The best logos of the 1960s
The swinging sixties was a decade synonymous with change, revolution, and creativity. This was not only a period of cultural shifts but also an iconic era for design—and logos from this time have left an indelible mark on the branding landscape. The best logos of the 1960s carried simplicity, boldness, and an essence of the zeitgeist that remains influential even today.
One cannot talk about logos from the 60s without mentioning the legendary work of graphic designer Saul Bass. Known for his innovative movie title sequences, Bass also crafted some of the most enduring corporate identities. The minimalist AT&T bell logo and the avant-garde, geometric design for United Airlines both sprung from his studio during this time, encapsulating a sense of modernity that was sweeping across America.
Another standout logo from this period is the iconic Volkswagen emblem. The VW badge saw savvy refinements in the 60s which bolstered its appeal as a symbol of reliable German engineering coupled with a friendly face amidst an era that was starting to focus on environmental consciousness.
IBM’s logo evolution in 1966 under the direction of Paul Rand refined their existing logo into striped letters, suggesting “speed and dynamism”, which captured the progressive spirit of technology and business very much indicative of that era.
Further infusing pop colors and fun into branding, the 7 UP logo underwent a striking redesign by releasing its “bubble” version displaying lively typography along with bubbly graphics which aptly reflected the exuberant spirit of the decade.
And who could forget about Ford Mustang? Introduced halfway through the decade, its galloping horse emblem quickly became associated with freedom and power at a time when America’s love affair with cars was peaking.
Focusing on visual clarity and adaptability which enabled these logos to be easily recognized whether on a moving vehicle, storefront signage or paper print adverts—they underscored an essential aspect of strong brand identity.
Each logo mentioned here has demonstrated longevity; transcending their original time period to become timeless icons in their own right. Their designs are simple yet profound; an intertwining dance between form, function, and cultural significance. They stand as unparalleled examples of how branding done right during the formative years can leave a lasting legacy for decades to come.