80s Logos: A Blast from the Past

The 1980s were like no other decade filled with vibrant neon colours. Bold shapes. And geometric designs. And if you ask us there was an unapologetic sense of fun from one end of the decade to the other.

And when it comes to 1980s marketing and advertising the scene was just as vibrant. From the rise of MTV to the debut of tech companies like Apple and Microsoft, every brand of the era was on board with fun and exciting branding that truly captured consumer attention.

In this blog we take a trip to the past and explore the 80s logos, what makes them so different and how you can design an 80s style logo of your own.

What Is An 80s Logo?

Sum up the 80s in a few words? Bold and neon! 80s logos were also characterised by tech innovation. So 3D effects and gradient neon colour schemes were also quite popular.

As an example the MTV logo might just be one of the most iconic logos of the 80s. 

But it wasn’t just the logo itself. MTV completely changed the music industry, forever changing the way we consumed music. Thanks to the channel instead of listening to music, more and more people started watching music videos which added a whole new layer to what musical artists had to offer.

MTV’s is a great example of how a logo can represent more than just a business. Their 80s logo captured the colours of the era, the brand and was the perfect symbol to represent the fast paced and dynamic nature of the decade.

80s Logos Up Close And Personal

Let’s take a look at a few 1980s logos we still know and love today.

MTV’s 1980 Logo

The TV channel’s 80s logo featured bold, blocky letters and a big M in the middle of the design. This design instantly conveys fun and playfulness while also representing the brand name. As MTV grew in popularity the logo became a symbol of modern youth and represented a brand that would change pop culture forever. Today still this logo is an icon of music, entertainment, creativity and industry innovation.

1980s Fashion Brands

Like 80s music branding fashion from the time was also bold and made a statement. Nike… Reebok… Adidas… They were all on the neon bandwagon of the 80s decade. These brands showcased bold and dynamic designs that felt energetic and excited. Perfect for fashion and athletic brands.

1980s Tech Brands

Microsoft and Apple are two tech companies that took off in the 1980s. Their 80s logos had clean lines and simple designs that represented the current and future state of technology. Some 40+ years later and these logos are just as recognizable and powerful as they were back then.

How To Design An 80s Logo Today

Even though the 80s were over 40 years ago graphic designers still look to the era as a source of inspiration for modern design. So if you’re thinking of designing an 80s inspired logo here are a few tips to help you along the way.

Neon

From 80s fashion to branding and advertising many of the designs from the decade feature neon colours. Pink, yellow, blue, green… When you see these colours with funky fonts and geometric designs you’re instantly transported back to the 80s. So when designing an 80s logo using neon colours isn’t just a way to create eye catching designs. It’s also a way to capture the essence of the 80s.

Geometric Designs And Shapes

The 1980s were also encaptured in fun geometric shapes and design. It wasn’t unusual to see 80s logos that featured zig zags, swirls or other shapes. So if you’re designing an 80s style logo these are a must. Play with different shapes and patterns. And you’ll see just how much they can change the look of your logo.

Bold & Funky Fonts

Thick blocky letters were another hallmark of 1980s branding. It’s bold. It’s expressive. And it’s another essential element of designing a logo that’s 80s. You might also want to use 3D effects or colour scheme gradients to give your design an extra touch of 80s design whimsy.

Pro Tip

1980s logos must include colours, patterns and fonts from the era. Research 80s marketing and branding and draw inspiration from what brands were doing at the time.

1980s Logo Design Tips

Before you get started take a look at these tips to help you design the best 1980s inspired logo for your modern business.

• Nostalgia and modernity – Yes you want to design a 1980s logo. But you’re doing it for a modern business. So you should look for ways to combine retro charm with modern trends. An ideal combination of both makes sure your logo will be timeless and still appeal to modern audiences.
• Neon usage – The 1980s were neon crazy. But use neon wisely. Don’t use too many colours. Otherwise your design may feel overwhelming to your audience. Stick to no more than 2 or 3 neon colours to ensure your logo is 80s inspired yet remains visually appealing
• Keep it simple – One thing that’s noticeable about 80s designs is that they were simple. They used simple colour palettes, simple shapes and simple designs that made them look clean and memorable which is exactly what you want in a logo.
• Versatile designs – Another reason why your 80s logo needs to be simple is because it will be a more versatile design. Your new 80s logo needs to look good as small icons and as big designs. So you must avoid including too many design elements that may become blurred or distorted when resizing your design.

1980s Branding And Logo Design Inspiration

80s style logos are a testament to how creative, innovative and eye catching the design trends of the time really were. 

And here at GraphicSprings we’re all about finding new and exciting ways to draw inspiration from past decades and infuse new aged logos with the tried and true branding tactics of the past.

Ready to create a logo with that stunning 80s style?

Check out our logo design ideas page or head straight on over to our logo maker page and get started today!