Band logos!! ?
…So many have stood the test of time – some have even transcended the bands they were designed to represent.?
Here are 5 of our favorite band logos we believe have done just that:
1. Rolling Stones (Designed by John Pasche)
Why we love it: The Rolling Stones logo has stood the test of time. Through any age and era, this logo always grabs attention. In fact, it’s become such a big part of culture that it would be hard for someone to do anything similar without it feeling like they were copying.
The logo takes a space in our mind and owns it. Obviously, if the Stones weren’t one of the biggest bands ever this logo might have just faded into time – but the fact is that it’s still here and the Stones have never had to refresh it, which says a lot.
2. Wu-Tang Clan (Designed by Ronald Bean)
Why we love it: The font on this logo is a bit clunky, but we love this logo for its sheer icon status. The unique shape that reminds us of a bird – like a falcon or phoenix – is unmissable and ultimately recognizable.
While the Wu-Tang Clan was huge in its day, it’s amazing that this logo has had a life even beyond the band and become a cultural symbol.
With the distinct shape and imagery connected to mastery, kung fu and martial arts, it represents not only a group of rappers, but an era.
3. Daft Punk (Designed by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo)
Why we love it: The “Cool” factor. The splatter paint effect – even in black and white – has been used in multiple iterations – metallic, rainbow, one-color.
The simple design is infinitely mutable. It says “we don’t care about our logo”, we’re just throwing stuff against the wall and seeing what sticks. So it’s interesting that this design – a result of Daft Punk rising to such great heights – has been cemented in our minds.
The symmetry plays a big part in the logo’s success. Four letters per line feels balanced and solid. The “t” drifting off to the side creates a sense of movement… We can’t say this was all intentional, but not all great things begin with complete intentions.
Over time, they gain significance as we ask the question, “what makes this great?”
4. Aphex Twin (Designed by Paul Nicholson)
Why we love it: We love this logo because of how well it represents the band in addition to a time in history, while also feeling timeless.
The A and the T are abstracted and have a techno vibe to them… A nineties version of tech that included rounded corners and angles which reminds us of a motherboard layout.
To us this logo also feels like two fingers that form an A. And while that wasn’t the intention behind it, it’s always cool to look at art from a perspective of seeing everyday objects or shapes reimagined.
(Here’s a look into how this logo was created)
5. Nine Inch Nails (Designed by Trent Reznor and Gary Talpas)
Why we love it: The NIN logo is a perfect example of how simplicity and symmetry work together to create timeless design.
On a certain level, we feel this logo is a product of its time – the sharpness of its corners, the hardness of its edges are definitely very 80s. But, even looking at it today, it makes sense. It doesn’t feel dated. It also doesn’t feel like it could be any better.
Perhaps there’s a world where a version of this logo would have all the horizontal and vertical lines consistent width. Maybe it would work. But this is one of those situations where you say, “why fix it if it ain’t broke?”
This logo symbolizes the band’s edgy industrial roots. It’s almost architected as opposed to designed which is why it feels like it stands so solid.
