I find that a main source of meaning and symbolism in graphic design is found in brands and branding. We see them all over the world and they contain huge amounts of symbolism and meaning directed at their business. The definition of brand is as a "Name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller's good or service as distinct from those of other sellers.” Here are some examples of some of the most well known brands,
Coka Cola and Nike are some of the biggest and well know brands in the world. However, what symbolism and meaning is shown in there brand names? The Coka Cola logo is very recognisable for is bright red colour and the old American styled font. When John S. Pemberton created the formula for his new drink in 1886, his partner and bookkeeper, Frank M. Robinson, suggested the name CocaCola, thinking that ‘the two Cs would look well in advertising’. He wanted to create a unique logo to go with it, and experimented writing the company’s name in elaborate Spencerian script, a form of penmanship characteristic of the time. The Coke logo has not changed much since it was founded in 1886, this has lead me to believe that it is the most recognisable logo because of that factor of it not being changed since it started. The font gives the meaning of being a prestigious company or can show the date at which it was founded because at around that time, the style of font was common. The use of the colour red makes the logo stand out, however in some accounts, the logo is sometime found in white font with a red background.
Nike is also another big brand and logo, but is not as old as Coca Cola. Its logo is rather basic, however the “swoosh” is very recognisable and famous around the world. The Nike "Swoosh" is a design created in 1971 by Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student at Portland State University. She met Phil Knight while he was teaching accounting classes and she started doing some freelance work for his company, Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS). The logo represents the wing of the Greek Goddess. The Nike logo is a classic case of a company gradually simplifying its corporate identity as its frame increases. The company's first logo appeared in 1971, when the word "Nike," the Greek goddess of victory, was printed in orange over the outline of a checkmark, the sign of a positive mark. Used as a motif on sports shoes since the 1970s, this checkmark is now so recognizable that the company name itself has become superfluous.
Meaning and symbolism is also found all over graphic design and not just in branding. I shall now focus on a designer and their pieces of work and focus on how they show the meaning and symbolism within their work. The designer I will be looking at is “KAWS”. This designer is a former graffiti artist that came from the heart of New York. He now produces pieces of art based on his graffiti culture. He is very famous in the graffiti/art world, making pieces for celebrities and produce work that is very sort after. To the right is an example of his work. This was designed for Mr Kanye West and his album cover for 808s & Heartbreaks. Kaw’s style is very much cartoon orientated, with a lot of contrasting and bright colours involved. I believe that kaws is trying to send across a sense of meaning that shows everyone, not matter how old, can still love cartoons and involve cartoons in their lives, without having to be a child. The way how Kanye West is a very serious music producer yet at the same time, he involves this type of artwork in his album. I also find that Kaws has been able to show his meaning so successfully by the use of colours. The bright colour makes his design stand out and also adds differentiation. I believe it makes the viewer think and wonder, what is the meaning behind all these random shapes and bright colours. Overall i find that Kaws is showing his love for cartoons and maybe even trying to show his childhood within his designs.
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