The Nike logo or the “Swoosh” is one of the best logos of all time. And when you look at the fact that one young designer created it as a freelance project it shines even more.
History
The Nike swoosh design was created in 1971 by Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student at Portland State University and chosen by Phil Knight and other Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS) executives for a shoe line. The total invoice for the logo was $35 (in todays dollars that is $155). The mark was designed for a shoe brand and not the company, however, the iconic design took on a life of it’s own and BRS was renamed Nike, Inc in 1978.
The Nike swoosh design was created in 1971 by Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student at Portland State University and chosen by Phil Knight and other Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS) executives for a shoe line. The total invoice for the logo was $35 (in todays dollars that is $155). The mark was designed for a shoe brand and not the company, however, the iconic design took on a life of it’s own and BRS was renamed Nike, Inc in 1978.
Meaning
The idea behind the Nike logo is the wings of NIke, the Greek Goddess of victory. Now, some also argue that the logo simply means motion and movement. Although one could reasonability suggest the logo could also represent a runners foot in starting position, which is a good guess because the original Nike shoe line was for track and field.
The idea behind the Nike logo is the wings of NIke, the Greek Goddess of victory. Now, some also argue that the logo simply means motion and movement. Although one could reasonability suggest the logo could also represent a runners foot in starting position, which is a good guess because the original Nike shoe line was for track and field.