Which iconic American brand has an arrow hidden on its logo?
Can you see the arrow in the logo? 12 American brands’ logos decoded!
Logos are everywhere: on billboards, coffee cups, your favorite gadgets—you name it! But how much attention do we really pay to the stories behind them? For example, did you know about the hidden arrow in the FedEx logo? And what about Tesla—is it just a T, or is there more to it? Big brands, big logos, big backstories—of course! Let’s take a fun dive into 12 iconic American brand logos and the hidden tales they tell.
Image: KelvinStuttard
Disney: A signature of magic
Some logos inspire happiness at first glance, don’t you think? Walt Disney’s logo is a perfect example for us. It’s playful and inviting, and that’s because it’s modeled after Walt Disney’s very own signature, or at least an artistic version of it.
The truth is that Walt’s actual handwriting looked pretty different from the logo we know today because he changed his signature frequently, making it nearly impossible to determine if this version was ever truly his. In any case, it was very successful, and if you ask us, this logo screams "happily ever after."
Image: Gui Avelar
McDonald’s: Golden arches or hidden symbol?
The moment you see a golden "M," your mouth starts watering, doesn’t it? However, the famous Golden Arches weren’t always part of McDonald’s logo history.
Back in the 1950s, they were part of the restaurant’s architecture, we mean actual arches on either side of the building!
When designing a logo, the company leaned into that imagery to create something unforgettable. Well, they definitely did it! And we’re lovin’ it!
Image: Janet Ganbold
Coca-Cola: Scripted for success
That classic Coca-Cola logo has remained surprisingly consistent since 1887. The secret? A font called Spencerian Script, which was highly fashionable back in the late 19th century.
The smooth, flowing letters give it a friendly, approachable feel, it’s like an invitation to "have a Coke and a smile."
Over the years, the brand played with design elements (remember the old glass bottles?), but the logo’s handwritten charm never wavered. The old-school way truly is the best way in some cases.
Image: Efekan Akyüz
Dove: A symbol of softness
Some logos are so powerful, that you can almost taste them. In this case, you can smell and feel it at the same time. Have you ever noticed the graceful bird on Dove products? That dove isn’t just for show, it represents peace, gentleness, and care, which is exactly what the brand aims to evoke.
When Dove first launched in 1955, its messaging was all about moisturizing and being kind to your skin. The logo, paired with the brand’s soothing colors, reinforces that sense of softness. It’s one of those designs that just feels good, even before you try the products.
Image: Akshay Bandre
Amazon: The smile that points the way
The story behind the name is quite fascinating, but let’s focus on the logo. Amazon’s logo isn’t just a smile—it’s a smile with a purpose. Look closely, and you’ll notice the arrow stretches from "A" to "Z," symbolizing the company’s goal to offer everything you could ever need.
And that curved arrow? It’s designed to look like a grin, giving the brand a friendly, customer-first vibe. With a logo this clever, it’s no surprise they’ve grown into an online shopping powerhouse. This is the kind of logo we like—what about you?
Image: Christian Wiediger
Google: The colors of curiosity
At first glance, one might think Google just put together the letters, chose random colors, and launched the site. But that’s definitely not the case—this logo is packed with meaning.
To begin with, they are not random colors, they are primary colors, chosen to represent creativity and approachability.
As for the unexpected green "L," it’s a nod to the idea that Google likes to break the rules (in a good way, of course). Over the years, the company has refreshed the logo’s font and shading, but the vibe remains the same. And let’s not forget about the festive Doodles—they’re genius!
Image: sarah b
Starbucks: From the sea to your cup
That green mermaid on your Starbucks cup? She’s actually a two-tailed siren, inspired by an old Norse woodcut. Why a siren, you may ask? Well, the brand wanted to evoke the allure of coffee as something irresistible—like a siren’s call.
Over time, the logo has evolved, losing the "Starbucks Coffee" text to let the siren shine on her own. Curious enough, the first design included the name of the company on the outer part of the circle, but they decided to eliminate that and let the siren do all the luring work on her own!
Image: Athar Khan
FedEx: The arrow you didn’t see
FedEx has one of the sneakiest logos in the business world. Between the "E" and the "X," there’s a hidden arrow that represents speed and precision. And once you see it, you can’t unsee it!
This wasn’t the original version, though. Designed in 1994, the logo is a masterclass in subtlety and clever branding, much like Amazon’s. It’s a perfect fit for a company that prides itself on delivering packages quickly and efficiently.
Image: Jan Rosolino
Domino’s: Three dots, infinite pizza
Speaking of logos you can taste, right? Domino’s logo features three dots, which represent the first three locations of the pizza chain.
Originally, the company planned to add a new dot for every store they opened. Can you imagine if they had kept that idea? They quickly realized that wouldn’t work with their explosive growth.
Paired with the iconic red and blue colors, the logo is as comforting as a fresh box of pizza. And let’s be real—who doesn’t love their pizza?
Image: Miroslav Denkov
Tesla: An electric secret
Tesla’s sleek, futuristic logo isn’t just a fancy "T"; it’s actually a nod to the company’s cutting-edge tech. The "T" is designed to resemble a cross-section of an electric motor, tying into Tesla’s mission of revolutionizing transportation.
Pair that with its clean lines and modern vibe, and you’ll see that the logo feels as innovative as the cars themselves. It’s a perfect example of branding that matches the product: bold, forward-thinking, and undeniably cool. What do you think?
Image: Tesla Fans Schweiz
Levi’s: A stitch in time
Few pieces of clothing are as iconic as a pair of Levi’s, right? That’s because both the item and the logo are equally simple, bold, and instantly recognizable.
The classic red tab is the result of eight redesigns. The first version of the logo included two horses pulling in opposite directions of a pair of jeans, trying to rip them—and failing, of course! But that was just the beginning.
The logo we know today was introduced by the same designer who worked on Coca-Cola’s script and the inspiration was the stitching on the back pocket of the jeans. The rest, as they say, is comfortable and durable history!
Image: Mnz
Pepsi: A logo full of energy
This article comes to an end with a classic brand. Pepsi’s logo has gone through dozens of iterations, but the current design—a red, white, and blue globe—is packed with meaning.
The wavy lines represent energy and dynamism, while the patriotic colors nod to its American roots, naturally. And if you were doubtful that it represents our country, you can read the 27-page redesign manifesto from 2008, which reportedly cost millions and came with a full explanation of its symbolism!
Image: Ja San Miguel