National Geographic Logo: A Journey Through Nature and Adventure

Introduction

For many years, National Geographic has inspired adventurers of all ages to learn more about the planet and its occupants. National Geographic is widely recognized by its yellow rectangle border. Here at GraphicSprings, we love getting to dive into a great logo story that has, for years, worked to share the love of our planet with all the people who live on it.

A Brief History of National Geographic

With the original undertaking of spreading knowledge about the world, the National Geographic Society was manned by scientists and explorers united under this task and was founded in 1888. National Geographic creates documentaries, magazines, a television channel, and multiple media platforms. Their content covers educational information about the Earth and its occupants. For over one hundred years, this brand has been shaping the world.

Evolution of the National Geographic Logo

Since it was first created, the National Geographic logo has gone through several changes, but overall, maintained its iconic identity.

1888 – 1905: From the very beginning, the National Geographic logo had a rectangular frame with its name inside. At that time, though, it was still called “National Geographic Society,” and it was written in a serif font. This logo has always had an aura of intellect and trustworthiness that can easily gain consumer loyalty.  

1910 – 1950: To encourage the connection with Earth, a globe image was added to the logo inside the border during this time period.  

1950 – 1960: This was the first logo for National Geographic, which featured a yellow border. It was an important moment in which the yellow began to be connected to the brand’s identity. Since this change, the organization has never looked back and has always retained the yellow addition to the rectangle border.

1960 – 1970: At the same time that this organization expanded to television and media, they changed the words in their logo to “National Geographic,” dropping the “Society” that had previously graced their logo. This helped shorten the name and simplify their logo for a more modern vibe.

1980 – Present: One hundred years after being established, National Geographic released its updated logo. The yellow rectangular frame was slanted at an angle to give the logo a more dynamic feeling as the brand moved into the next stage of its life. This is the logo it has maintained since then.

The Essence of Nature Logo

The National Geographic logo does a good job representing its brand, from taking care of the Earth to educating about its inhabitants. The yellow rectangle featured in its logo is the same as the border on their magazine, which is a nice connection that has been maintained for over one hundred years. This consistency throughout its history only adds to the trust that consumers put into this organization. The yellow frame beckons viewers to enter the world that National Geographic wants to share with you.

Key Takeaways:

• Make changes to your logo so that it best represents your brand.
• Don’t be afraid to add a new element that will benefit your logo.

Pro Tip: Consider how your own logo elements can best represent your brand and stand the test of time.

A Color of Adventure

National Geographic’s choice of color, the iconic yellow, is a great one. Yellow is a color of confidence, interest, and knowledge. It connects the viewer with the sun, flowers, and light. This connection is a great one that allows consumers to feel confident and happy about their choice to explore the world through National Geographic. Yellow not only has great connections, but it is also a very eye-catching color.  

Key Takeaways:

• The color of the sun, yellow, is the color of joy and brightness.
• Yellow is also a very vibrant color to the human eye.

Pro Tip: Choose colors that connect accurately with your brand’s mission.  

Branding Lessons from National Geographic

For over one hundred years, National Geographic has been successful with its commitment to its mission of educating about the wonders of nature and its conservation. Here are some great ways that this brand achieves its success:

1. Authenticity Matters: National Geographic has always stayed true to itself and its mission. It is honest and transparent with viewers, which has helped it gain trust with its consumers.
2. Visual Storytelling: Nearly wholly supported by its visual storytelling, National Geographic wouldn’t have succeeded if it hadn’t provided such great photos and videography of the natural world for its articles and documentaries.
3. Consistency Builds Recognition: It has maintained the consistent yellow border around its magazine for its entire existence. This allows the brand to be easily recognized and trusted.
4. Embrace Purpose-Driven Marketing: National Geographic has a straightforward and inspiring purpose. Everything they do is to better the world and our knowledge of it. That mission is easy for viewers to get behind and connect with.

Creating a Logo Like National Geographic with GraphicSprings

Try out our logo maker through GraphicSprings. It’s easy to use and can help you on your path to a logo that represents your brand well. Try out some of National Geographic’s iconic elements on your own logo:

1. Choose Vibrant Colors: The colors you choose for your logo are important as representatives of your brand. If your brand is nature-based, you could try out green, blue, yellow, or brown.
2. Incorporate Nature Elements: Add elements that represent your brand so that viewers can make a connection. You can add images like trees, mountains, water, and flowers to indicate a natural brand.
3. Opt for Timeless Shapes: National Geographic’s rectangle had a large effect. Try out some shapes of your own.
4. Experiment with Fonts: There are a few different font styles that can create different vibes for your design.   
5. Stay True to Your Brand: Make sure that your elements imply the right things about your brand.

Conclusion

From magazines to documentaries to television channels, National Geographic has been representing scientists, adventurers, and conservation efforts for over one hundred years. Their consistent yellow rectangle border represents them on their mission to make the world a better and more educated place. When you start making your own logo, consider how best to utilize these lessons in your own design. Soon, you too can have a successful logo.