1

Disney: A signature of magic

Image: Gui Avelar

Some logos inspire happiness at first glance, don’t you think? Walt Disney’s logo is a perfect example for us. It’s playful and inviting, and that’s because it’s modeled after Walt Disney’s very own signature, or at least an artistic version of it.

The truth is that Walt’s actual handwriting looked pretty different from the logo we know today because he changed his signature frequently, making it nearly impossible to determine if this version was ever truly his. In any case, it was very successful, and if you ask us, this logo screams "happily ever after."

2

McDonald’s: Golden arches or hidden symbol?

Image: Janet Ganbold

The moment you see a golden "M," your mouth starts watering, doesn’t it? However, the famous Golden Arches weren’t always part of McDonald’s logo history.

Back in the 1950s, they were part of the restaurant’s architecture, we mean actual arches on either side of the building!

When designing a logo, the company leaned into that imagery to create something unforgettable. Well, they definitely did it! And we’re lovin’ it!

3

Coca-Cola: Scripted for success

Image: Efekan Akyüz

That classic Coca-Cola logo has remained surprisingly consistent since 1887. The secret? A font called Spencerian Script, which was highly fashionable back in the late 19th century.

The smooth, flowing letters give it a friendly, approachable feel, it’s like an invitation to "have a Coke and a smile."

Over the years, the brand played with design elements (remember the old glass bottles?), but the logo’s handwritten charm never wavered. The old-school way truly is the best way in some cases.

4

Dove: A symbol of softness

Image: Akshay Bandre

Some logos are so powerful, that you can almost taste them. In this case, you can smell and feel it at the same time. Have you ever noticed the graceful bird on Dove products? That dove isn’t just for show, it represents peace, gentleness, and care , which is exactly what the brand aims to evoke.

When Dove first launched in 1955, its messaging was all about moisturizing and being kind to your skin. The logo, paired with the brand’s soothing colors, reinforces that sense of softness. It’s one of those designs that just feels good, even before you try the products.

5

Amazon: The smile that points the way

Image: Christian Wiediger

The story behind the name is quite fascinating, but let’s focus on the logo. Amazon’s logo isn’t just a smile—it’s a smile with a purpose. Look closely, and you’ll notice the arrow stretches from "A" to "Z," symbolizing the company’s goal to offer everything you could ever need.

And that curved arrow? It’s designed to look like a grin, giving the brand a friendly, customer-first vibe. With a logo this clever, it’s no surprise they’ve grown into an online shopping powerhouse. This is the kind of logo we like—what about you?

6

Google: The colors of curiosity

Image: sarah b

At first glance, one might think Google just put together the letters, chose random colors, and launched the site. But that’s definitely not the case—this logo is packed with meaning.

To begin with, they are not random colors, they are primary colors, chosen to represent creativity and approachability .

As for the unexpected green "L," it’s a nod to the idea that Google likes to break the rules (in a good way, of course). Over the years, the company has refreshed the logo’s font and shading, but the vibe remains the same. And let’s not forget about the festive Doodles—they’re genius!

7

Starbucks: From the sea to your cup

Image: Athar Khan

That green mermaid on your Starbucks cup? She’s actually a two-tailed siren, inspired by an old Norse woodcut. Why a siren, you may ask? Well, the brand wanted to evoke the allure of coffee as something irresistible —like a siren’s call.

Over time, the logo has evolved, losing the "Starbucks Coffee" text to let the siren shine on her own. Curious enough, the first design included the name of the company on the outer part of the circle, but they decided to eliminate that and let the siren do all the luring work on her own!

8

FedEx: The arrow you didn’t see

Image: Jan Rosolino

FedEx has one of the sneakiest logos in the business world. Between the "E" and the "X," there’s a hidden arrow that represents speed and precision . And once you see it, you can’t unsee it!

This wasn’t the original version, though. Designed in 1994, the logo is a masterclass in subtlety and clever branding, much like Amazon’s. It’s a perfect fit for a company that prides itself on delivering packages quickly and efficiently.

