10 of The Most Famous Logo Designers

A well-designed logo can help a company establish a strong visual identity and connect with its audience in a meaningful way. A logo can be a powerful tool for building brand recognition and communicating a company’s values and personality.

Over the years, there have been many talented graphic designers who have made a name for themselves by creating iconic and memorable logos for some of the world’s most well-known brands.

These designers have not only helped to shape the visual landscape of the branding world, but also set new standards for what a great logo should look like and accomplish.

From Paul Rand and Milton Glaser, who helped define the modern era of logo design, to contemporary designers like Michael Beirut and Chip Kidd, who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with logos, there is no shortage of talent in the world of logo design.

Each of these designers has their own unique style and approach, but all share a deep understanding of the power of visual communication and the importance of creating a logo that resonates with its audience.

Whether they are working on a logo for a global corporation or a small local business, these designers bring a level of creativity and artistry to their work that sets them apart from the rest.

And if you need to find them there are many talented logo designers out there, but the work of these 10 individuals has had a lasting impact on the field of branding and design, and will continue to inspire and influence generations of designers to come.

1. Paul Rand

Paul Rand (1914-1996) was an American graphic designer who is considered to be one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and studied at the Pratt Institute and the Art Students League in New York City.

Paul Rand is one of the most influential logo designers of the 20th century, having created many iconic logos for a range of clients. Here are a few of his most famous logo designs:

1. IBM

Rand designed the iconic IBM logo in 1956, which features the letters “IBM” in a simple, bold font. The logo is still in use today and is widely recognized as one of the most successful corporate identities ever created.

2. ABC

Rand created the logo for the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in 1962, which features a stylized, circular design with the letters “ABC” in lowercase type.

3. UPS

Rand designed the logo for United Parcel Service (UPS) in 1961, which features the letters “UPS” in a shield-shaped design with a gold and brown color scheme.

4. NeXT

In the 1980s, Rand created the logo for NeXT, a computer company founded by Steve Jobs after he left Apple. The logo features a simple, lowercase “e” in a circle, which was meant to symbolize both the company’s focus on education and the fact that its computers were designed to be “the next big thing.”

Rand’s logo designs were known for their simplicity, elegance, and timeless appeal. He believed that a successful logo should be memorable, distinctive, and communicate the essence of the brand it represents.

His legacy as a logo designer continues to be felt today, and his influence on the field of branding and graphic design cannot be overstated.

Today, Rand’s legacy lives on through his designs, which continue to be recognized as some of the most iconic and influential logos in history.

2. Milton Glaser

Milton Glaser (1929-2020) was an American graphic designer who is best known for creating the iconic “I ♥ NY” logo. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Glaser attended the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in Manhattan.

Milton Glaser was a highly influential graphic designer who created many iconic logos over the course of his career. Here are a few of his most famous logo designs:

1. I ♥ NY

Glaser designed the famous “I ♥ NY” logo in 1977 as part of a campaign to promote tourism in New York City. The logo features the letters “I ♥ NY” in a bold, simple font, with a red heart symbol in place of the word “love”. The logo has since become one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.

2. DC Comics

Glaser designed the logo for DC Comics in 1976, which features the letters “DC” in a stylized, circular design. The logo has gone through several iterations over the years, but Glaser’s original design remains one of the most iconic and recognizable logos in the comic book industry.

3. Brooklyn Brewery

Glaser designed the logo for Brooklyn Brewery in 1988, which features a bold, stylized “B” in a circle. The logo has become synonymous with the craft beer movement and is widely recognized as a symbol of Brooklyn’s cultural renaissance.

4. New York Magazine

Glaser co-founded New York Magazine in the 1960s and served as its design director for many years. He created the magazine’s iconic logo, which features the word “New York” in a bold, sans-serif font with the word “Magazine” in a smaller, italicized font beneath it.

Glaser’s logo designs were known for their simplicity, boldness, and visual impact. He believed that a successful logo should be able to communicate a message quickly and effectively, and his designs have become enduring symbols of the brands and organizations they represent.

Glaser received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the National Medal of Arts, which he was awarded by President Barack Obama in 2009.

He passed away in 2020 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential graphic designers of the 20th century.

