The hidden detail in the starbucks logo that most people don’t know about, exploring the lesser-known features of the iconic emblem.
Starbucks is a ubiquitous part of many people’s daily routines, offering that crucial caffeine boost to kick-start the day.
However, beyond its familiar green logo and enticing beverages, there lies a hidden detail in the Starbucks logo that often goes unnoticed.
The siren in the Starbucks logo
The centerpiece of the Starbucks logo is a siren, a mythical sea creature inspired by ancient legends and literature.
This figure is reminiscent of characters from Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick”.
Interestingly, the name ‘Starbucks’ itself is a nod to this classic literary work.
Evolution of the Starbuck’s logo
The Starbucks logo has undergone significant changes since its inception.
Initially, it featured a brown emblem, which evolved into the iconic green design in 1987.
By 2011, the text “Starbucks Coffee” was removed to let the siren take center stage.
The subtle quirk in Starbuck’s logo
What sets this siren apart is a subtle yet fascinating detail.
Her face, while appearing symmetrical at first glance, reveals a slight shadow on the right side.
This small imperfection adds a touch of humanity to the otherwise mythical figure. This make her more relatable and lifelike.
So, the next time you enjoy your latte from Starbucks, take a closer look at the siren on your cup.
This hidden detail—an imperfectly shadowed face—adds a layer of intrigue and humanity to the brand’s iconic logo.
Your coffee cup, it turns out, tells a story that goes beyond just caffeine.
The meaning and story behind the Starbucks Brand name and logo
When Starbucks was first established in 1971, it was originally named Pequod.
This name was inspired by “Moby Dick”, a renowned classic American literary work.
The name Pequod was later changed to Starbucks, a name derived from Starbuck. This is a character in the novel and the companion of Pequod.
In 1971, Starbucks was seeking a logo design to represent its store.
They wanted an emblem that was historically significant and could symbolize the city of Starbucks’ origins.
The three founders hired graphic designer Terry Heckler to undertake this project.
Heckler found inspiration by studying old maritime books until he discovered an old Nordic woodcut, from around the 16th century, featuring “a two-tailed mermaid.”
What was unique about this mermaid was that she was topless and looked quite unusual.
Despite much opposition to this symbol, Starbucks chose it.
Howard Schultz later explained, “The topless mermaid is as seductive as the coffee itself.”
However, a major issue arose when printing the logo on delivery trucks.
The symbol needed to be larger for better visibility, which also meant the breasts became more prominen
Starbucks came up with a clever solution by using the mermaid’s hair to cover the “sensitive” areas.
Despite numerous changes and updates over the years, the maritime and sea theme remains the core message in Starbucks’ logo design.