9

Domino’s: Three dots, infinite pizza

Image: Miroslav Denkov

Speaking of logos you can taste, right? Domino’s logo features three dots, which represent the first three locations of the pizza chain .

Originally, the company planned to add a new dot for every store they opened. Can you imagine if they had kept that idea? They quickly realized that wouldn’t work with their explosive growth.

Paired with the iconic red and blue colors, the logo is as comforting as a fresh box of pizza. And let’s be real—who doesn’t love their pizza?

10

Tesla: An electric secret

Image: Tesla Fans Schweiz

Tesla’s sleek, futuristic logo isn’t just a fancy "T"; it’s actually a nod to the company’s cutting-edge tech. The "T" is designed to resemble a cross-section of an electric motor, tying into Tesla’s mission of revolutionizing transportation .

Pair that with its clean lines and modern vibe, and you’ll see that the logo feels as innovative as the cars themselves. It’s a perfect example of branding that matches the product: bold, forward-thinking, and undeniably cool. What do you think?

11

Levi’s: A stitch in time

Image: Mnz

Few pieces of clothing are as iconic as a pair of Levi’s, right? That’s because both the item and the logo are equally simple, bold, and instantly recognizable .

The classic red tab is the result of eight redesigns. The first version of the logo included two horses pulling in opposite directions of a pair of jeans, trying to rip them—and failing, of course! But that was just the beginning.

The logo we know today was introduced by the same designer who worked on Coca-Cola’s script and the inspiration was the stitching on the back pocket of the jeans. The rest, as they say, is comfortable and durable history!

12

Pepsi: A logo full of energy

Image: Ja San Miguel

This article comes to an end with a classic brand. Pepsi’s logo has gone through dozens of iterations, but the current design—a red, white, and blue globe—is packed with meaning.

The wavy lines represent energy and dynamism, while the patriotic colors nod to its American roots, naturally. And if you were doubtful that it represents our country, you can read the 27-page redesign manifesto from 2008, which reportedly cost millions and came with a full explanation of its symbolism!

1

Wisconsin - Cheese

Image: Lauren Forando

Wisconsin is crazy about cheese , and there’s a reason it’s known as "America’s Dairyland"! The state takes great pride in this regional product, and with good reason. Its cheesemaking tradition is almost as old as the state itself, with European colonists introducing the trade in the 19th century in the fertile lands that would eventually become Wisconsin. Approximately 100 years later, over 1,500 cheesemonger shops and factories had been established in the area.

2

Chicago - Deep-dish pizza

Image: Jon Tyson

Deep-dish pizza has its fair share of detractors, but we honestly can’t think of a single, concrete reason why. In our eyes, Chicago’s most famous regional delicacy is wonderful, with its copious amounts of cheese and chunky tomato sauce. In any case, residents of the "Windy City" take great pride in this pizza style, so be sure to try some whenever you're in town.

3

Detroit - Automotive industry

Image: Egor Vikhrev

Detroit has been synonymous with cars since the 1920s , when the city’s population surged following the expansion of the automotive industry across the country. Nowadays, Detroit is considered the epicenter of this industry in the United States, with the headquarters of the "Big Three" auto manufacturers—Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler—located in "The Motor City."

4

Kentucky - Bourbon

Image: Maxim Hopman

Bourbon is one of the few products that can only be found in America . This type of whiskey, typically made from maize, was created in the United States during the 18th century. While it is undeniably an American treasure, bourbon is most closely associated with the American South and, particularly , with Kentucky . The "Bluegrass State" produces 95% of the world’s supply of bourbon, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it is a source of great pride to all Kentuckians.

5

New Mexico - Chiles

Image: Javier Balseiro

The New Mexican chile , a moderately spicy variety , is unsurprisingly a staple of the state’s cuisine and one of its official vegetables. Not only that, New Mexico’s official question is a direct reference to this tasty vegetable. Whenever you hear a New Mexican ask, "Green or Red?", be sure they are asking which type of chile you want with your food.