3. Saul Bass

Saul Bass (1920-1996) was an American graphic designer and filmmaker who is best known for his iconic film title sequences and corporate logos. Born in New York City, Bass studied at the Art Students League and the Brooklyn College of Art and Sciences.

Saul Bass was one of the most influential graphic designers of the 20th century, known for his iconic logos and film title sequences. Here are a few of his most famous logo designs:

1. AT&T

Bass designed the logo for American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) in 1983, which features the company’s initials in a simple, rounded typeface. The logo is still in use today and is widely recognized as a symbol of the telecommunications industry.

2. United Airlines

Bass designed the logo for United Airlines in 1974, which features a stylized “U” in a bold, sans-serif font. The logo has gone through several iterations over the years, but Bass’s original design remains one of the most iconic logos in the airline industry.

3. Quaker Oats

In 1969, Bass designed the logo for Quaker Oats, which features a simple, stylized image of a Quaker man in profile. The logo has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the brand and is widely associated with its wholesome, traditional image.

4. Kleenex

Bass designed the logo for Kleenex in 1972, which features the brand’s name in a simple, sans-serif font with a red and blue color scheme. The logo has become synonymous with the Kleenex brand and is widely recognized as a symbol of its softness and quality.

Bass’s logo designs were known for their simplicity, clarity, and visual impact. He believed that a successful logo should be able to communicate a message quickly and effectively, and his designs have become enduring symbols of the brands and organizations they represent.

Today, Bass’s designs continue to be recognized as some of the most influential and iconic in the history of graphic design and film.

4. Alan Fletcher

Alan Fletcher (1931-2006) was a British graphic designer who is best known for his work as a co-founder of the design firm Pentagram. Born in Kenya, Fletcher studied at the Central School of Art and Design in London.

Alan Fletcher was a highly influential graphic designer who created many iconic logos over the course of his career. Here are a few of his most famous logo designs:

1. V&A Museum

Fletcher designed the logo for the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in 1989. The logo features the letters “V” and “A” in a bold, modernist font, with a stylized image of a heart connecting the two letters.

The logo has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the museum and is widely associated with its artistic and cultural offerings.

2. Reuters

In 1965, Fletcher designed the logo for Reuters, the international news agency. The logo features a simple, sans-serif font with the letters “R” and “T” overlapping in a dynamic, abstract composition.

The logo has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the news industry and is widely associated with Reuters’ reputation for accuracy and reliability.

3. Lloyd’s of London

Fletcher designed a new logo for the insurance company Lloyd’s of London in 1983. The logo features the company name in a modern sans-serif font, with the iconic Lloyd’s ship emblem positioned above it. The logo is still in use today and is considered a classic example of Fletcher’s minimalist style.

4. ABB Asea Brown Boveri

Alan Fletcher created the logo for ABB, a multinational corporation specializing in robotics and automation technology. The logo was designed in 1988, and it features the company name in bold, capital letters arranged in a distinctive, geometric style.

Fletcher’s logo designs were known for their simplicity, elegance, and visual impact. He believed that a successful logo should be able to communicate a message quickly and effectively, and his designs have become enduring symbols of the brands and organizations they represent.

Today, Fletcher’s legacy lives on through his designs and his influence on generations of designers who continue to be inspired by his creativity and originality.

5. Michael Beirut

Michael Bierut (born 1957) is an American graphic designer and partner at the design firm Pentagram. He studied at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, and began his career as a designer at Vignelli Associates in New York City.

Michael Beirut is a highly respected graphic designer who has created many iconic logos throughout his career. Here are a few of his most famous logo designs:

1. Hillary Clinton 2016

In 2015, Beirut created the logo for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. The logo features a simple, bold “H” with an arrow pointing to the right, symbolizing progress and forward momentum.

The logo has been widely discussed and debated, and has become one of the most recognizable political logos in recent history.

2. Saks Fifth Avenue

In 2007, Beirut redesigned the logo for Saks Fifth Avenue, the luxury department store chain. The new logo features a simple, elegant font with the words “Saks Fifth Avenue” in all caps, with a subtle line extending from the “k” in “Saks.”

The logo has become one of the most recognizable symbols of high-end fashion and luxury retail.

