The global donut company and coffeehouse Dunkin’ Donuts adopted its first logo in 1950, the same year it was founded. It was a dark red wordmark in a cursive script very similar to handwriting.
Meaning and history
The company’s mascot, called Dunkie, appeared on the Dunkin Donuts logo in 1955. The dancing Dunkie’s body was made of a mug, while his hands, legs, and head were made of donuts. Over the mug, the 1950 script logo could be seen. This version was registered in 1961.
1950
The oldest Dunkin’ Donuts logo on our list bore nothing in common with the current one. Both the brown color and the handwritten script were so much unlike the cheerful and plump letters we are used to.
1960
Here, we see the familiar candy shade of pink – it has remained on the emblem ever since. The type used for the company name is different, though. The cup is a symbolic way to say the company sells coffee, while the way the brand name is given represents a donut.
1967
The pictorial part was dismissed and replaced by the words “Dunkin’ Donuts” in orange and pink. The friendly type looked edible, and there was a candy feel about the colors.
2002
A steaming styrofoam coffee cup appeared to the left of the company name. This move made the logo better reflect the range of products offered to the clients.
2007
Brown outline and details were added to the cup, resulting in a more contrast look. A half of the rectangle behind the cup was colored orange and the “DD” abbreviation appeared on the cup.
2019
The company changed its name and logo to better fit the range of products the company offers. While the old version said: “donuts and coffee” (in the language of symbols), the current Dunkin’ logo does not give any details and therefore allows a broader interpretation.
Evolution of the symbol
In 1960, the hot pink color made its debut on the logo. The symbol itself depicted a stylized coffee cup with the words “Dunkin’ Donuts” given as a circle.
In 1976, the orange color appeared on the emblem. The updated logotype consisted only of the company’s name.
Emblem
In addition to the pink-and-orange wordmark, the current version, which was adopted in 2006, includes a steaming coffee cup outlined in brown with a “DD” monogram.
Font
The typeface looks very similar to the Frankfurter and Debussy fonts. The letters look plump and round to the point of being appetizing, which seems perfectly natural for a company specializing in donuts.
Color
The combination of magenta and orange on the white background creates a cheerful, happy mood.
