Best 1960s Logos

Looking for the best 1960s logos that defined an era? You’ve landed in the right place. The 1960s weren’t just about peace signs and bell-bottoms—they sparked a design revolution. This decade gave rise to some of the most iconic 1960s logos still recognized today. With bold colors, experimental fonts, and a mix of psychedelic and minimalist styles, 1960s logo design changed how we view branding forever.

Whether you're a designer seeking retro logo inspiration, a history buff, or just curious about how these vintage logos shaped modern branding, this guide gives you a full breakdown. We’ll walk through standout examples, their design evolution, and why they still matter in the digital age. Let’s dive into the logos that made the ‘60s visually unforgettable.

The Cultural Revolution Behind 1960s Logos

The 1960s logos we admire today weren’t just aesthetic choices—they reflected a global cultural shift. This was a decade of rebellion, innovation, and identity. Brands were no longer just selling products—they were selling ideas, lifestyles, and emotions. The logos from this era mirrored the bold energy of the time. They became symbols of freedom, youth culture, and social change. Let’s break down the cultural fuel that powered the visual identity of iconic 1960s brands.

Social and Artistic Shifts of the 1960s

The 1960s marked a turning point in history. Civil rights movements, feminist waves, and anti-war protests redefined the public voice. Brands began reacting to this shift with 1960s logo design that felt more expressive and human. Logos moved away from corporate rigidity and embraced individualism. This was also when counterculture started influencing everything from graphic design to packaging.

People no longer trusted faceless corporations. They wanted meaning. And logos became a tool to express values—equality, rebellion, and creativity.

Influence of Pop Art and Psychedelia

Pop Art exploded during the 1960s thanks to artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. This directly shaped branding and advertising. Logos became louder, more playful, and far more colorful. Psychedelic logos, influenced by music posters and underground art, used warped text, intricate patterns, and optical illusions.

This design rebellion gave brands visual personalities like never before. You can still see this influence in retro logo inspiration across fashion, music, and packaging design today. If you're using a 60s logo generator, chances are it's drawing on this bold, trippy legacy.

The Rise of Mass Media and Branding

TV became a household staple in the ‘60s. Brands now had to look good not just in print but also on screens. This led to cleaner, more mid-century modern logos—logos that could hold attention in motion and in black and white.

Advertising boomed. U.S. ad spend rose from $1.6 billion in 1960 to over $2.68 billion by 1970 (source). With this exposure, brands needed logos that were instantly recognizable. This demand sparked innovation in simplicity, balance, and scalability in logo design.

Iconic 1960s Logos and Their Stories

The 1960s logos weren’t just branding tools—they were cultural statements. In a decade driven by innovation, rebellion, and mass media, logos began to reflect personality and purpose. They became bolder, cleaner, and far more expressive than the structured 1950s logos. Many of these designs are still used today with minimal change, proving just how timeless they are. Below, let’s dive into the most iconic 1960s brands and their visual identities—so you get a complete look at what made them legendary.

Global Brands That Defined the Decade

From tech to autos and media, several global names redefined what logos could be. These brands embraced the boldness of 1960s logo design—combining clarity with creativity.

1. Coca-Cola’s Dynamic Wave

Coca-Cola didn’t reinvent the wheel in the ’60s. Instead, it refined what was already powerful. The famous Spencerian script remained, but the brand started using the Dynamic Ribbon Device—a flowing white wave under the logo—to enhance visual appeal on packaging.

The red-and-white combo aligned with the mid-century modern logos trend—simple, high contrast, and instantly recognizable.

2. Volkswagen’s Minimalist Emblem

Volkswagen took the less-is-more approach. Its minimalist logo—a simple "V" over a "W" inside a circle—gained major traction during the 1960s. Paired with the VW Beetle and the rise of counterculture, the logo became more than corporate identity—it became part of the social fabric.

Clean, geometric, and universally understood, it’s a shining example of 60s graphic design that didn’t need any flash to be memorable.

3. NASA’s Futuristic “Worm” Logo

While the iconic NASA “worm” logo was officially introduced in 1975, its 1960s insignia known as the "meatball" became a symbol of American innovation during the Space Race. It featured a blue sphere with orbital paths, stars, and a bold red vector.

This emblem captured the imagination of millions. It reflected the futuristic spirit of the time and laid the foundation for retro logo inspiration seen in everything from fashion to music branding today.

4. ABC’s Simple Letterform

In the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, ABC introduced a new visual identity designed by Paul Rand. It featured three simple lowercase letters enclosed in a black circle—clean, compact, and highly versatile.

This 60s logo design was ahead of its time. It embraced minimalism, a trend now seen across modern tech brands. The ABC mark has endured for decades with very little change—a true testament to timeless design.

Famous Food & Beverage Logos

Food and beverage companies during the 1960s began adapting their visuals to appeal to younger, modern audiences. The designs were friendly, colorful, and more expressive, tapping into emotional connections rather than formality.

