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Starbucks 1987 Original Logo PNG

Debra Aug 16, 2026

In the realm of iconic branding, few logos have stood the test of time as prominently as Starbucks' circular badge. But have you ever paused to appreciate the journey of its evolution, particularly the year 1987? Let's delve into the history and significance of the Starbucks logo in 1987, focusing on the PNG format that has since become ubiquitous in digital contexts.

the starbucks logo is shown in four different colors and styles, including brown, green, and white
the starbucks logo is shown in four different colors and styles, including brown, green, and white

Before we dive into the specifics of the 1987 logo, let's briefly explore its inception. Initially designed by Terry Heckler during Starbucks' early years in 1971, the logo was a simple image of a norse woodcutter namedathyrat, a symbol selected for its representation of the company's roots – a small coffee shop. However, in 1987, a significant revision to this logo drew attention for its departure from the original concept while still retaining elementi of its past.

Starbucks Logo and symbol, meaning, history, PNG, brand
Starbucks Logo and symbol, meaning, history, PNG, brand

The 1987 Starbucks Logo Design

The 1987 Starbucks logo introduced a departure from the traditional brown hue, opting for a greener tone. This change signified the company's commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices, a value that became a hallmark of Starbucks' corporate social responsibility efforts.

the starbucks logo is shown in green and white, with stars on it's head
the starbucks logo is shown in green and white, with stars on it's head

However, the most notable feature of the 1987 logo was the simplified crown Awesome, a visual cue that subtly hinted at the royal quality of the coffee beans sourced by Starbucks. Though therowning the two-tailed siren remained prominent, the crown below added a tier to the logo, representing the company's growing aspirations and expansion beyond its original Pike Place Market roots.

The Evolution of the Siren Figure

starbucks coffee and tea logo on a white background
starbucks coffee and tea logo on a white background

The siren figure at the heart of the Starbucks logo has been an enduring symbol, but her presentation has evolved over time. In 1987, the siren's appearance was refined, with more distinct features than her earlier iteration. Her hair, for instance, was designed to mimic the waves of the sea, a nod to Starbucks' maritime-inspired name and the global sourcing of its coffee beans.

Moreover, her twin tales were deliberately positioned to evoke the image of a serpant, further reinforcing the connection to ancient seafaring tales and mythology. The 1987 logo saw a more assertive presentation of the siren, as Starbucks sought to establish a more confident and powerful brand identity.

The PNG Format: A Modern Touch

the starbucks logo is shown in green and white, with stars on it's side
the starbucks logo is shown in green and white, with stars on it's side

The Portable Network Graphics (PNG) format, introduced in 1995, quickly became the preferred choice for web-based graphics, thanks to its ability to support transparency and lossless compression. While the 1987 Starbucks logo predates the PNG format, its widespread availability today enables users to access this iconic branding image in a modern, digital-friendly format.

Searching for "Starbucks logo 1987 png" yields a wealth of resources, demonstrating the enduring relevance of this design. Whether you're a brand enthusiast, a historian, or a designer seeking inspiration, exploring the 1987 Starbucks logo in PNG format offers a glimpse into the evolution of one of the world's most recognizable brands.

The 1987 Starbucks Logo: A Turning Point

Starbucks Cafe Coffee Logo Restaurant PNG
Starbucks Cafe Coffee Logo Restaurant PNG

The 1987 Starbucks logo marked a pivotal moment in the company's visual identity. It signified a shift towards a more subtle, sophisticated, and sustainability-focused brand image. While the original logo was deeply rooted in its local and maritime heritage, the 1987 revision hinted at Starbucks' aspirations to become a global coffee leader.

This evolution also mirrored the broader growth and transformation of the company during the 1980s and 1990s. As Starbucks expanded its reach, both domestically and internationally, the 1987 logo served as a visual cue for the brand's maturing identity and its commitment to responsible business practices.

Starbucks logo download in SVG vector format or in PNG format
Starbucks logo download in SVG vector format or in PNG format
the starbucks logo is shown in black on a white background, and it says starbucks
the starbucks logo is shown in black on a white background, and it says starbucks
the starbucks logo is shown in black and white, with stars on it's side
the starbucks logo is shown in black and white, with stars on it's side
Free Starbucks Logo SVG - Cut Files for Cricut | 8SVG
Free Starbucks Logo SVG - Cut Files for Cricut | 8SVG
Your ultimate guide to logo design
Your ultimate guide to logo design
Starbucks Coffee Logo Transparent Background
Starbucks Coffee Logo Transparent Background
Logotipos de Starbucks: así ha evolucionado a lo largo de los años
Logotipos de Starbucks: así ha evolucionado a lo largo de los años
Starbucks Logo - Starbucks Coffee Logo PNG
Starbucks Logo - Starbucks Coffee Logo PNG
A History of the Starbucks Logo
A History of the Starbucks Logo

The Legacy of the 1987 Starbucks Logo

The 1987 Starbucks logo is a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted branding. Its sustained relevance, even as the company's visual identity has evolved, underlines the timelessness of a design that resonated with consumers and industry stakeholders alike. In the decades since its introduction, the 1987 logo has become a fixture in the annals of branding history.

Today, searching for "Starbucks logo 1987 png" yields not just a fascinating historical artifact but also a powerful reminder of the importance of visual storytelling and consistent brand messaging. As businesses sought to establish themselves in an increasingly competitive market, the 1987 Starbucks logo demonstrated the value of a design that balances heritage with contemporary relevance and sustainability with aspiration.

In conclusion, the Starbucks logo of 1987, now readily available in PNG format, stands as a landmark in the evolution of one of the world's most iconic brands. Its commitment to sustainability, refined design, and subtle nods to the company's heritage have combined to create a logo that remains relevant and recognizable today. As we continue to explore the history of branding and the visual language of successful businesses, the 1987 Starbucks logo offers a compelling case study in the power of purpose-driven design.