On Oct. 5, one of America’s most iconic clothing brands, Gap, introduced its new logo. Although well-received internally, the logo has generated much negativity among loyal customers and designers alike. Critics of the logo claim that its “basic photoshop” workmanship and lack of creative appeal are to blame. Personally, I think it looks like something that was crafted in Microsoft Word for a school project, rather than a brand defining logo that was in the making for two years.
All of the negative attention has put a spotlight on Gap, making it the topic of much publicity. As the saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity;” but could that really be what Gap was after? There is a possibility that Gap may have issued this poorly designed logo in an attempt to create buzz, so that they could bring back the old logo and look like the hero. If that is what they are after, they are playing the game well. Currently, there is a website called CrapLogo where anyone can enter text to be “Crap logo’d” into the same format as Gap’s logo. Also, someone created a fake Twitter account for the logo, @GapLogo.To address all of the negative responses, Gap recently posted a message on its Facebook account. “We know this logo created a lot of buzz and we’re thrilled to see passionate debates unfolding!” The post ends with a challenge for fans, “...we're asking you to share your designs. We love our version, but we'd like to see other ideas.” Of course they would.
Written by: Brittany Hall
I can kindof see what Gap was going for with their new logo. Their company name "Gap" is no longer shown in the blue box. So theyre literally and figuratively "outside of the box". kindof cool. But you make an excellent point Brittany, it looks like it was made in two minutes in Microsoft Word. Great blog entry!
ReplyDeleteI liked the old logo, when you look at the new one, it is hard to recognize that it is Gap.
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ReplyDeleteSo Gap wants publicity but they also want feedback from their audience. However they don't want to ask for it. So develop an unprofessional logo and float the trial balloon.
ReplyDeleteDumb as a fox in my opinion.
Gap now has switched back to its old logo: http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/follow-up_gap_undo.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A
ReplyDeleteNow it makes me wonder if this was a publicity stunt or a risky re-branding gamble that Gap was willing to try, but too scared to continue?