Skip to content
Home
Menu Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • The Logo Creative
    • Logo Design
    • Our Process
    • What’s Included
    • Testimonials
    • FAQ
    • Terms of Service
  • Contact Us
    • General Enquiry
    • Hire Me
  • Case Studies
    • Logo Portfolio
  • Blog
  • Community
    • Contribute & Advertise
    • Shop
    • Logo Design Resources
    • Designer Interview
    • Designer Spotlight
    • Book Review: Logo Design
    • Freelance & Marketing
    • Brand Spotlight
    • Famous Logos
    • Instagram
Famous Logos - Nike - The Logo Creative

Nike Logo Evolution – The $35 Swoosh

  • 20/08/201816/05/2020
  • by The Logo Creative
  • When you think of American brands that are iconic, there are a few companies that spring to mind …and to name a few. Apple, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Google are some of the most well-known. In fact, you only need to simply see the logos of these companies to identify who they are! Join us in this article as we discuss the Nike Logo Evolution – The $35 Swoosh

    Nike is another company that has achieved that specific high-level branding that allows consumers to quickly make visual identification of their business and has become a well trusted and established brand for sports shoes, clothing, and athletic expertise. But, as iconic as their logo is, did you know that Nike’s “swoosh” originated as a $35 design?

    What Makes a Brand Iconic?

    In the year 1971, Portland State University graphic design student Carolyn Davidson was sitting in the hall when she mentioned not having enough money to take a class. She was then approached by accounting professor Phil Knight about working freelance for his company, Blue Ribbon Sports. They decided to launch their own brand of football shoe, called the Nike. Knight once again asked Carolyn to create a design for the new brand.

    Nike Logo Evolution - The $35 Swoosh.

    Over 17 and a half hours were spent crafting the design. Carolyn wanted to convey the message of motion in a design that would look clean and classic when placed on the shoes. It was important that the design needed to differ from rival company Adidas. The Nike tick/swoosh mark is created using two curved lines, depicting motion with onomatopoeia attached also. If you say “swoosh” aloud. What do you imagine? Even the word has an element of movement included. Carolyn worked by sketching design concepts on tissue paper and then placing those designs over a shoe drawing.

    Nike-Football-innovations-The-Nike_native_1600

    At first, Knight was not impressed by the swoosh design symbol and told Davidson that he didn’t love the design, but it would grow on him over time. He decided to move forward with the Swoosh. Now, the logo represents so much more than motion. For a multi-billion company that has established itself as an authority in the world of sports, that Swoosh refers to a lifestyle rather than a specific product its logo mark has become one of the worlds most recognisable icons.

    Nike Logo Evolution - The $35 Swoosh.

    Until the year 1995, Nike wording was written in Futura Bold within the Swoosh. Futura is a sans serif font based on geometric shapes that have achieved widespread use throughout the 20th century. It is intended to imply forwardness and efficiency. After 1995, Nike removed their name from the design and therefore the font, but their brand was established: Carolyn Davidson’s Swoosh is the key identifier of the Nike brand.

    Nike Logo Evolution - The $35 Swoosh

    Swoosh Logo Symbolises Greek Goddess of Victory’s Wing

    ‘Nike’ is named after the ancient Greek Goddess of victory, Nike. Greek folklore has it that Goddess Nike influenced countless brave warriors to win battles of their motherland. The wings of Goddess Nike is called swoosh and is said to have brought motivation and audacity to the warriors heading to the battlefield. A fair share of experts believe that this was actually the inspiration behind Nike’s ‘Swoosh’ logo design.

    swoosh-logo-goddness-of-victory

    The Swoosh was established and for her design efforts working on the project, Carolyn received $35 (that’s around $2 per hour). Following the huge success of the Nike brand, Carolyn was awarded a ring with an embedded diamond and an envelope containing 500 shares of Nike stock.

    Nike Logo Evolution - The $35 Swoosh..

    It’s no question that developing a brand takes a lot of thought, time to plan and research, about your business it’s a lot of hard work trust me, but it is a misconception that creating your brand needs to cost you a lot of money. After all, Nike’s iconic brand was created by a broke design student needing a few extra dollars who created a memorable and recognisable design. Don’t get me wrong times have changed since then and you will need to invest more than the cost of the Nike logo but it does not need to cost thousands! If you know what you are doing with Photoshop you can create incredible images in no time at all.

