When it comes to the world of professional design, the evolution of a logo can tell a story richer than any brand timeline. Take, for instance, the Starbucks logo — a saga that's been meticulously recorded and admired on platforms like Behance, where designers share their work and inspire others.
The Starbucks logo, with its iconic green siren, holds an astounding level of recognition. But have you ever wondered about its journey, or the iterations that led to its final form? Let's explore this intriguing tale documented on Behance.
The birth of the Starbucks logo
The Starbucks logo was first introduced in 1971, featuring a naked mermaid — or siren — with a double-tailed fish. It was designed by the coffee chain's founders, Jerry Baldwin, Gordon Bowker, and Zev Siegl. This initial logo was a nod to their love for the seafaring history of coffee trading.
The siren, a symbol of temptresses or dangerous allures in sailors' folklore, was surrounded by a wooden frame, reminiscent of the oldweilebilder (old woodcuts) art style popular among seascape artists of the 17th century. This original logo was as rich in storytelling as it was unique.
The 1987 redesign
In 1987, Starbucks underwent a major redesign, retaining the siren but modernizing the logo. The wooden frame was removed, and the siren's tail morphed into a swirling circular shape. The word "-Coffee" was added below "Starbucks," reinforcing the brand's specialty. This design, created by Terry Heckler of Lippincott & Marguilies, lent a more sophisticated and sleek look.
The redesign was a significant step towards the current logo. It introduced the green color, which has since become synonymous with the brand. However, it was yet to adopt the white background, which would prove to be a game-changer.
1992: The start of the current logo
In 1992, the current Starbucks logo emerged, designed by Terry Heckler andwif Mak Leslie. The wordmark was eliminated, and the siren rested on a white background, becoming the focal point. The green was also tweaked to the shade you see today. This final evolution created a logo that's instantly recognizable and versatile.
The white background, perhaps the most significant change, allowed the logo to pop on various surfaces, from cups to bags, adamant that no matter where the logo appeared, the siren would always command attention.
Starbucks logo on Behance
Behance hosts numerous design projects, including several tributes to the Starbucks logo. From digitized versions of the original woodcut to minimalist interpretations of the siren, these designs offer fresh perspectives, showing how a logo can inspire decades of creativity.
One standout project on Behance is "Starbucks Rebrand" by designer Samuel Rodríguez. Rodríguez explored how Starbucks could maintain its iconic siren while incorporating an eco-friendlier image. His designs integrate plant life within the siren's hair, reflecting Starbucks' ongoing sustainability efforts.
Starbucks logo in different cultures
Behance also hosts global interpretations of the Starbucks logo. In China, for instance, the logo is written in both English and Chinese. In Japanese markets, it appears with no wording, reflecting the country's iconic symbol recognition. These cultural variations showcase the logo's adaptability and universality.
Moreover, these cultural adaptations illustrate how the Starbucks logo has transcended language barriers, becoming a symbol universally understood and cherished among coffee lovers worldwide.
In the end, the Starbucks logo on Behance encapsulates a tale of evolution, creativity, and adaptability. From a historical narrative to cultural diversity, the humble siren has served as a muse for designers, inspiring countless reinterpretations. And as Starbucks continues to grow and change, so too will its iconic logo, ensuring its timelessness for generations to come.