3. MIT Media Lab

Beirut designed the logo for the MIT Media Lab, a research lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in 2011.

The logo features a simple, geometric “M” in a bold, sans-serif font, with the word “Media Lab” in smaller type below. The logo has become one of the most recognizable symbols of cutting-edge technology and innovation.

4. Verizon

In 2015, Beirut led the redesign of the Verizon logo, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world.

The new logo features a simplified, streamlined version of the company’s iconic “checkmark” logo, with a modernized font and color scheme. The logo has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the telecommunications industry.

Beirut’s logo designs are known for their simplicity, elegance, and ability to communicate a clear message.

He believes that a successful logo should be able to communicate a brand’s identity quickly and effectively, and his designs have become enduring symbols of the organizations and causes they represent.

In addition to his work as a designer, Bierut is also a writer and educator. He has written several books on design, including “How to Use Graphic Design to Sell Things, Explain Things, Make Things Look Better, Make People Laugh, Make People Cry, and (Every Once in a While) Change the World”, and has taught at institutions such as the Yale School of Art and the University of Texas at Austin.

6. Ivan Chermayeff

Ivan Chermayeff (1932-2017) was an American graphic designer who co-founded the design firm Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv, which has created some of the world’s most recognizable logos.

Born in London, Chermayeff studied at Harvard University and the Yale School of Art before beginning his career as a designer.

Ivan Chermayeff was a prolific designer who created many iconic logos throughout his career. Here are four more logos designed by him:

1. National Geographic

Chermayeff designed the iconic yellow rectangle logo for National Geographic, which has become synonymous with the brand.

2. Showtime

Chermayeff created the bold, neon pink and blue logo for the premium cable network Showtime.

3. Mobil

Chermayeff designed the classic red and blue Pegasus logo for the oil company Mobil, which became one of the most recognized logos in the world.

4. HarperCollins

Chermayeff designed the stylized “H” logo for the publishing company HarperCollins, which is still in use today.

In 2006, the firm became Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv after adding partner Sagi Haviv. Chermayeff’s work has been exhibited in museums around the world and has won numerous awards, including the AIGA Medal and the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award.

He passed away in 2017 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential logo designers of his time.

7. Tom Geismar

Tom Geismar is an American graphic designer born in 1931 in New Jersey. He is best known as the co-founder, along with Ivan Chermayeff, of the design firm Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv, which has created some of the most recognizable logos in the world.

Geismar studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and began his career as a graphic designer in the 1950s. In 1958, he formed the design firm Brownjohn, Chermayeff & Geismar, which later became Chermayeff & Geismar, and then Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv.

Here Some of the logos Tom Geismar designed include:

1. Chase Bank

Geismar designed the Chase Bank logo in 1960, which features a simple, blue octagon with a white stylized image of a flame.

2. Xerox

Geismar designed the Xerox logo in 1968, which features the word “Xerox” in a distinctive, sans-serif font with the “X” and “o” letters connected in a loop.

3. PBS

Geismar, along with his design team at Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv, created the logo for PBS in 1984. The design features a stylized profile of a man with a bow tie, formed by three circles of varying sizes.

4. Univision

Geismar designed the logo for Spanish-language TV network Univision in 2012, which features a simplified version of the network’s name with a distinctive “U” shape in red and blue.

Today, Geismar continues to work as a designer and is widely regarded as one of the most influential graphic designers of his generation.

His legacy can be seen in the countless logos and visual identities that he has created over the course of his illustrious career.

8. Lindon Leader

Lindon Leader is an American graphic designer who is best known for creating some of the most iconic logos in the world. He studied at the University of Illinois and began his career working for various design firms before founding his own studio, Leader Creative, in 1993.

Lindon Leader is a graphic designer who has worked on a variety of branding and visual identity projects throughout his career. Here are some of his most famous logo designs:

1. FedEx

In 1994, Leader designed the logo for FedEx, the global shipping and logistics company. The logo features a simple, bold font with a hidden arrow between the “E” and the “X”, which symbolizes the company’s commitment to speed and precision.

The logo has become one of the most recognizable in the world and is often cited as an example of effective logo design.