    The video below is a nice watch as Nike founder Phil Knight say’s the Nike swoosh logo was not a ‘Eureka!’ moment.

    https://www.thelogocreative.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/How-Phil-Knights-crazy-idea-conquers-the-sporting-world.mp4

    We hope this article about the Nike Logo Evolution – The $35 Swoosh was interesting, and be sure to leave your comments below. If you would like more personal tips, advice, insights, and access to our community threads and other goodies join me in our community. You can comment directly on posts and have a discussion.

    The Logo Package Express - Create, export, and sort hundreds of logo files in under 5 minutes!

    Useful Links & Great Deals

    • The equipment we use & recommend
    • Quality Design Bundles 
    • Get 2 Months free Skillshare 
    • Get an exclusive 20% off Logo Package Express
    • Learn Logo Design Online


    Also published on Medium.

    Posted in Famous Logos, Logo Design History
    Blue Ribbon SportsCarolyn DavidsonDesignGraphiciconLogoNikePhil Knightswooshtick
    Avatar
    The Logo Creative

    Passionate International Logo & Brand Identity Design Studio with 15+ Years of commercial experience working with clients all over the world: We Create Purposeful, Adaptable and Memorable Identities.

    Post navigation

    How To Use Content Marketing For Establishing and Promoting Brands
    How the right logo design gets your business going

    cropped-The-logo-creative_logo-design_Brand_Identity_Yorkshire_UK-1

    Award-Winning Studio & Graphic Design Blog Creating Daily Content For The Design Community.

    Categories

    Weekly Blog Digest

    Interactive Email With Insights

    Branding Design Blogs

    Advertise on the logo Creative Website




    The Logo Creative Amazon Influencer Store_2

    GrindCrew - GrindKit - The Ultimate Template Pack For Remote Designers - 20 % off - The Logo Creative

    Learn Brand Strategy - Brand Master Secrets

    SkillShare - Online Learning, Learn new creative design skills.

    Designcuts - Graphic Design Font, Fonts, Mockups and design bundles

    eRESONAID - The Brand Strategy Framework - Online Course by Fabien Geyrhalter.

    brand-style-guide-template

    The Logo Package Express - Create, export, and sort hundreds of logo files in under 5 minutes!

    The Ultimate Guide to Logo Design eBook

    High-Profile Logo Awards Competition - Logo Wave Awards

    Latest Logo Design News

    My Tweets

    thelogocreative

    In this edition of our designer Interviews we feat In this edition of our designer Interviews we feature Alex Aperios @aperiosdesign

Alex is a graphic and web designer based in London UK

I have been following Alex for a while and like his diverse range of design styles.

It was nice to feature Alex and thanks again for taking part and sharing your insights and creative jorney.

The link to the full Interview can be found in the bio @thelogocreative under the designer interview section.
_________________________________

#designerinterview 
#thelogocreative #thelogocommunity
#artistspotlight 
#designeducation 
#freelancedesign #logoplace 
#logoexcellent #logoshift 
#logoinspirations 
#designspiration #dribbble #behance #thedesigntip #designfeed #itsnicethat #gfxmob #graphicdesignblg 
#graphicgang #thedesignfix #logodesignersclub 
#logonew #logoroom #logoplace #logosai #typetopia #logoawesome #logomark #logoinspire #logolearn
    Big thanks to Drew de Soto @drewdesoto_knowyouroni Big thanks to Drew de Soto @drewdesoto_knowyouronions and BIS Publishing @bispublishers for sending me an advanced copy of the book.

I have had it for awhile now and read it twice as the wealth of knowledge and tips Drew presents in the books is great.

You can checkout our first look video both on IGTV and YouTube.

Head over to the book review section on our website for the full book review.

Link in bio @thelogocreative 

If you haven't already we recommend getting a copy you won't regret it, awesome book!

________________________________________________

#knowyouronions #drewdesoto #KYO #thelogocreative #thelogocommumity #design #graphicdesign #bookblog #booklover #BrandIdentity #bookclub #bookshelf #bookreviewer #bookworm #bookaholic #bookpic #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #bookreader #booksofinstagram #corporateidentity #identitydesign
    In this edition of our designer Interviews we feat In this edition of our designer Interviews we feature James Martin @made.by.james

James is a talentend logo designer from Southampton,, right here in the UK.