5. Dunkin’ Donuts’ Playful Pink Logo

Dunkin’ Donuts, originally founded in the 1950s, gained traction in the 1960s by embracing a fun, colorful identity. Its logo used bright pinks and oranges—bold color choices that broke traditional design norms.

The lettering was plump, round, and inviting. This playful approach tapped into psychedelic logos without going overboard, offering a cheerful vibe that matched their products. The logo played a major role in helping the brand scale nationally.

6. Oreo’s Circular Letterforms

Oreo’s branding in the 1960s embraced circular symmetry that reflected the cookie’s iconic shape. The logo featured a strong, bold font with 60s typography—simple, balanced, and visually striking.

This period marked Oreo’s evolution into a household name. The design leaned into clarity and product recognition, both vital in a growing supermarket culture. Even now, Oreo’s visual identity hasn’t strayed far from its roots—because it still works.

Sports, Events & Cultural Symbols

Beyond corporate branding, 1960s logos left a huge mark on global events, sports, and cultural platforms. These logos weren’t just functional—they carried national pride, artistic innovation, and modern design language. Whether you're exploring retro logo inspiration or tracing how culture shapes design, these event logos are perfect examples of visual storytelling from the era.

7. Mexico City Olympics 1968

This logo is one of the most iconic 60s graphic design achievements. It merged Op Art with traditional Mexican elements to create a hypnotic, linear typographic style. The repeating lines around “Mexico 68” captured both the rhythm of indigenous art and the bold aesthetics of psychedelic logos.

Designed by Lance Wyman, it revolutionized Olympic branding. Even today, it’s studied in design schools worldwide. The logo proved that national identity and modern graphics could coexist—and still inspire designers using any 60s logo generator today.

8. Sapporo Winter Olympics 1972

Although the Sapporo Games took place in early 1972, the logo was conceptualized in the late ‘60s, making it relevant here. The design is clean, geometric, and very much in tune with minimalist logos of the era.

It features Japan’s red sun symbol above snowflake and Olympic rings elements, using symmetry and color for instant recognition. This blend of mid-century modern logos and national symbolism reflects the clarity and precision Japan is known for.

9. Expo '70 Osaka

The Expo ’70 logo was first drafted in the late 1960s and is a masterclass in organic geometric design. It resembles a cherry blossom—a cultural symbol of Japan—created from five interlocking circles.

This minimalist yet meaningful logo was part of Japan's growing post-war identity and technological emergence. For designers looking at transitions from 1960s logos to 70s logos, Expo '70 is a pivotal reference point.

Other Notable 1960s Logos

Not all great 1960s logo design came from massive corporations or global events. Some gems were born from visionary designers and quiet revolutions in identity systems. These under-the-radar logos still influence today’s vintage logos and brand aesthetics.

10. Shell (Yusaku Kamekura’s Proposal)

Though never officially adopted, Yusaku Kamekura’s 1960s proposal for Shell is a stunning study in form and reduction. He maintained the brand’s signature scallop shape but used bold, clean lines to modernize it. This proposed logo reflected the global shift toward flat and minimalist logos.

It’s still referenced by branding experts as a bold what-could-have-been. A reminder that not all great design gets released—but it still influences how we view iconic 1960s brands.

11. Fiat 1968

Fiat’s 1968 redesign simplified the logo into a rectangular badge with thin vertical white lines and bold 1960s fonts. The design reflected the Italian automaker’s pivot toward modernism and urban sophistication.

The badge was sharp, stylish, and more aligned with mid-century modern logos than its earlier 1950s version. It projected reliability and European flair—a combination that shaped Fiat's reputation across Europe.

12. Royal Bank 1962

Canada’s Royal Bank introduced a bold logo in 1962 featuring a lion holding a globe. It stood as a regal yet modern take on financial branding. The heavy lines and detailed illustration merged tradition with authority.

This logo is often cited in 1960s logo design studies for how it bridges old-world symbolism with modern structure—without losing visual power. It also set the tone for many institutional brands worldwide.

13. RCA 1967

RCA’s 1967 logo evolution embraced simplicity. The typeface was tightened and made bolder, aligning with the era’s growing love for minimalist design. This was the height of RCA’s involvement in music and electronics, and the logo helped modernize its presence in homes.

The move mirrored the clean branding styles seen in IBM and CBS during the same decade, where logo readability across TV and packaging became crucial.

14. Milan Metro 1962

Milan Metro’s M-shaped logo debuted in 1962 with a functional yet bold style. It was clean, geometric, and instantly legible—designed for clarity in crowded public spaces.

Its smart use of red and white made it highly visible and gave it a strong urban identity. Today, this logo still defines the city’s transport system and remains a strong example of 60s graphic design that balances utility with character.

1960s Logo Design Elements & Fonts

The beauty of 1960s logos lies in the details—especially the fonts, color schemes, and use of space. Designers in this era began to break the strict rules of the 1950s logos, embracing bold typography, new color psychology, and clean, clever composition. Whether you’re building a brand today or just exploring retro logo inspiration, understanding these design choices gives you a full picture of what made the decade visually powerful.

