Unexpected history behind the world's most recognizable logos

Nike, a sports brand recognized globally for its stylish apparel and footwear, has an iconic logo known as the "swoosh." This emblem is spotted on the gear of athletes and sports enthusiasts worldwide. However, did you know that the origin of the Nike swoosh is quite surprising? Here are some interesting facts about the history of the Nike swoosh design.

The Swoosh logo design was created by a graphic design student named Carolyn Davidson, whom Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, had approached in 1971 to design a logo for his start-up company. Davidson crafted the now-famous swoosh design and was compensated with a mere $35 for her efforts.

Initially, Knight had intended to name his company "Dimension 6," and Davidson was tasked with designing a logo to reflect that name. Davidson produced several designs, but Knight was dissatisfied with them all. Eventually, he asked Davidson to come up with something that represented motion and speed, and that was when the swoosh was born.

When Knight first saw the swoosh design, he was not impressed with it. He thought it resembled a checkmark and was uncertain if it would be an appropriate fit for his brand. However, he ultimately decided to run with it, and the rest is history.

Davidson has stated that her inspiration for the swoosh came from the winged goddess of victory, Nike, from Greek mythology. She aimed to create a design that would exude motion and triumph, and the swoosh was the perfect symbol.

Although the basic design of the swoosh has remained unchanged since its inception, there have been several variations over the years. In the 1980s, a thicker version of the swoosh was introduced, and in the 1990s, a tilted version of the swoosh was utilized on some Nike products.

In conclusion, the Nike swoosh has become one of the most recognizable logos worldwide, despite its unlikely origins. Designed by a college student for a mere $35, the swoosh has grown into a symbol of motion, speed, and triumph. Over the years, it has undergone various changes to keep up with the times, remaining contemporary and fresh.