I have been following James for a long time now and being a fan of sketching I  always love seeing his sketching process.

It was a pleasure to feature James and thanks again for taking part and sharing your insights and creative jorney.

The link to the full Interview can be found in the bio @thelogocreative under the designer interview section.
_________________________________

#designerinterview 
#thelogocreative #thelogocommunity
#artistspotlight 
#designeducation 
#freelancedesign #logoplace 
#logoexcellent #logoshift 
#logoinspirations 
#designspiration #dribbble #behance #thedesigntip #designfeed #itsnicethat #gfxmob #graphicdesignblg 
#graphicgang #thedesignfix #logodesignersclub 
#logonew #logoroom #logoplace #logosai #typetopia #logoawesome #logomark #logoinspire #logolearn
    Pause, Breath and Grow by @radim.malinic at @brand Pause, Breath and Grow by @radim.malinic at @brandnu.studio 

Big thanks to Radim for sending us an advanced copy. 

The book is created for making time with your thoughts, plans and ambitious by leading a more mindful creative life.

This is about considering who you are today and thinking about where you want to be tomorrow; learning to change what you can and accepting the rest.

The books concept is really unique especially if your a creative!

A full book review is coming soon!
_________________________________

#book #bookreview #pausebreathegrow #pausebreatheandgrow #bookreviews #branding #bookofbranding #bookofideas #radimmalinic #thelogocreative #thelogocommumity #design #graphicdesign #bookblog #booklover #BrandIdentity #bookclub #bookshelf #bookreviewer #bookworm #bookaholic #bookpic #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #bookreader #booksofinstagram
    In this edition of our designer Interviews we feat In this edition of our designer Interviews we feature Emmanuel Ricci @manuricci_

Emmanuel is an Italian designer specialising in hand lettering logos and brand identity design.

Originally from Italy Emmanuel studied design later moving to London to further his studies and  now resides in Los Angeles California we're he moved to for an internship.

It was a pleasure to feature Emmanuel and thank him again for taking part and sharing his insights and creative jorney.

The link to the full Interview can be found in the bio @thelogocreative under the designer interview section.
_________________________________

#designerinterview 
#thelogocreative #thelogocommunity
#artistspotlight 
#designeducation 
#freelancedesign #logoplace 
#logoexcellent #logoshift 
#logoinspirations 
#designspiration #dribbble #behance #thedesigntip #designfeed #itsnicethat #gfxmob #graphicdesignblg 
#graphicgang #thedesignfix #logodesignersclub 
#logonew #logoroom #logoplace #logosai #typetopia #logoawesome #logomark #logoinspire #logolearn
    It was such an honour to interview @rianhughes let It was such an honour to interview @rianhughes let but to be given the opportunity to review his book was great!.

This book has been such a pleasure to review and one that has took some time to put together, but I enjoyed every second of it. 

A huge thanks to Rian Hughes and @koreropress for our copy and allowing us to review the book. 

I highly recommend this to everyone! Who loves logos, comic books, superheros, illustrators and fans of typography. 

A nice colourful logo book packed with comic book logos and illustrations, beautiful typography and everything else you could wish for. 

Well worth having, One to Cherish!!!. Check out the book review link in bio @thelogocreative under our book review section. 

_________________________________ 

#logo #identity #monogram #iconography #typography #lettermark #wordmark #graphic #design #book #bookreview #logobook #logodesign #graphicdesign #logos #comics #comicbook #ryanhughes #koreropress #marvelsuperheroes #dccomics #valiantcomics #logobook #logobookreview #logobooks #logodesignbooks #illustrations 
#typetopia #designspiration
    In this edition of our designer Interviews we feat In this edition of our designer Interviews we feature Rian Hughes @rianhughes

Rian is a legend creating so many comic book logos and illustrations I remember seeing as a kid, as I was a big comic book fan especially Marvel and DC comics.

He's worked extensively for both the British and American comic industries as both designer, typographer and illustrator, notably creating many logo designs for DC and Marvel.

