SYMBOLS

16 Cultural Symbols

We live in a world of complex symbology, where symbols with deep cultural roots are modified, editorialized, and juxtaposed to create ever-new meaning. Graphic designers often serve as interpreters (or reinterpreters) of cultural symbols through graphic identities.

From the flags of nations to religious icons to the classical elements (earth, water, air, fire, and ether) of ancient philosophies, symbols communicate big ideas in small packages. Designers inherently recognize the power of symbols. As the world gets smaller and more interconnected, we need to be increasingly mindful of where that power comes from.

It’s impossible to divorce symbols from cultures. That’s why the same organization is known as the Red Cross Society in one part of the world, and the Red Crescent Society in another. Launching a brand that spans cultures and relies on symbols requires research and diligence to ensure that the symbols have similar meaning in different parts of the world. Symbols inspired by nature present less risk because they are so universal.

1. Mediterranean Games
STUDIO INTERNATIONAL
Boris Ljubicic

2. Japan–India Friendship Year 2007
Christopher Dina

3. Himneskt
Ó!
Einar Gylfason, Trausti Traustason

4. Omidyar Network
Hot Studio Inc.
Henrik Olsen, Margot Merrill, Han Wang, Eric Grant, Brian van Veen, Holly Hagen, Kathy Simpson

5. Doc Ditto
Meta Newhouse Design
Meta Newhouse, Ben Barry

6. Reloaded
Cacao Design
Mauro Pastore, Masa Magnoni, Alessandro Floridia

7. C Plus
MINE™
Christopher Simmons, Tim Belonax

8. Game Investors
Volume Inc.
Adam Brodsley, Eric Heiman, Marcelo Viana

9. So Single
Cacao Design
Mauro Pastore, Masa Magnoni, Alessandro Floridia

10. Swiss Yachts
LOOVVOOL
Hannes Unt, Valter Kaleta

Symbol languages from the worlds of technology, law, gaming, sports, or elsewhere might layer meaning onto a brand by way of a graphic identity that builds upon a symbol from one of these subcultures.