- Swoosh
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Swoosh is the symbol of the athletic shoe and clothing manufacturer Nike. It is among the most easily recognized brand logos in the world.[1][2]
History
The Nike Swoosh, designed by Carolyn Davidson and used by Nike, Inc.
The Nike "swoosh'" is a design created in 1971 by Carolyn Davidson, while she was a graphic design student at Portland State University. She met Phil Knight while he was teaching accounting classes and she started doing some freelance work for his company, Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS). While most people would regard the symbol as a check mark, the Nike swoosh was inspired by the Greek goddess Nike, the winged goddess of victory. The swoosh symbolises her flight.
For seven years after its founding in 1964, BRS imported Onitsuka Tiger brand running shoes. In 1971, BRS decided to launch its own brand, which would first appear on a soccer cleat called the Nike, manufactured in Mexico. Knight approached Davidson for design ideas for this new brand, and she agreed to provide them, charging a rate of US$2 per hour.
In the spring of 1971, Davidson presented a number of design options to Knight and other BRS executives, and they ultimately selected the mark now known globally as the Swoosh. "I don't love it," Knight told her, "but I think it will grow on me." Davidson submitted a bill for US$35 for her work.[3] (In 1983, Knight gave Davidson a diamond Swoosh ring and an envelope filled with Nike stock to express his gratitude.)
In June 1972, the first running shoes bearing the Swoosh were introduced at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Nike continues to use the brand today.
References
- ^ "Logos that became legends: Icons from the world of advertising". The Independent. 2008-01-04. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/logos-that-became-legends-icons-from-the-world-of-advertising-768077.html. Retrieved 2009-06-28.
- ^ "Nike Canada FAQ page". http://www.nike.com/canada/siteInfo/faq.html.
- ^ "Nike gives board seniors the boot". BBC. 2004-08-02. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3527512.stm. Retrieved 2009-06-28.
Nike, Inc. Corporate directors John G. Connors · Jill Ker Conway · Timothy D. Cook · Ralph D. DeNunzio · Alan B. Graf · Douglas G. Houser · Phil Knight · John C. Lechleiter · Mark Parker · Johnathan A. Rodgers · Orin C. Smith · John Thompson · Phyllis M. Wise Keith WhiteAssets and products Air Jordan · Air Melo Line · Cole Haan · Converse · Exeter Brands Group · Hurley · Nike Air Max · Nike Considered · Nike Flywire · Nike Free · Nike Golf · Nike Mercurial Vapor · Nike Shox · Nike SB · Swoosh · Air Force 1 · Team Starter · Nike Total 90 · Umbro · Nike Multi-TurfMiscellaneous Categories:- Logo descriptions
- Nike brands
- 1971 introductions
- Brand name products stubs
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