2. Hawaiian Airlines

Leader also designed the logo for Hawaiian Airlines in 2001, which features a stylized version of a kapa print, a traditional Hawaiian fabric. The logo has helped the airline maintain a strong visual identity and a connection to its Hawaiian roots.

3. CIGNA

Leader redesigned the logo for CIGNA, a global health services company, in 2007. The new logo features a simple, modern design with a stylized tree symbol that represents the company’s focus on health and well-being. The logo has helped CIGNA establish a more recognizable and effective visual identity.

Leader’s most famous logo design is arguably the FedEx logo, which has become a classic example of effective and iconic logo design.

However, his work on logos for Hawaiian Airlines and CIGNA has also been influential in the world of branding and design, and has helped these companies establish strong visual identities that resonate with their audiences.

Today, Leader continues to work as a designer and consultant, and his work has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Clio Award for his work on the FedEx logo.

His legacy as one of the most influential logo designers of all time has secured his place in the pantheon of great designers.

9. Paula Scher

Paula Scher is a highly acclaimed American graphic designer and artist who was born in Virginia in 1948. After studying at the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, she began her career as a layout artist for Random House, and later became an art director at CBS Records.

In 1991, she joined the prestigious design agency Pentagram as a partner, and has since become one of the most influential designers of her generation.

Scher is perhaps best known for her bold and vibrant typography, which she has used to create some of the world’s most iconic logos, Some of his most notable logo designs include:

1. Citibank

Paula Scher designed the new logo for Citibank in 1998. The new design featured a red umbrella with the letters “CITI” in blue. The logo was a drastic departure from the previous design, which featured a simple blue and red rectangle.

2. The Public Theater

Scher designed the logo for The Public Theater in New York City in 1994. The logo features a red square with a white capital “P” in the center. The letter “P” is split into two halves, which represent the two stages of the theater.

3. Windows 8

Scher designed the logo for Windows 8 in 2012. The logo features a colorful windowpane design with four colored squares. The design was meant to represent the different functions and features of the operating system.

Throughout her career, Scher has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the AIGA Medal in 2001, the National Design Award for Communication Design in 2013, and the Cooper Hewitt Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

She is widely recognized as a pioneer in the field of graphic design, and continues to inspire and influence designers around the world with her innovative and visually striking work.

10. Wally Olins

Wally Olins (1930-2014) was a British brand consultant and graphic designer who is known for his pioneering work in the field of branding. He studied history at the University of Oxford before beginning his career as a copywriter at the advertising agency S.H. Benson.

In 1965, Olins founded the branding consultancy Wolff Olins, which quickly became one of the most influential and successful branding firms in the world.

While Wally Olins was not primarily a logo designer, he did play a significant role in branding some of the world’s most famous companies. Here are a few of the most iconic logos that he was involved with:

1. Orange

Wally Olins was responsible for the rebranding of the UK telecommunications company Orange in the mid-1990s. The original logo featured a simple wordmark in black and white, but Olins and his team at Wolff Olins sought to create a more dynamic and colorful identity that would appeal to a younger and more diverse audience.

The new logo featured the word “Orange” in a bold, lowercase sans-serif font, with the letters gradually shifting from yellow to orange.

2. Tate

Olins worked with the Tate art museums in London to create a new visual identity for the organization, which included a new logo featuring the word “Tate” in bold, sans-serif type.

3. BT

Olins helped to rebrand the UK telecommunications company BT in the 1990s, creating a new logo featuring the letters “BT” in bold, blue type.

Olins’ contributions to branding and design were focused on developing holistic brand strategies that incorporated visual identity, messaging, and other elements to create a cohesive and memorable brand experience for consumers.

While he may not have designed many logos himself, his influence on the branding industry and his role in creating some of the world’s most iconic brands cannot be overstated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the work of these 10 famous logo designers has had a profound impact on the world of branding and design, and their contributions to the field cannot be overstated.

Through their use of color, shape, typography, and other design elements, they have created logos that are not only visually stunning, but also instantly recognizable and memorable.

As we move further into the 21st century, the role of logo designers in shaping the visual landscape of the world will only become more important.

And while there will undoubtedly be new and talented designers who emerge on the scene, the legacy of these 10 famous logo designers will continue to inspire and influence generations of designers to come.