Popular 1960s Typefaces

Typography was one of the defining features of 1960s logo design. Brands moved away from traditional lettering and leaned into expressive, geometric, or hand-drawn styles that reflected the decade’s cultural energy. These 1960s fonts weren’t just decorative—they told stories.

Slab Serif Fonts

Slab serifs became popular in logos and posters during the ’60s. Their thick, block-like serifs gave logos a grounded, industrial feel. Brands used these fonts to appear bold and reliable, especially in automotive, publishing, and government sectors.

Fonts like Egyptienne and Clarendon stood out with their strong structure. Today, many 60s logo generators still feature slab serif templates for vintage flair.

Sans Serif and Wide Thin Fonts

At the other end, wide and thin sans serif fonts became trendy in tech, fashion, and TV logos. These fonts had a futuristic appeal and fit well with mid-century modern logos. Designers used them for sleek branding that looked great on screens and packaging.

One famous example is the NASA worm logo, introduced later but heavily influenced by the '60s typographic style. These fonts offered simplicity and readability—a core goal in minimalist logos.

Handwritten and Brushstroke Lettering

To create warmth and personality, some brands leaned into handwritten fonts. These brushstroke styles often appeared in food, lifestyle, and kids’ products. Think early Dunkin’ Donuts or nostalgic candy packaging.

These styles weren’t perfect by design—they brought humanity to logos during a time of rising mass media. Hand-lettered logos from this decade now serve as key references in vintage logo designs.

Color Palettes of the Decade

The 1960s introduced one of the most vibrant eras in color use. Designers dropped the muted tones of the ’50s and embraced electric blues, bold oranges, and rich purples. These choices reflected pop art, psychedelia, and the social movements of the time.

According to color trend analyses by Pantone, the popularity of saturated colors in the 1960s aligned with shifts in youth culture and product advertising. Brands like Pepsi, Levi’s, and Dunkin’ Donuts adopted eye-catching palettes to appeal to modern consumers.

If you’re building a retro logo, color is crucial. Just one bold shade can make a logo feel instantly "60s."

Use of Negative Space and Simplicity

Another genius element of 1960s logo design was the growing use of negative space. Designers began to value what was left out just as much as what was added. Logos became more about suggestion and balance than overloading the design.

The CBS Eye is a great example. It used a simple black shape with smart spacing to convey clarity and media identity. This simplicity was key in the early days of TV, where logos had to be recognizable in a flash.

Negative space and stripped-down layouts helped logos stand out across new mediums—TV, packaging, and even space missions. These choices shaped the DNA of modern minimalist design.

Key Design Trends in 1960s Logos

The 1960s logo design revolution wasn’t one-size-fits-all. It gave rise to multiple stylistic directions—some rooted in simplicity, others in chaos. But each trend reflected the era’s mood and the evolution of design technology. Let’s explore the most defining logo styles of the ‘60s.

Minimalism and Geometric Shapes

While psychedelia ruled pop culture, many brands went the opposite route—minimalist logos with clean lines and clear forms. Think IBM’s striped logo or CBS’s eye icon. These designs used geometric shapes to appear futuristic and stable.

This trend is part of what made mid-century modern logos so timeless. They were scalable, elegant, and easy to recognize even at small sizes. It’s no wonder they’ve aged better than many complex 1970s logos.

Bold Typography and 1960s Fonts

Typography was no longer just functional—it was expressive. Designers began using thick, bold typefaces to make logos feel stronger and louder. The 1960s introduced curvier, chunkier fonts that felt fresh and rebellious.

These 1960s fonts added rhythm to design, often reflecting rock 'n' roll vibes or youth culture. Today, you’ll find them in vintage-style branding and 60s logo generators trying to capture that same energy.

Vibrant Colors and Psychedelic Motifs

You can’t talk about 1960s logos without mentioning color. Bright oranges, electric blues, saturated purples—they were everywhere. Inspired by tie-dye fashion, LSD trips, and album covers, logos adopted psychedelic motifs like spirals, waves, and sunbursts.

These loud visuals spoke directly to the youth. They broke design rules. And they worked. Even now, you’ll find brands mimicking these patterns to create throwback branding or nostalgic campaigns.

Handcrafted and Organic Elements

In contrast to the mechanical feel of earlier decades, many 1960s logo designs had a hand-drawn, imperfect charm. Logos felt warm, textured, and human. This trend aligned with the rise of health food stores, peace movements, and eco-consciousness.

Brands like Levi’s and Whole Earth embraced this style. These organic elements gave logos a relatable, grassroots feel—an approach that remains relevant in today's sustainable and artisan-focused branding landscape.

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of 1960s Logos

1960s logos remain timeless because they combine bold creativity with clean, memorable design. From vibrant color palettes to minimalist typefaces, each logo captured the spirit of a changing world. Today, these vintage designs continue to influence modern branding across industries. If you're looking to create a logo with that same retro charm, platforms like Logome make it easy. With customizable templates inspired by 1960s logo design, Logome helps you bring vintage flair into a modern brand identity—without the hassle. Whether for inspiration or creation, the design legacy of the ’60s is just a click away.