In the fast-paced world of branding, a logo serves as the face of a company. For automotive giants like Volvo, a logo isn’t just a design element; it carries a wealth of history and represents the brand’s identity and values. This article delves into the artistic journey of redesigning the Volvo logo, reflecting on its rich history, modern design practices, and the creative tools that facilitate this evolution.

Understanding the Volvo Brand

Volvo, the iconic Swedish automobile manufacturer, derives its name from the Latin term “Volver,” which means “to roll.” Established in the early 20th century, this brand has undergone numerous transformations. The history of the Volvo logo captures the essence of its journey from a sturdy, industrial manufacturer to a leader in luxury electric vehicles, embracing sustainability with ambitions to be fully electric by 2030.

A Look Back at Volvo’s Logo History

Examining the evolution of the Volvo logo reveals significant milestones:

• 1927-1930: The first logo featured a blue oval shape with an orange tan stroke, reflecting the bold character of the brand.
• 1959-1970: This era saw the introduction of the circle and arrow symbol associated with the male gender, although Volvo intended it to represent the Roman God of War Mars and the ancient mark of iron.
• 1999: A shift to a more three-dimensional logo with a metallic finish showcased the strength and durability synonymous with the brand.
• 2020: A simplified version replaced the blue and silver with a streamlined black logo, enhancing brand recognition in a contemporary context.

Why Redesign the Volvo Logo?

Redesigning a logo isn’t merely about aesthetics – it’s a strategic move to align with current market trends, target audience preferences, and brand values. Given Volvo’s commitment to electric vehicles and sustainability, refreshing the logo helps reinforce its identity as a leader in these areas.

The Creative Process: From Sketch to Digital

Preliminary Sketching

The initial stage of the redesign process involves brainstorming and sketching ideas, which is crucial for laying a solid foundation. The designer organizes sketches into defined spaces to foster creativity while retaining clarity.

• Incorporate Brand Elements: As sketches evolve, the designer explores integrating the letter “V” with geometric shapes and iconic symbols from Volvo’s past, maintaining the integrity of the circle-arrow emblem while innovating.
• Diversity in Designs: A handful of sketches—ranging from 15 to 45—can yield unexpected inspirations, making it essential to explore various concepts instead of settling on the first idea.

Using Creative Assets

To enhance the design process, leveraging platforms like Envato Elements allows access to a vast library of fonts, templates, and mock-ups. This platform is particularly useful for:

• Font Selection: Finding the right typography to complement logo designs is critical. With numerous options available, visualizing their impact on the brand’s identity is key to making informed decisions.
• Mock-up Creation: Once the design is finalized, applying it to realistic mock-ups using Envato’s templates aids in visualizing how the new logo will appear in various contexts, whether on vehicle branding or marketing materials.

The Final Touch: Color Schemes

Selecting the right color palette is integral to brand identity. While the designer considers tradition by revisiting historical color choices, incorporating fresh shades can symbolize modernity and innovation. The process may involve:

• Color Exploration: Using color palette tools can help generate harmonious combinations that evoke the desired feelings associated with the brand.
• Making Adjustments: It’s vital to test color choices against different backgrounds to ensure optimal visibility and aesthetic appeal across diverse marketing platforms.

Presenting the Redesign

After careful considerations and revisions, the final logo design is ready to be showcased. The end product should visually communicate the ideals that Volvo embodies—luxury, sophistication, and a commitment to sustainability. The mock-ups demonstrate the versatility of the new logo in real-world contexts, enhancing its relevance and familiarity to the audience.

Conclusion

Redesigning a logo like Volvo’s is an intricate process that blends history, creativity, and strategic branding. By appreciating and understanding the elements of design and brand identity, companies can forge modern representations that resonate with contemporary values and future aspirations.

If you enjoyed this exploration of the logo redesign process and would like to see more behind-the-scenes content, please like and share this article. Let us know your thoughts on branding evolutions or tell us which logo redesign you’d like to see next!