6

New Orleans - Lucky Dogs

Image: Peter Secan

We could have included any number of delicious New Orleans products in this entry, from its mouth-watering gumbo to its delectable beignets. However, we’ve decided to focus instead on a New Orleans institution—a business that has been standing strong since 1948. Located throughout the streets of "The Big Easy," Lucky Dogs and its iconic hot dog stands bring smiles and tasty treats to both locals and tourists. These stands are featured in one of New Orleans’s most beloved novels, A Confederacy of Dunces , in which its extravagant protagonist briefly works at one of these stands.

7

Texas - Cowboy hats

Image: Donald Giannatti

In 2015, the Texas State Legislature declared the cowboy hat the official "State Hat of Texas." This probably doesn’t come as a surprise. If you’ve ever visited "The Lone Star State," you’ve likely seen cowboy hats everywhere. These accessories have been synonymous with Texas for as long as anyone can remember. In fact, Texas Rangers were the very first law enforcement agency to officially adopt cowboy hats as part of their uniform.

8

New York - I Heart NY T-Shirts

Image: Abhilash G

What might seem like an inexpensive memento to take home after a wonderful trip to New York City is actually one of the most instantly recognizable images in pop culture. "I Heart NY" t-shirts are everywhere in the "Big Apple," and while locals might seem disgruntled at the sight of a happy tourist sporting one of these shirts, rest assured that they feel a small amount of pride in the love and praise their city receives every day.

9

Las Vegas - Casinos

Image: David Lusvardi

Las Vegas calls itself "The Entertainment Capital of the World" for the same reason many refer to it as "Sin City." The largest city in Nevada is known worldwide for its amazing selection of Casino Hotels. Las Vegas’s most famous regional product offers many hours of fun and excitement, though we advise that caution be observed at all times.

10

Sweet Tea - South Carolina

Image: Crystal Tubens

Sweet tea has been a staple of American Southern cuisine for centuries, but many believe the birthplace of this delicious, cold drink is Summerville, a town in South Carolina . According to some historians, during the 19th century, a resident of Summerville named Dr. Charles Shepard started growing tea in the region and innovating with ice-cold drinks that he offered to visitors and neighbors. In due time, sweet tea made Summerville a tourist attraction, eventually cementing the town as the birthplace of this iconic drink.

1

Mark Zuckerberg

Image: Kenny Eliason

Mark, the co-founder and CEO of Facebook, was named TIME’s Person of the Year in 2010. He earned this honor for his remarkable influence on the social networking landscape and the way people connect online.

At just 26 years of age, Zuckerberg forever changed communication , with Facebook amassing over 500 million users worldwide!

TIME recognized him not only for his technological innovation but also for his role in reshaping social interaction and the digital economy. His vision and impact extended beyond technology, influencing politics, business, and society at large. He quite deserved the recognition, didn’t he?

2

Barack Obama

Image: History in HD

The 44th president of the United States was named Person of the Year not once, but twice! His first recognition came as he made history by becoming the first African American president , symbolizing a profound change and a hopeful future for many Americans. Obama’s message of "hope and change" resonated globally.

The second time, in 2012, he won the recognition as we secured a second term in office . His presidency was marked by significant accomplishments, including the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Both titles reflect his impact and influence on the American people.

3

Jeff Bezos

Image: Christian Wiediger

The founder and CEO of Amazon was named TIME’s Person of the Year in 1999 . He was recognized for his groundbreaking work in e-commerce, transforming Amazon from an online bookstore into a global retail powerhouse. Under his leadership, Amazon revolutionized the way people shop , setting new standards for convenience and customer service.

TIME acknowledged Bezos for his visionary approach and relentless drive, which significantly impacted the retail industry and consumer behavior. His innovative strategies and focus on long-term growth positioned Amazon as the leader in the digital economy it is today.