Logos including Batman and Robin, Batgirl, the X-Men, Captain America, Wolverine, The Spirit, The Invisibles, Shade the Changing Man, The Atom and more.

It was such an honor to feature Rian and appreciate him sharing some great insights and background into his career.

The link to the full Interview can be found in the bio @thelogocreative under the designer interview section.
_________________________________

#designerinterview 
#thelogocreative #thelogocommunity
#artistspotlight 
#designeducation 
#rianhughes #logoplace 
#logoexcellent #logoshift 
#logoinspirations 
#designspiration #dribbble #behance #thedesigntip #designfeed #itsnicethat #gfxmob #graphicdesignblg 
#graphicgang #thedesignfix #logodesignersclub 
#logonew #logoroom #logoplace #logosai #typetopia #logoawesome #logomark #logoinspire #logolearn
    I recently shared a first look video of The Letter I recently shared a first look video of The Lettering Workshop by Francis Chouquet on IGTV and YouTube. 

Here are some pics of inside the book.

I can’t recommend this book enough! Full of insightful information and lessons taught by Francis himself that are easy to follow and get to grips with.

I have spent a few weeks learning from the book and it’s already elevated my lettering work which I shared on my newsletter. 

Join Newsletter: https://thelogocreative.substack.com/subscribe 

Amazing book! - Well Done Francis! @fran6

If you would like a copy of your own it’s available on Amazon:

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3pdjnGF 

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3nfrdO3 
__________________________________

#FrancisChouquet #lettering #handlettering #type #typography #sketch #sketchbook #letters #graphicdesign #illustration #drawing #pencil #handtype #calligraphy #letteringco #typespot #typegang #goodtype #thedailytype #typespire #typematters #welovetype #calligritype #handmadefont #typedaily #thedesigntip #typographyinspired
    In this edition of our designer Interviews we feat In this edition of our designer Interviews we feature Scott Naauao @naauao @welcomestrangerco

Scott is a designer and art director born and raised in Hawaii, currently residing in Kaneohe, HI with is wife Liane and son. 

Scott has over a decade of working experience in building compelling brands and effective design solutions through print, digital and film mediums.

It was a pleasure to feature Scott and appreciate him sharing his insights and creative jorney.

The link to the full Interview can be found in the bio @thelogocreative under the designer interview section.
_________________________________

#designerinterview 
#thelogocreative #thelogocommunity
#artistspotlight 
#designeducation 
#freelancedesign #logoplace 
#logoexcellent #logoshift 
#logoinspirations 
#designspiration #dribbble #behance #thedesigntip #designfeed #itsnicethat #gfxmob #graphicdesignblg 
#graphicgang #thedesignfix #logodesignersclub 
#logonew #logoroom #logoplace #logosai #typetopia #logoawesome #logomark #logoinspire #logolearn
    In this edition of our designer Interviews we feat In this edition of our designer Interviews we feature Philip Martland @createninedesign

Philip is a talentend self-taught logo designer right here in the UK.

It was a pleasure to feature Philip and thanks again for taking part and sharing his insights and creative jorney.

The link to the full Interview can be found in the bio @thelogocreative under the designer interview section.
_________________________________

#designerinterview 
#thelogocreative #thelogocommunity
#artistspotlight 
#designeducation 
#freelancedesign #logoplace 
#logoexcellent #logoshift 
#logoinspirations 
#designspiration #dribbble #behance #thedesigntip #designfeed #itsnicethat #gfxmob #graphicdesignblg 
#graphicgang #thedesignfix #logodesignersclub 
#logonew #logoroom #logoplace #logosai #typetopia #logoawesome #logomark #logoinspire #logolearn
    Got a signed advanced copy of nucollage 001 back i Got a signed advanced copy of nucollage 001 back in 2019 and it's an amazing book by the legend @davidcarson

Big thanks to David for sending us the book. 

It really is amazing, the spine of the book is very unique!

Checkout the flick through video on YouTube and IGTV.

