The Starbucks logo is one of the most recognizable worldwide, thanks to its green color and the siren that is automatically associated with Starbucks coffee. Although the siren has been in the logo since the very beginning, the Starbucks logo has evolved since its first release in 1971. Here is the Starbucks logo timeline!
Starbucks was founded in 1971 in Seattle by 3 partners Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker. Originally called Pequod, they quickly changed the name to Starbucks thanks to the advice of their designer Terry Heckler. The original logo, consisting of a mermaid with two tails, was imagined by Heckler. In Greek mythology, this mermaid attracted sailors to the coast of an island named Starbuck. So they used the image of the siren to attract coffee lovers to come and drink theirs.
The logo drastically changed in 1987 when the company moved from Starbucks Coffee Tea and Spice to Starbucks Coffee. The logo was changed to an uncluttered design and the green color was introduced to represent freshness as well as prosperity while the company was acquired by Howard Schultz.
Reworked in 1992, the third version of the logo was even more refined. The navel of the siren disappears while it is closer to the frame.
It is in 2011 that the current version was adopted. Even more refined, the words Starbucks and Coffee were completely removed, as well as the black color. While retaining the legacy of the company, the new logo provides more flexibility to think beyond the coffee.
What do you think about the Starbucks logo story?