Beyond the colours: The story behind Google's iconic logo
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There are few company logos out there more recognisable and iconic than Google, but do you actually know what's behind the colourful design we all have grown so familiar with?
As it turns out, the Google logo we know and love today has come a long way since it was first conceived back in 1998.
Stanford University students and Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin created the first iteration of the logo, which featured an exclamation mark alongside the usual three primary colours (blue, yellow and red).
The logo also included a singular secondary colour, which was… you guessed it, green.
Alas, the founders weren't satisfied with the design of the logo, so they turned to an assistant professor at Stanford, Ruth Kadar, with the task of giving it a complete overhaul.
And so, to help the logo stand out from the monotonous sea of contemporary corporate symbols, the primary colours were switched up and placed in the letters, not to mention that the letter 'L' was given a brilliant shade of green.
It was a move that paid off in the end. Sure, the new logo was similar to the old one, but it was given a distinct personality of its own—much more exciting, yet still professional.
But, interestingly, what's most fascinating and impressive about the logo isn't how visually appealing it is, but instead, it's the deeper meaning bound up tight in those memorable colours.
As it turns out, Google's choice of colours for its brand is rooted in significance and purpose.
Blue speaks of trust, reliability and security, perfectly encapsulating the dependable nature of the company. Then there's red—the very symbol of excitement and passion—which masterfully encapsulates the power and energetic core of Google.
A splash of cheerful yellow is also thrown in for good measure, signifying creativity and innovation both. Green, meanwhile, is a reminder of growth and also embodies the company's unwavering commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
As a whole, it creates a succinct yet powerful representation of Google's character.
So while the logo has gone through many changes since the late 90s, the colour scheme, which first started off as the founders' attempt to create a logo that stood out from competitors, has been, and continues to be, the source of Google's global visual recognition.
Credit: Hilton Animations.
In 2015, the logo was again tweaked, this time only slightly. The font was switched to Product Sans whilst keeping the original colour pattern.
For those handy with a graphic design programme, you'll be familiar with the logo comprised of a vibrant letter 'G', which appears on various Google-service-associated products, like Google Pay, as well as the tab bearing the same colour at the top of your browser when a Google webpage is open.
And have you ever wondered about the ever-changing homepage illustrations?
Many often overlook the concept and significance of Google Doodle, which first came about when a Google intern at the time, Dennis Hwang, designed a doodle drawing for Bastille Day (14th July). The act earned him the role of 'chief doodler'.
Currently, the doodle is used to celebrate milestones, people and events of importance both globally and locally.
There you have it! Now you know the true significance behind the world's most famous logo and all the meaningful values and qualities closely associated with Google. What do you think about it, folks? Are there any other well-known and iconic logos with lesser-known backstories? Share them with us in the comments below!
As it turns out, the Google logo we know and love today has come a long way since it was first conceived back in 1998.
Stanford University students and Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin created the first iteration of the logo, which featured an exclamation mark alongside the usual three primary colours (blue, yellow and red).
The logo also included a singular secondary colour, which was… you guessed it, green.
The colours of the iconic logo have a surprising backstory. Credit: Google.
Alas, the founders weren't satisfied with the design of the logo, so they turned to an assistant professor at Stanford, Ruth Kadar, with the task of giving it a complete overhaul.
And so, to help the logo stand out from the monotonous sea of contemporary corporate symbols, the primary colours were switched up and placed in the letters, not to mention that the letter 'L' was given a brilliant shade of green.
It was a move that paid off in the end. Sure, the new logo was similar to the old one, but it was given a distinct personality of its own—much more exciting, yet still professional.
But, interestingly, what's most fascinating and impressive about the logo isn't how visually appealing it is, but instead, it's the deeper meaning bound up tight in those memorable colours.
As it turns out, Google's choice of colours for its brand is rooted in significance and purpose.
Blue speaks of trust, reliability and security, perfectly encapsulating the dependable nature of the company. Then there's red—the very symbol of excitement and passion—which masterfully encapsulates the power and energetic core of Google.
A splash of cheerful yellow is also thrown in for good measure, signifying creativity and innovation both. Green, meanwhile, is a reminder of growth and also embodies the company's unwavering commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
As a whole, it creates a succinct yet powerful representation of Google's character.
So while the logo has gone through many changes since the late 90s, the colour scheme, which first started off as the founders' attempt to create a logo that stood out from competitors, has been, and continues to be, the source of Google's global visual recognition.
Credit: Hilton Animations.
In 2015, the logo was again tweaked, this time only slightly. The font was switched to Product Sans whilst keeping the original colour pattern.
For those handy with a graphic design programme, you'll be familiar with the logo comprised of a vibrant letter 'G', which appears on various Google-service-associated products, like Google Pay, as well as the tab bearing the same colour at the top of your browser when a Google webpage is open.
And have you ever wondered about the ever-changing homepage illustrations?
Many often overlook the concept and significance of Google Doodle, which first came about when a Google intern at the time, Dennis Hwang, designed a doodle drawing for Bastille Day (14th July). The act earned him the role of 'chief doodler'.
Currently, the doodle is used to celebrate milestones, people and events of importance both globally and locally.
There you have it! Now you know the true significance behind the world's most famous logo and all the meaningful values and qualities closely associated with Google. What do you think about it, folks? Are there any other well-known and iconic logos with lesser-known backstories? Share them with us in the comments below!
