The history of logos is relatively arbitrary starting in 1899. It was then that the first graphic image appeared, which became the official presentation of the trademark HMV.
Formally, the logo as a graphic image associated with a trademark is a product of the twentieth century with its technologies and competitive struggle in the markets. However, in reality, it can be said that earlier images played an important role in communication. And first of all, we are talking about heraldry, that is, the science of patrimonial arms. Aristocratic families, cities and countries had their own arms, where every element and even color had a special significance..
Companies – trading, manufacturing and providing other services – have used the previously invented promotion strategy, only now they have formed and maintained a reputation not of the family, but of the enterprise. And the rules of heraldic, mandatory for the arms, in the logos are not strictly observed.
By the way, the term itself appeared in the XIX century, but then it meant only font writing of the brand. The first logo, based on the image, appeared in the last years of the XIX century.
As often happens, the occasion for creating the first logo was the case. The dog whose master died, listened with great interest and attention to the voice of the latter, recorded on a phonograph. The brothers of the deceased drew attention to this and found this image very powerful and attractive. Therefore, in 1899, a picture of a dog listening to a phonograph was created.
However, in the Edison-Bell company, which produces phonographs, was not interested in it. But he was paid tribute to the competitors, in HMV, except that they asked to edit the technical device a little (in the figure, the drum phonograph from Edison-Bell company appeared, and after the changes it became disc). Even today, a dog listening to a phonograph meets customers in the salons of HMV.
The hero of the first officially registered trade logo was a British dog named Nipper. Even today, almost 120 years later, his name has been carefully preserved by HMV, a nameplate has been installed in the music store in Bristol, and a monument to this remarkable dog was erected near the house where Nipper lived. And in combination – the hero of the first graphic logo.
The top five officially registered logos also include: Bass beer, Coca-Cola drinks, and Gebrüder Thonet furniture.
In conclusion, the journey to discovering the first logo in the world takes us through a fascinating exploration of branding’s early days, where the amalgamation of creativity and identity began. This exploration reveals that the first logo designs were not merely symbols but served as a composite signature for their creators, blending promotional content with artistic expression. From the pages of ancient brochures to the digital screens of today, logos have evolved significantly. Brands like Qualcomm and Lego, though not the creators of the oldest logos, have nevertheless contributed to the rich tapestry of design history, showcasing how logos can encapsulate a company’s ethos within the contours of typography and illustrations.
The significance of these logos goes beyond their aesthetic appeal; they serve as a transparent background against which the evolution of marketing and communication strategies can be observed. By adopting the png format, these symbols achieve a level of versatility and clarity that allows them to traverse various platforms, from printed material to the digital globe, without losing their essence.
In essence, the quest for the perfect first logo underscores the importance of logos not just as a means of identification but as a testament to the ingenuity and foresight of their creators. It highlights how these early emblems, with their unique blend of illustrations and typography, set the stage for the myriad of designs that would follow, each telling its own story and leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of commercial history. This exploration into the realm of first logo designs not only enriches our understanding of graphic design’s roots but also inspires us to appreciate the depth and complexity behind the logos that color our world today.