The Transformation of Canon Logo

This is the world famous, globally recognized logo of Canon. Founded in Tokyo, Japan; Canon was first named The Kwanon which referred to the buddhist goddess of mercy. The logo had the image of the Goddess and the brand name at the bottom. You might think that this is a bad logo design, but actually it was not so bad at that time. The word Camera had to to go in logo to tell the people about the product. At that time cameras were not a common household item.  The circles represnt the lens, the goddess of mercy in focus and brand name at the bottom.

Later, the company decided to change its name to Canon for marketing purposes in global markets. At first the logo was lighter, the font were more stylized. Until the late sixties Canon remain focused on researching the imaging technology and improving the cameras. But as the company started manufacturing other products the transformation of the logo also began. However, this transformation was precisely the neccessity. Because the company now had to print logo on different objects, on different type of media and had to reach out to different kind of cultures and people. The subtle changes in the design were actually to fullfill those needs.

Later in 1951, the typeface became bolder. After that, it kept getting bolder each decade. The logo also reflects Canon's transformation from just a camera manufacturer to a global brand name in multimedia, electrical, retail, medical and office equipment. Canon uses the logo in two forms the full black and white form and the red typeface form.