
The origins of the world’s biggest logos are interesting to say the least.
For instance, did you know Pepsi tried to copycat the red cursive of Coca Cola in the 1890s, wisely admitting defeat and settling on something more individualistic? Or how about Nike’s famous swoosh, sketched by a design student in 1971, originally costing $35 dollars?
Not that there isn’t a science to this trial-and-error approach. Most major company logos play on a host of subliminal tricks, using even colour to subliminally sell their brand to audiences across the globe.
Handily, the clever bods at Financesonline.com have designed a fetching infographic to lay bare this science, as well as the unlikely roots of some of the biggest icons that litter our lives today.
So put that giant Starbucks cup down and pore over these superb facts...
Get exclusive shortlists, celebrity interviews and the best deals on the products you care about, straight to your inbox.

As Content Director of Shortlist, Marc likes nothing more than to compile endless lists of an evening by candlelight. He started out life as a movie writer for numerous (now defunct) magazines and soon found himself online - editing a gaggle of gadget sites, including TechRadar, Digital Camera World and Tom's Guide UK. At Shortlist you'll find him mostly writing about movies and tech, so no change there then.
-
The 10 greatest ambient albums of all time
Kick back, chill out, and let some of the best ambient albums ever take you on a sonic journey of discovery.
-
Coheed and Cambria vs Taking Back Sunday: New Jersey emo legends pick each other’s greatest tracks
From doing favours across the Atlantic to a decade under each other’s influence, Taking Back Sunday’s Adam Lazzara and Coheed and Cambria’s Claudio Sanchez talk their enduring friendship.