Famous Negative Space Logos
Logos are the most recognizable symbols of a brand, and they are designed to be simple, memorable, and representative of the company they represent. However, some of the most iconic logos have something in common: they use negative space to convey a deeper meaning.
Negative space is the empty space around or between the elements of an image or design. It can be used creatively to create a hidden message or to make the logo more visually interesting. Sometimes they create an image within the text while sometimes showing a hidden character within the image or artwork.
So negative space logos are usually designed smartly and ingeniously so that one can hardly notice their hidden meaning at first glance. But once they get to know about that, then their eyes automatically follow that negative space. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most famous negative space logos and the fascinating stories behind their designs.
1. FedEx
The FedEx logo is one of the most famous negative space logos in the world. Designed by Lindon Leader in 1994, the logo is a classic example of how negative space can be used to create a hidden meaning. At first glance, the logo appears to be a simple wordmark, but on closer inspection, you can see an arrow between the letters E and X.
This arrow represents the company’s focus on speed and efficiency in delivering packages, and it has become a symbol of the brand’s commitment to reliable and fast delivery. The use of negative space in the FedEx logo has been so successful that it has won numerous design awards and is often cited as one of the best logos of all time. The FedEx logo got the Ample Design Award for its distinctive outlook.
2. WWF
WWF (World Wildlife Fund) is an organization working for the protection of species and their habitats. It is on a mission to conserve local resources with the help of community members.
The WWF logo is one of the most recognizable and iconic logos in the world. Designed by Sir Peter Scott in 1961, the logo features a stylized panda in black and white, set against a green backdrop. The panda was chosen as the symbol for the World Wildlife Fund (now the World Wide Fund for Nature) due to its endangered status and its universal appeal. The use of negative space in the logo, with the panda’s shape created by the white space within the black, gives the logo a sense of simplicity and elegance that has made it enduringly popular.
The WWF logo has become a symbol of the organization’s mission to protect the planet and its biodiversity. The green colour of the logo represents the earth and its natural resources, while the panda symbolizes the need to protect and preserve the world’s endangered species. The logo has been used in countless campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness about conservation issues and has become a powerful symbol of the environmental movement.
Over the years, the WWF logo has undergone some minor updates and modifications, but the basic design has remained unchanged. Their negative space panda icon is in use since 1986. It has become an instantly recognizable brand that has helped to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and the need to protect the planet for future generations. Today, the WWF logo remains an enduring symbol of hope and the power of positive action to make a difference in the world.
3. NBC
NBC stands for the National Broadcasting Company. It is an American commercial broadcast television and radio network. The NBC network logo is another perfect example of a negative space logo. It has a peacock head hiding there within the colourful feathers. This clever incorporation of the peacock image makes it a classic negative space logo.
4. Formula 1
The Formula 1 (F1) logo visibly has a black F and a red pattern which signifies speed. But, if we closely look at the design we can see that there is also a shape of 1 hiding between the letter F and the red pattern. This clever idea of a negative space logo design is truly admirable. This formula 1 logo was in use from 1994 till 2017. Now it’s using a new version of the logo which is totally different.
5. Tour De France
The Tour De France logo also carries some hidden meanings that’s why we also include it in the list of famous negative space logos. If we closely look at the Tour de France logo, the yellow circle not only represents the summer sun but also doubles up the bicycle wheel. The letter “R” of the word “Tour” also creatively represents a cyclist.
6. Pinterest
Pinterest is an image-sharing and social media service designed to discover information on the internet using images. On Pinterest, users can pin web clipping onto their own customizable board. That’s why a pin has been incorporated into the letter P to represent that idea of pinning.
What is your favourite negative space logo design?
