than passing trends. For decades, the Jaguar logo has aptly represented the blend of elegance, performance and fine craftsmanship that elite consumers expect from the British automaker.

Penguin

The iconic logo of Penguin Books features the silhouette of a penguin, an instantly recognisable symbol of the pioneering publishing company. The origins of the Penguin logo date back to 1935, when Allen Lane founded Penguin to make quality literature available to the masses at an affordable price.

The apt choice of a penguin to represent Penguin Books speaks to the qualities and values embodied by the company. Penguins are known for their adaptability and ability to thrive in the harshest polar environments, thanks to their resilient nature. This reflects Penguin Books' strength and flexibility as a publisher, having weathered many storms and challenges over the decades since its founding, all while remaining committed to bringing a diverse array of literature to readers.

The Penguin is depicted in refined, simplistic black and white, evoking a classic, timeless aesthetic. This clever design creates visual harmony and cohesion across Penguin's extensive catalogue of books and titles. The striking, balanced use of black and white exudes confidence and authority, symbolic of Penguin's trusted reputation as a publisher of literary excellence.

Yet while the Penguin radiates sophistication, there is also approachability in its friendly, endearing form. The font used for the company name amplifies this effect with its soft, rounded edges. Together, the logo presents Penguin Books as authoritative and accessible, bridging the gap between mainstream and literary fiction.

For over 80 years, the enduring penguin logo represents Penguin Books' heritage and principles. As the company expands globally, across digital platforms and into new territories, the distinctive Penguin remains at its heart, a proud symbol of Penguin's past, present and future.

Swarovski

Swarovski's iconic swan logo epitomises the brand's enduring legacy of excellence and artistry in crystal and jewellery design. The graceful swan with outstretched wings has been associated with Swarovski since 1895, when founder Daniel Swarovski adopted it as his emblem. Over the decades, the Swarovski swan has evolved into one of the most recognisable logos in the jewellery and accessories world.

The swan symbolises elegance, beauty and grace – qualities that Swarovski has exemplified in its finely crafted crystal creations for over a century. Its elongated neck represents the brand's attention to delicate details. The swan's wings, decorated with intricate feather-like engravings, reflect Swarovski's mastery of precision-cutting crystal using state-of-the-art techniques. The sparkling Swarovski crystals that make up the swan's body evoke the brilliance and fire inherent in the brand's crystals.

Beyond the swan logo's aesthetic appeal, it also speaks to Swarovski's heritage and legacy. Swans possess long lives, and Swarovski has endured as a crystal manufacturing and design leader through generations. The logo connects the brand to its roots in Wattens, Austria, near the River Inn, whose swans inspired the young Swarovski's founding vision. The Swarovski swan encapsulates the brand's commitment to unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and technological innovation for luxury consumers worldwide, making its crystal creations shine brilliantly. More than a century after its inception, the iconic Swarovski swan continues to represent beauty, luxury and the pursuit of perfection.

NBC

The iconic logo of the American broadcast television network NBC features a vividly coloured peacock spreading its plume of feathers. This recognisable logo was initially designed in 1956 by John J. Graham and has undergone minor updates and revisions over the decades. Still, the peacock itself has endured as a symbol of the network.

The choice of a peacock for NBC's logo was strategic, as the bird's brilliant plumage evokes a sense of vitality, spectacle, and pride. NBC founder David Sarnoff was seeking a logo that would represent the promise of this new medium of television, which in the 1950s was still an exciting technological advancement, allowing families across America to experience entertainment and television programming together in their living rooms for the first time. The peacock's feathers, with their jewel tones of emerald, royal blue, indigo, jade, and gold, represent the bright colours which could be broadcast through television screens.

Even more importantly, a peacock spreading its tail feathers also signifies a grand showcase or display. For NBC, the logo perfectly captured their mission to bring quality entertainment and news programming to American households through the wonder of television. The hundreds of “eyes” in the peacock's tail symbolise the ability to reach millions of viewers who would tune in to popular NBC shows. Over the decades, hit NBC programs like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Saturday Night Live, The Cosby Show, Seinfeld, ER, Friends, and The Voice have attracted large viewing audiences.