We also interviewed David in our designer Interviews and the link is in the description under the designer interview section.
________________________________________________

#designerinterview 
#thelogocreative #thelogocommunity
#artistspotlight 
#designeducation 
#freelancedesign #logoplace 
#logoexcellent #logoshift 
#designspiration #dribbble #behance #thedesigntip #designfeed #itsnicethat #gfxmob #graphicdesignblg 
#graphicgang #thedesignfix #logodesignersclub 
#logonew #logoroom #logoplace #logosai #typetopia #logoawesome #logomark #logoinspire #davidcarson #graphicdesign #graphicart
    In this edition of our designer Interview we featu In this edition of our designer Interview we feature the legend David Carson @davidcarson

David has really inspired me over the years with his unconventional and experimental graphic style.

David Carson transformed and revolutionized the graphic design scene in America most notably during the 1990’s but also throughout his career.

It was an honour to collaborate and feature.

The link to the full Interview can be found in the bio @thelogocreative under the designer interview section.
_________________________________

#designerinterview 
#thelogocreative #thelogocommunity
#artistspotlight 
#designeducation 
#freelancedesign #logoplace 
#logoexcellent #logoshift 
#designspiration #dribbble #behance #thedesigntip #designfeed #itsnicethat #gfxmob #graphicdesignblg 
#graphicgang #thedesignfix #logodesignersclub 
#logonew #logoroom #logoplace #logosai #typetopia #logoawesome #logomark #logoinspire #davidcarson #graphicdesign #graphicart
    I have had this book for quite a while now and rea I have had this book for quite a while now and realised I had not done a first look video.
I'm currently on my second read through and it's a great book.

Big thanks to Kady for sending me the book, She contacted me while she was thinking of writing the book and asked if i would like to read it once finished.

I can confidently say its a treasure to own packed full of easy to digest information that I had to read again! Well Done Kady!

If you would like a copy of your own it’s available on amazon:

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2SKdMbT
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3djf7ji
Kindle: 
https://amzn.to/3iXNGNr

_________________________________

#branding #brandstrategy #brandfix #books #business #book #books
    In this edition of our designer Interviews we feat In this edition of our designer Interviews we feature Jord Riekwel @larkef

Jord is a talented logo designer for Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

It was a great interview and thanks to Jord for sharing his creative jorney and insights.

The link to the full Interview can be found in the bio @thelogocreative under the designer interview section.
_________________________________

#designerinterview 
#thelogocreative #thelogocommunity
#artistspotlight 
#designeducation 
#freelancedesign #logoplace 
#logoexcellent #logoshift 
#logoinspirations 
#designspiration #dribbble #behance #thedesigntip #designfeed #itsnicethat #gfxmob #graphicdesignblg 
#graphicgang #thedesignfix #logodesignersclub 
#logonew #logoroom #logoplace #logosai #typetopia #logoawesome #logomark #logoinspire #logolearn
    In this edition of our designer Interviews we feat In this edition of our designer Interviews we feature Davor Butorac @dbworkplay

Davor is a talentend self-taught logo designer from Croatia.

It was a great interview and thanks to Davor for sharing his creative jorney and insights.

The link to the full Interview can be found in the bio @thelogocreative under the designer interview section.
_________________________________

#designerinterview 
#thelogocreative #thelogocommunity
#artistspotlight 
#designeducation 
#freelancedesign #logoplace 
#logoexcellent #logoshift 
#logoinspirations 
#designspiration #dribbble #behance #thedesigntip #designfeed #itsnicethat #gfxmob #graphicdesignblg 
#graphicgang #thedesignfix #logodesignersclub 
#logonew #logoroom #logoplace #logosai #typetopia #logoawesome #logomark #logoinspire #logolearn
    If your a freelance designer then Work For Money, If your a freelance designer then Work For Money, Design For Love by David Airey is a must own book. 

It's book I have owned since it's release and read many times over the years.

Check out our full book review link in bio under book review section.

You can checkout our full review and video flick though in the bio @thelogocreative under the book review section.

Do you own this book? Let me know what you think?

________________________________________________

#logoinspirations #designspiration #dribbble #behance #thedesigntip #designfeed #itsnicethat #gfxmob #graphicdesignblg #graphicgang #thedesignfix #logodesignersclub #logonew #logoroom #logoplace #logosai #typetopia #logoawesome #logomark #logoinspire #logolearn #bookreview #logobooks #logobook #davidairey #workformoneydesignforlove
    In this edition of our designer Interviews we feat In this edition of our designer Interviews we featured Andy Fuller of Design Bull 

It was a great interview Andy and nice of him to share his creative knowledge and insights.

