Why Are So Many Logos Blue?

Some Statistics

Before you start, it's important to mention that blue is the most liked color. According to Dulux paintings, 42% of men and 30% of women say blue is their favorite color. As well, if we take the 500 largest companies, we notice quite quickly that blue is often used for their logos, or almost 40% of the time. It's not insignificant! Is there a link between these two statistics? Why do companies choose blue for their logo? Is it out of habit or are there other reasons?

The Meaning of the Blue Color

 According to our page on the meaning of colors, blue is first and foremost one of the three primary colors. This means that it is a color that is not a combination of other shades. Blue is also one of three cool colors and these types of colors have a calm and soothing effect. It is also found everywhere as it is the color of the sky and sea. Even color-blind people can see this nuance. In short, blue is not only found on logos of companies and sports teams.

Did you know that blue is associated with knowledge, trust and accessibility? This is probably one of the main reasons so many companies decide to use this color for their logo. These are often companies that want to reach as many people as possible to show they are reliable and trustworthy. As well, unlike other colours like purple, it is a color that is easy to reproduce. It is also important to mention that Pantone named classic blue the color of 2020. It was chosen because it is timeless, elegant and simple. It has a calming effect, something we need in 2020.

Should You Then Choose Blue for Your Logo?

Just because blue is widely used for logos doesn't mean you should automatically choose that color to represent you. The first question you should ask yourself is, what are your values? As mentioned above, blue is often used to represent large, established companies. Do you want to project this image? Then, before you choose, take the time to analyze your competitors. What colors do they use for their logos? If your competitors use blue a lot, it would be better to choose another color to stand out.

How to Use Blue to Your Advantage

Since blue is a popular color for logos, do you know what to do to stand out? One of the most seen combinations for logos is blue with white, which puts out a soothing effect. If that's not the effect you're looking for, what can you do? Why not use more intense shades to attract attention? For example, you could use red, orange or yellow if you want to give a more playful or lively look to your logo. There are also many different shades of blue such as navy blue, teal and azure blue. Don't hesitate to try various shades when creating your logo in order to find the one that will represent your company and values.

Some Well-Known Blue Logos

There are thousands of company logos with blue. Let's take a closer look at three examples that can help you decide if you should use blue for your logo.

Facebook

As Facebook is the social media platform with the most users, it is normal for the company to choose a color associated with accessibility. It is also a very popular colour, loved by many. Some also believe that Facebook's logo is blue because the founder Mark Zuckerberg is color-blind and has trouble seeing certain colours like red and green.

Ford

 As early as 1912, the American company Ford began using blue for their logo. In this case, blue was chosen to represent confidence and reliability, two very important values in the automotive world. Although the Ford logo has had some redesigns over time, blue and the oval shape remain essential elements of this brand image.

BMW

Contrary to what one might think, BMW did not choose blue for their logo because it was the colour of knowledge or trust. The BMW logo is a nod to the flag and coat of arms of Bavaria, the German region where the company was founded. The flag of this region is made up of a series of alternating blue and white rhombuses, the primary inspiration for the logo of this automotive company.

In conclusion, would you like to include blue when creating your logo or would you like to use other colours? No matter what you choose, make sure you choose shades that accurately represent your company and values. Happy creating!