The peacock logo ties the imagery of colour, vitality and showmanship together in one memorable and recognisable brand icon. It is an emblem of NBC's legacy as one of the longest-running American television networks, still going strong today since its founding in 1926 as one of the first nationwide radio networks. For over 60 years, the peacock has been a constant visual reminder of NBC's commitment to delivering quality entertainment and news programming to its viewers.

Ferrari

The iconic Ferrari logo featuring a prancing horse encapsulates the essence of the legendary Italian sports car brand. Ferrari's founder, Enzo Ferrari, chose the prancing horse as the company's emblem in 1923 after winning the Savio circuit, where he met Count Francesco Baracca, an Italian aviation hero during World War I. Baracca featured the prancing horse on his planes for good luck, suggesting it would bring success to Ferrari, too.

The black prancing stallion on Ferrari's distinctive yellow background symbolises the brand's core values of speed, power, passion, prestige, and performance. The powerfully muscular horse frozen mid-gallop evokes Ferrari's racing pedigree and dominance on the track. Its rampant posture captures a sense of forward surging motion and speed.

The bold silhouette of the Ferrari stallion exudes an air of nobility and authority associated with the cavallino rampante, or “prancing horse” in Italian. The distinctive red Ferrari colour amplifies the brand's racing spirit and passion. The prominent placement of the prancing horse on sleek Ferrari vehicles and merchandise reinforces its role as an instantly recognisable global emblem of luxury and accomplishment.

For over seven decades, Ferrari's cavallino rampante logo has come to represent excellence in sports car engineering, seductive Italian styling, and the ultimate driving experience. The prancing stallion remains a fitting symbol of Ferrari's dominance, prestige, and racing pedigree as one of the most recognisable luxury brands in the world.

Peugeot

The iconic logo of Peugeot, the renowned French automaker, prominently features a regal lion poised in profile. This lion has been a part of Peugeot's visual identity since the 1850s when the company initially used the image of a lion with an arrow in its jaws on early products and machinery. Over the ensuing decades, Peugeot's logo evolved to showcase the lion in more stylised and streamlined depictions.

The lion symbolically encapsulates core aspects of Peugeot's brand philosophy – strength, excellence, and reliability. Its powerful, feline form projects an aura of assured capability, mirroring the enduring French marque's reputation for engineering vehicles with tenacious performance and lithe responsiveness. The lion also calls to mind valour and courage, aligning with Peugeot's pioneering spirit of audaciously driving automotive innovation.

Furthermore, the lion represents Peugeot's commitment to producing cars and units that customers can trust to be dependable and long-lasting. Its image conveys durability through the ages, much like Peugeot has persevered and evolved through the decades since its 19th-century founding. While honouring its heritage, Peugeot moves progressively into the future, as reflected by the contemporary, minimalist rendition of the lion logo. The pared-down styling expresses sleek refinement and technological advancement, keeping with the brand's vision of modern mobility.

For over a century, Peugeot's lion logo has aptly encapsulated the marque's identity of tenacity, excellence in engineering, and innovative spirit. It is a proud symbol at the heart of Peugeot's visual branding, connecting its present values to an enduring heritage of French automotive prowess.

WWF

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the largest international conservation organisations, is instantly recognisable by its iconic panda logo. The adorable black and white giant panda acts as the perfect symbol to represent WWF's mission of wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

The panda was chosen as the logo for WWF in 1961 when the organisation was formed. This was a strategic choice, as the giant panda was endangered even then, with habitat loss threatening this beloved species. Using such a vulnerable and cherished animal helps convey the urgency of WWF's conservation efforts in a way that resonates emotionally with people.

The minimalist style of the logo amplifies its message. The stark contrast of the black and white colouring stands out, reflecting humanity's stark choice – to live in harmony with nature or continue on a destructive path. The simple but bold design allows the panda to convey a sense of urgency and the need for action.

While cute and cuddly, the panda represents peace and harmony between humans and nature. Its friendly face bridges the divide between wildlife and people, reminding us that we can coexist if we protect animals and the ecosystems they depend on. The panda's calming presence encourages us to advocate for sustainable policies and lifestyles.

For over 60 years, the panda has put a recognisable face on the environmental issues WWF tackles. It reminds us of all the good we can do by supporting organisations like WWF that take bold action to address climate change, prevent extinction, and help create a world where people and wildlife can thrive together. The panda logo's message is clear – our future depends on living peacefully with nature.

