18 Secret Messages Hidden in Famous Logos
Discover the subtle secrets and clever designs hidden within the logos of some of the world's most iconic brands.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Logos are more than just brand identifiers; they’re a canvas for creativity and hidden meanings. This listicle unveils 18 ingenious logo designs that incorporate hidden symbols and messages, showcasing the artistry and thoughtfulness behind brand imagery. Prepare to see these familiar logos in a whole new light.
1. FedEx: The Hidden Arrow
FedEx on Wikimedia Commons
At first glance, the FedEx logo appears straightforward. However, a closer look reveals a hidden arrow formed by the negative space between the letters ‘E’ and ‘x’. This subtle design symbolizes speed and precision, embodying the company’s commitment to swift deliveries.
2. Amazon: From A to Z
Amazon.com, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
Amazon’s logo features a curved arrow that starts at ‘A’ and ends at ‘Z’, signifying the company’s vast product range. Additionally, the arrow doubles as a smile, reflecting Amazon’s focus on customer satisfaction.
3. Toblerone: The Bear in the Mountain
George Gillams on Wikimedia Commons
The Toblerone logo features a mountain that, upon closer inspection, contains the silhouette of a bear. This hidden bear pays homage to Bern, Switzerland — the city of the brand’s origin, known as the “City of Bears.”
4. Baskin Robbins: 31 Flavors
Omaraldanawafel on Wikimedia Commons
Baskin-Robbins cleverly incorporates the number ‘31’ into the pink portions of the ‘B’ and ‘R’ in its logo, representing the original 31 flavors — one for each day of the month.
5. Toyota: Every Letter Counts
Toyota on Wikimedia Commons
Toyota’s logo comprises three overlapping ovals that, when dissected, reveal every letter of the word ‘Toyota’. This intricate design reflects the company’s attention to detail and innovation.
6. NBC: The Peacock’s Pride
NBCUniversal on Wikimedia Commons
NBC’s vibrant logo features a peacock with six colorful feathers, each representing a division of the network. The peacock looks to the right, symbolizing the company’s forward-thinking approach.
7. Hershey’s Kisses: The Hidden Kiss
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
Between the ‘K’ and ‘I’ in the Hershey’s Kisses logo lies a subtle silhouette of a Hershey’s Kiss chocolate, cleverly integrated into the design to reinforce brand identity.
8. Cisco: Bridging Connections
Cisco on Wikimedia Commons
The vertical lines in Cisco’s logo represent both digital signals and the Golden Gate Bridge, symbolizing the company’s San Francisco roots and its role in connecting people through technology.
9. Tostitos: Sharing the Flavor
fr:Tostitos on Wikimedia Commons
In the Tostitos logo, the two ‘T’s represent people dipping a chip into the dot of the ‘I’, which doubles as a bowl of salsa, emphasizing the brand’s focus on sharing and enjoyment.
10. Beats by Dre: Personal Sound
Monster Cable Products, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
The Beats logo features a lowercase ‘b’ inside a circle, resembling a person wearing headphones, highlighting the brand’s focus on personal audio experiences.
11. Hyundai: The Handshake
Hyundai Motorsport on Wikimedia Commons
Hyundai’s stylized ‘H’ logo represents two individuals shaking hands — one being the company representative and the other a satisfied customer, symbolizing trust and satisfaction.
12. Pinterest: The Hidden Pin
Michael Deal and Juan Carlos Pagan on Wikimedia Commons
The Pinterest logo features a stylized ‘P’ that subtly resembles a pushpin, cleverly aligning with the platform’s concept of “pinning” ideas and inspirations. This design choice reinforces the brand’s identity as a digital pinboard.
13. LG: Life’s Good with a Smile
LG Corporation on Wikimedia Commons
LG’s logo incorporates the letters ‘L’ and ‘G’ within a circle to form a stylized smiling human face, conveying friendliness and approachability. This design reflects the company’s slogan, “Life’s Good,” and its commitment to customer satisfaction.
14. Unilever: A Universe of Icons The US Sun +14
DeeDorm on Wikimedia Commons
Unilever’s logo is a mosaic of 25 distinct icons forming the letter ‘U,’ each symbolizing aspects of the company’s diverse product range and values. From a spoon representing nutrition to a heart symbolizing love and care, the design encapsulates Unilever’s commitment to sustainable living.
15. Goodwill: The Smiling “G”
Goodwill Industries of Central Florida: Our History and Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin: History on Wikimedia Commons
At first glance, Goodwill’s logo appears to be a simple smiling face. However, upon closer inspection, the face is actually a stylized lowercase ‘g’. This clever design, known as the “Smiling G,” symbolizes the organization’s mission to bring joy and opportunity through donated goods and community programs.
16. Milwaukee Brewers: Glove with Hidden Letters
Milwaukee Brewers via tradingcarddb.com on Wikimedia Commons
At first glance, the Milwaukee Brewers’ logo appears as a simple baseball glove. However, a closer look reveals that the glove cleverly incorporates the letters ‘M’ and ‘B’, representing ‘Milwaukee Brewers’. This design showcases the team’s identity in a subtle yet creative manner.
17. Continental: Tire Within the Name
Continental Ag on Wikimedia Commons
Continental, known for its automotive products, has a logo in which the first two letters, “C” and “o,” are designed to resemble tires. This subtle design element reinforces the company’s association with the automotive industry and its products.
18. Travelodge: Hidden Sleeper in the Hills
Rose and Trev Clough on Wikimedia Commons
At first glance, the Travelodge logo appears to depict stylized hills under a sunset. However, a closer look reveals the silhouette of a person sleeping, cleverly integrated into the design. This subtle imagery reinforces the brand’s focus on providing restful accommodations.