4

Wallis Simpson

Image: Annie Spratt

TIME’s recognition was not always about diplomacy, politics, or innovation: Love and drama were also acknowledged. Wallis Simpson was an American socialite and she was named TIME’s Person of the Year in 1936 for her role in one of the most dramatic love stories of the 20th century, which led to the abdication of King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom. Edward’s decision to relinquish the throne to marry Wallis, a twice-divorced American, rocked the British monarchy and captivated the world.

TIME honored Simpson not just for her personal story, but for the profound political and social impact her relationship with Edward had on the era . Even if the British monarchy didn’t think alike!

5

The Good Samaritans

Image: Katt Yukawa

2005 was one of those years when the title "Person of the Year" wasn’t enough. Back then, three people collectively known as The Good Samaritans were named "Persons of the Year," and two of them were American.

We are talking about Bill Gates, Melinda Gates, and Bono who was also part of the group. Bill and Melinda Gates, through their foundation, had been tackling major global health issues, such as eradicating diseases and improving education worldwide . Bono, the U2 frontman, was recognized for his activism in fighting poverty and HIV/AIDS, particularly in Africa, using his fame to advocate for social justice.

Their significant contributions led to improving lives and addressing critical global challenges and exemplified the power of using wealth and influence for the greater good.

6

Ted Turner

Image: Rubaitul Azad

Ted Turner is a visionary media entrepreneur, and he was named Man of the Year in 1991. He earned this distinction for his transformative impact on the media landscape, most notably through the creation of CNN, the world’s first 24-hour news network .

Turner's innovative concept forever changed how people access news, ensuring that information is available at any hour. His approach redefined television journalism and set new standards for news delivery globally.

Beyond his media ventures, Turner's dedication to philanthropy and environmental causes further demonstrated his commitment to positive change. TIME recognized Turner not just for his media achievements, but also for his broader societal contributions .

7

American Women

Image: Jen Theodore

That’s right, there was one time when the influential group was so big, that they had to honor a whole gender. In 1975, American Women collectively were named TIME’s Person of the Year. This landmark recognition celebrated the influence women had in several aspects, including politics, business, and social movements. The honor was a tribute to the growing momentum of the women's liberation movement, which was challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for equal rights.

TIME’s goal was to highlight the diverse achievements of women across the nation, from l eaders in government to activists fighting for justice and gender equality. This selection acknowledged the key role women played in shaping the country’s cultural and political landscape during a transformative period.

8

John F. Kennedy

Image: History in HD

Most Presidents of the United States were honored with the title of Person of the Year and Kennedy was not the exception. As the 35th president, he was awarded the title in 1961 due to his inspiring leadership and vision during a crucial time in American history.

His charisma, youthful energy, and policies resonated with a nation that was ready for a change .

The recognition came not only for his political achievements but also for his ability to energize the American spirit. Kennedy’s legacy continues to influence American politics and culture today so the recognition was just one more testament to his powerful impact.

9

David Ho

Image: Marcelo Leal

In 1996, Dr. David Ho, an influential Taiwanese-American AIDS researcher, was granted this recognition due to his groundbreaking work on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which helped the medical community understand and treat AIDS. His extensive investigation led to the development of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

His findings meant giving patients the possibility of living a quality life through treatment for a chronic condition instead of a fatal disease.

Dr. Ho’s dedication and scientific advancements have had a profound impact on public health and this recognition acknowledged the importance of scientific innovations in addressing global health crises.

10

Taylor Swift

Image: Rosa Rafael

This article ends with TIME’s most recent "Person of the Year." Taylor Swift is a 34 American singer-songwriter who was given the title in December 2023.

During that year, Swift broke quite literally all the records: The most streamed album, the highest-grossing world tour, the biggest-selling record of the year, and more. Taylor Swift was granted the title because it became a whole phenomenon. It was the first person in the arts to be recognized with this title.

Whatever country she visited with The Eras Tour the local economy went crazy, not to mention the fans. Her music has inspired millions of people around the world, deeply influencing cultures, economies, and more on her way.