Puma

Puma, the internationally renowned sportswear company, prominently features a puma leaping through the air in its distinctive logo. This powerful wildcat, known for its quickness, agility, and stealthy hunting abilities, represents the brand's identity and ethos.

The iconic Puma logo, used since 1948, depicts a muscular puma mid-leap, its body extended and back legs thrust backwards as though propelling itself forward. The cat's sleek, streamlined form creates a sense of speed and motion even when rendered in static images. This reflects core aspects of Puma's brand vision – a focus on designing high-performance athletic apparel and footwear for running, training and sports.

The Puma symbolism also calls to mind key athlete traits and values that Puma aims to enable through its products – dynamism, grace, speed, and strength. The Puma evokes a lithe power and a spirited, energetic essence that aligns with Puma's positioning in the athleticwear market. While competitors like Adidas and Nike also employ animal motifs in their logos, Puma's singular emphasis on the puma cat ties directly into its identity as a brand for and about athleticism.

Beyond its logo, Puma reinforces its brand identity through image and sponsorship partnerships with celebrity athletes known for their prowess and competitive drive, from Olympic sprinters to soccer stars. The visual vocabulary of Puma's advertising and campaigns also frequently features lithe, muscled pumas in motion to reinforce the parallel between the animal's physical abilities and the high performance of Puma's gear. With its consistent Puma branding, the company has carved out a distinctive niche built on speed, strength, and agility values. Puma's big-cat logo remains one of the most immediately recognisable icons in the sports apparel industry.

Tips for picking an animal symbol for your industry

When picking an animal symbol for your logo, it's essential to consider the industry and the message you want to convey. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

1. Research the symbolism: Each animal carries its associations and symbolism. Research the traits and stories associated with different animals to find one that aligns with your brand's values and message. For example, if you're a fitness brand, you might consider animals like cheetahs or eagles, symbolising speed and agility.
2. Consider your target market: Consider your target audience and what resonates with them. Choose an animal symbol that will appeal to your target market and create a connection with them. For example, if your target audience is young children, consider using cute and friendly animals like pandas or kittens.
3. Reflect on your industry: Consider the nature of your industry and how the chosen animal symbol can reflect it. For example, a fitness brand could use a cheetah to symbolise speed and agility, while a sustainable fashion brand could use a butterfly to represent transformation and renewal. Aligning the animal symbol with your industry can help create a cohesive and meaningful logo.
4. Research the cultural significance: Animals can have different meanings and symbolism in different cultures. Make sure to research the cultural value of the animal symbol you choose to avoid any unintended misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

By carefully selecting an animal symbol that aligns with your brand's values, target market, and industry, you can create a logo that effectively communicates your message and helps differentiate your business from competitors.

Expert Tips on Designing Animal Logos

Designing animal logos requires careful consideration to ensure that the logo effectively communicates the desired message and resonates with the target audience. Here are three expert tips to keep in mind when designing animal logos:

1. Research the animal's symbolism: Before incorporating an animal into your logo, thoroughly research its symbolism and cultural associations. Understanding the deeper meaning behind the animal can help you create a logo that conveys the desired message and resonates with your target audience. For example, if you're designing a logo for a wellness brand, consider animals like butterflies or birds, which symbolise transformation and freedom.
2. Simplify the design: To create a memorable and versatile animal logo, it's vital to simplify the design. Focus on capturing the essence of the animal rather than including intricate details. A simplified logo will be more recognisable and adaptable across different mediums. For example, using clean lines and minimalistic shapes can help create a modern and timeless animal logo.
3. Consider the overall brand identity: When designing an animal logo, it's crucial to consider it and ensure that it aligns with the brand's values, personality, and target market. The animal symbol should complement the brand's message and evoke the desired emotions and associations. For example, if your brand is known for its playful and fun approach, consider using a cartoonish or stylised version of the animal in your logo.

By following these expert tips, you can create animal logos that effectively communicate your brand's message, resonate with your target audience, and leave a lasting impression.

Designing an animal logo requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By researching the animal's symbolism, simplifying the design, and aligning it with the overall brand identity, you can create a logo that effectively communicates your brand's message and resonates with your target audience.

Animal logos: accurate, adorable or abstract?

