Apparently, the identity of one of the world’s most remarkable oil and gas companies has always been based on the graphical representation of its name, Shell. However, the Shell logo design has undergone several iterations and changes over the years. Prepare yourself to go through a fascinating journey of the evolution of Shell logo design, a classic emblem in the history of widely-recognized timeless logo designs. So, with Purpple Designs, which offers excellent logo design services in Kolkata, let’s just rewind the time and explore the journey of the iconic Shell Logo!

The History Behind the Logo Design –

Before jumping into the main topic of today’s blog post, it is also important to know the history behind the logo design we are seeing today! The evergreen 1971 Shell logo that is still being used today was beautifully designed by Raymond Loewy, a French-born industrial designer.

There is also some evidence to suggest that this timeless emblem may have been vividly influenced by Mr. Graham, who had some connections to the company.

 

Logo Evolution –

• 1900-1930: The first Shell logo, introduced in the early 1900s, featured a simple black-and-white design. It consisted of a mussel shell with the company’s name, “Shell,” written inside the curved shape of the shell. This initial logo reflected the company’s origins in trading sea shells. In the 1930s, Shell introduced a more streamlined and iconic logo known as the “Pecten” logo. This logo featured a stylized scallop shell with bright red and yellow colours.
• 1948-1971: The Shell logo continued to evolve, with minor adjustments to the Pecten symbol to make it more modern and dynamic to the world. During this period, the colours became more standardized, and the shell’s shape and proportions were refined. Later, the 1970s saw a simplification of the “Pecten” logo as it became flatter and less detailed, aligning with the design trends of the era. However, the red and yellow colours remained prominent as before.
• 1995 onwards: The most recent iterations of the Shell logo design, starting from the late 1990s and continuing into the 21st century, have mainly focused on digital adaptation. The “Pecten” shell remains, but it has been further simplified and modernized for digital and print use. The logo is often presented in a bright red and yellow gradient, with the word “Shell” in a clean, sans-serif font.

Throughout its history, the Shell logo has beautifully retained its key elements such as the “Pecten” shell and the red and yellow color scheme. This is how these elements have become synonymous with the brand and are instantly recognizable worldwide. The logo’s evolution reflects both the design trends of the time and the company’s efforts to maintain a fresh and modern image while preserving its historical identity. The Shell logo is a classic example of successful corporate branding, as it has stood the test of time and continues to be a symbol of one of the world’s largest energy companies.

Do you also want your brand logo to evolve and be timeless like this? Get in touch with our professionals at Purpple Designs. We provide the best logo design services in Kolkata.