The link to the full Interview can be found in the bio @thelogocreative under the designer interview section.
_________________________________

#designerinterview 
#thelogocreative #thelogocommunity
#artistspotlight 
#designeducation 
#freelancedesign #logoplace 
#logoexcellent #logoshift 
#logoinspirations 
#designspiration #dribbble #behance #thedesigntip #designfeed #itsnicethat #gfxmob #graphicdesignblg 
#graphicgang #thedesignfix #logodesignersclub 
#logonew #logoroom #logoplace #logosai #typetopia #logoawesome #logomark #logoinspire #logolearn
    If your a logo designer or a lover of logos then l If your a logo designer or a lover of logos then logo design love by David Airey is a must own book. 

It's book I have owned since it's release a decade ago and read many times over the years.

Check out our full book review link in bio under book review section.

You can checkout our full review and video flick though in the bio @thelogocreative under the book review section.

Do you own this book? Let me know what you think?

________________________________________________

#logoinspirations #designspiration #dribbble #behance #thedesigntip #designfeed #itsnicethat #gfxmob #graphicdesignblg #graphicgang #thedesignfix #logodesignersclub #logonew #logoroom #logoplace #logosai #typetopia #logoawesome #logomark #logoinspire #logolearn #bookreview #logobooks #logobook
    In this edition of our designer Interviews we feat In this edition of our designer Interviews we featured Eli Altman @ahundredmonkeys 

Eli is the author of Run Studio Run a book to help you operate and grow your small creative studio.

One of the best books I have read, I literally could not put it down. Full review is available on the book review section of our website.

It was a great interview with Eli packed with creative insights and some solid words of wisdom.

The link to the full Interview can be found in the bio @thelogocreative under the designer interview section.
_________________________________

#designerinterview 
#thelogocreative #thelogocommunity
#artistspotlight 
#designeducation 
#freelancedesign #logoplace 
#logoexcellent #logoshift 
#logoinspirations 
#designspiration #dribbble #behance #thedesigntip #designfeed #itsnicethat #gfxmob #graphicdesignblg 
#graphicgang #thedesignfix #logodesignersclub 
#logonew #logoroom #logoplace #logosai #typetopia #logoawesome #logomark #logoinspire #logolearn
    Trust Funnel by Brian G. Johnson is a great book t Trust Funnel by Brian G. Johnson is a great book that you need to check out. Similar to Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk it’s one of those books that has assisted in helping me in putting myself out there online with social media and building an online presence.

I have followed Brian online for quite a while years before he wrote the book Trust Funnel which was released February 3rd, 2015 and when he announced that he was writing the book I knew it was one I had to pre-order. 
Read our book review of Trust Funnel by Brian G. Johnson. 
You can view the book review under our book review section, link in bio.

Have you read this book? What do you think?
________________________________

#book #review #briangjohnson #bookreview #trustfunnel #inspiration #inspirational #business #brand #branding #personalbrand #socialmedia #business #content #contentmarketing #contentstrategy #marketing #digitalmarketing
    Load More… Follow on Instagram

    The Logo Creative - International Strategic Logo and Brand Identity Design Studio

    The Logo Creative™
    Logo & Brand Identity Studio

    Part of The AJR Group™

    International Design Studio
    info[at]thelogocreative.co.uk
    Phone: +44 (0) 1709 527 200
    Mobile: +44 (0) 7807 085 003

    INSIGHTS FROM THE BLOG

    • Unique Traits of Highly Creative People 21/01/2021
    • Modern Graphic Design: Directions and Purpose 19/01/2021

    Logo Design News

    • RT @thelogocreative: 96 Abstract Logos & Geometric Shapes Collection Develop an iconic brand identity with this robust collection of 96…57 minutes ago
    Copyright © 2021 The Logo Creative | International Logo Design & Branding Studio | ♡ In Loving Memory Dad (Ray Marriott) | The Logo Creative.
    Scroll to top
    Interested In Writing an Article To Be Featured On The Logo Creative™ ? Contribute!
    Coming Soon - Designer Interview With Von Glitschka View Previous Interviews