Regarding animal logos, different styles can create a visually appealing and practical design. Three common types include accurate, adorable, and abstract animal logos.

Accurate animal logos depict the animal in a realistic and detailed manner. These logos aim to capture the true likeness of the animal, showcasing its distinctive features and characteristics. Accurate animal logos are often used in industries such as wildlife conservation, veterinary services, and zoos, where the authenticity of the animal representation is crucial. For example, a wildlife conservation organisation might use an accurate logo of a lion to emphasise its commitment to preserving the species.

Adorable animal logos, on the other hand, emphasise the cuteness and charm of the animal. These logos often feature cartoonish or stylised animal versions with big eyes, rounded shapes, and playful expressions. Adorable animal logos are commonly used in industries such as children's products, pet supplies, and entertainment, where a friendly and approachable image is desired. For instance, a pet store might use an adorable logo of a puppy to appeal to pet owners.

Abstract animal logos take a more artistic and symbolic approach. These logos use simplified shapes, lines, and patterns to represent the animal, often stripping away unnecessary details. Abstract animal logos can convey a sense of creativity, sophistication, or mystery. They are commonly used in industries such as fashion, technology, and luxury brands, where a more conceptual and unique logo is desired. An abstract bird logo, for example, can represent freedom and elegance.

The style choice depends on the brand's identity, target audience, and industry. Each style has its strengths and can effectively communicate different messages. Ultimately, the goal is to create an animal logo that resonates with the audience, reflects the brand's values, and leaves a lasting impression.

When deciding on the style of your animal logo, consider the industry you're in, your target audience, and the message you want to convey. An accurate animal logo can be a great choice if authenticity is essential, while an adorable logo can be more suitable for brands targeting a younger audience. On the other hand, an abstract logo can offer a more unique and artistic representation of the animal. Carefully consider the style that aligns with your brand's values and resonates with your target audience.

What Type of Logo Should You Choose?

When deciding on the logotype for your brand, there are several options to consider. The choice depends on your brand's goals, target audience, and industry. Here are a few types of logos to consider:

1. Wordmark or Logotype: This type of logo consists of the brand name in a unique and distinctive font. It relies solely on typography to create a memorable and recognisable logo. Wordmarks are often used by established brands that want to emphasise their name and build brand recognition. For example, the Coca-Cola logo is a well-known wordmark.
2. Symbol or Icon: A symbol or icon logo uses a visual representation or abstract symbol to represent the brand. It can be a unique shape, a stylised image, or a combination of elements that convey the brand's identity and values. Symbol logos are versatile and easily recognisable without the brand name. The Nike swoosh is a classic example of a symbol logo.
3. Combination Mark: A combination mark combines a wordmark and a symbol or icon. This type of logo incorporates the brand name alongside a visual element, creating a balanced and memorable design. Combination marks offer the flexibility of using the whole logo, symbol, or wordmark, depending on the context. The Burger King logo is an example of a combination mark.
4. Emblem: An emblem logo features the brand name enclosed within a symbol or icon, creating a unified and cohesive design. Emblems often have a traditional and prestigious feel and are commonly used by organisations, schools, and government entities. The Starbucks logo is an emblem logo.

The choice of logotype depends on factors such as brand identity, industry, and target market. It's essential to consider the values and goals of your brand and select a logotype that effectively communicates your message and resonates with your audience.

When choosing the type of logo for your brand, consider your brand's goals, target audience, and industry. A wordmark or logotype can be an excellent choice to emphasise your brand name, while a symbol or icon logo can visually represent your brand's identity. Combination marks offer the flexibility of using a wordmark and a symbol, while emblems can add a sense of tradition and prestige to your logo. Carefully consider the logo that aligns with your brand's values and resonates with your target audience.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, choosing the fitting animal symbol for your logo can enhance brand recognition, create a connection with the audience, and differentiate your business from competitors. By considering the industry, researching the symbolism, and designing a logo that aligns with your brand's identity, you can create a visually appealing and effective logo that effectively communicates your brand's message and values. Whether you opt for an accurate, adorable, or abstract animal logo, the key is to create a memorable and impactful design that leaves a lasting impression on your target audience.

The post Animal Symbolism in Logo Design: The Power of Nature is by Stuart and appeared first on Inkbot Design.