Graphic designers who turn to nature for their logo design are usually trying to create associations between a company’s name/ personality and the consumers of the brand e.g. a bald eagle is often associated with power in the U.S.A. – famously featured in the centre of the President of The United States seal.
Because horse racing season has begun worldwide weive decided to inspire fellow graphic designers with a collection of imagery, existing logos, and designs that will make characteristic associations between the organisation and the equine kingdom.
Dressage Horse’s Head
Image by Lucile Øyenstikker
Image by Robert Whitehead
This representation of a horse is reminiscent of a Knight Chess piece which is where the desire potentially lies of organisations wanting to use such symbolism as it can convey the preconceptions of strategic and brave.
Logo by bulgrin
A horse’s head and neck is often used as a power symbol, especially if it is presented in a dressage position with a curved crest (back of the neck) and a forehead that is almost perpendicular with the ground.
Racing Horse
Image by Kurt Peters
Logo by JohnM
Logo by ricardobarroz
Illustrations of horses leaning forwards in gallop position with their manes caught in the wind are commonly connected with brands that want to identify that their priority is speed.
Tip: the types of brands this would work for best include car manufacturers (such as the Ford Mustang logo), couriers, and transportation providers.
Rearing Horse
Logo created by Logan Dufrn
Logo created by CoolDiamond
When a horse rears in nature they are usually displaying their dominance over other horses, which is a visually striking scene. The rearing horse therefore identifies an organisation as dominant in their field of expertise.
Fact: Ferrari’s logo is a rearing horse that is very recognizable worldwide. Lloyds TSB is another very powerful company that uses a rearing black horse.
Other Equine Inspiration
Logo by Joshua-Wold
Logo by hilustra
Illustration by Okan Akgöl
Horses are very powerful and fast creatures with muscular forms which make them a very useful animal to associate an organisation with strength and speed. They are also very kind creatures which is another characteristic that can be associated with organisations that choose to use them.
I hope you’ve been inspired by the visuals provided and wish you the best of luck if you’re betting on the races this season.
