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Star Wars
The Prequel: Star Wars Logo Design in Its Humble Beginnings
Star Wars is more than just a movie series to many. They are more than just books. This is a franchise that has its roots deep in our culture. Regardless if you’ve seen the movies or read the books, there’s a nearly 100 percent chance that you encountered the title in any way, shape or form.
The line “No, I am your father” alone transcends through generations. With over four decades of history, it’s safe to say that the Star Wars name is here to stay forever.
That said, brace yourselves for a greater force flowing through your veins. Let’s take a closer look at one of the most significant components of the brand: the Star Wars logos.
When talking about the best brand logo designs, there’s no denying that Star Wars is up there with the heavy hitters. These unique logos have evolved over the years. Like the production quality, cast, story and everything else there is to love about its ecosystem, there’s a lot to learn here.
From Gen X to Gen Z, this sci-fi series hits almost every movie genre. The storylines are likable and quickly made their way to becoming a global pop-culture phenomenon.
Any graphic designer, illustrator and millions of logo design experts around the globe understand the challenge of creating a timely logo. Putting together visual elements and all the pivotal textual information (episode titles, cast, etc.) in an exciting way is already a challenge.
The Star Wars logo experienced plenty of iterations. With three trilogies on record, we’ve witnessed significant evolution between each one. Let’s start with Genesis.
The very first logo for the film franchise was created during the first months of production. Costumes and characters were still in the works while concept artist Ralph McQuarrie’s team handled the logo ideas. McQuarrie was the artist who helped develop the cinematic aesthetic and feel of Star Wars.
At the time, the film was originally called “The Star Wars.” This logo was commonly seen around the movie set as well. The character in the logo was initially intended to say “Han Solo” until his character design changed. When the logo design braved further revisions to accommodate a corporate letterhead design, “The” was ditched, and the familiar Star Wars logo was born.
Dan Perri also shaped the famous opening crawl that provides a brief backstory of each film. A logo followed this to mirror that style, using a vanishing point. The logo was present in significant print ads, but by the time Star Wars was released, the official logo saw more updates.
While the opening crawl design was kept the same way, George Lucas looked for something different to ensure the poster logos picked up the story of the films.
Different Star Wars Logos Through the Years
Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
George Lucas wanted a fascist look here. He pulled inspiration from multiple fascist dictatorships to form his evil Galactic Empire, so he wanted the logo to be just as intimidating.
Lucas approached Suzy Rice, who had been studying 1930s German design for some time. This led to her using the typography design from Nazi propaganda posters for the initial Star Wars logo.
She used these design techniques to form the famous Star Wars logo that would pave its way into the design world for decades. Joe Johnston made the very final logo for this particular one.
Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
This logo hit the nail on the head. The design was conceived during the film’s marketing campaign to communicate the name of the sequel to A New Hope. It features a fantastic element and one that conveys a sense of adventure.
The Empire Strikes Back became the focal point of the logo, officially establishing "Star Wars" as a root name in the visual profile of a film franchise. The enclosed frame around the logo gives it a different vibe. It is tidy and resembles a stamp on each poster. The angled text is streamlined, expressing speed and adventure while differentiating the sequel from the original film.
This version was designed by Ralph McQuarrie, who finalized the logo after playing with some radical concepts before arriving at the final draft.
Star Wars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
Things have significantly changed since the OG logo. They pulled off the Empire Strikes Back logo, but the look of the third logo stuck for the prequel trilogy that followed in the early 2000s. Although the Times New Roman font is not the unique route, its simplicity delivered something compelling from a design solution perspective.
This logo style emphasizes the film title. While the neat execution of its aesthetics did away with the closed border of The Empire Strikes Back, an open frame at the top and bottom of the movie title was added here.
Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
The following three sets of films over a decade since the Return of the Jedi stayed consistent with the last Star Wars logo. You’ll notice how the Phantom Menace logo gets more details if you put them side by side. It has more shine to it and more contemporary components. The significant difference between the earlier logos and this one is that the episode name is now the primary attraction. This is another efficient design move to a somewhat complex “prequel” scenario.
Film producers needed to fill the gaps and clarify that it was the first chronological episode, going back to the story's beginning. Reinforcing the episode title helped audiences understand the position of the story.
It’s an intriguing study of the design cues of the logo and how much can be communicated in just one symbol. The relatively long title is easily understandable in this case. Ultimately, Rice’s original Star Wars design stayed on top of everything with a new metallic update that follows the sci-fi theme. (Take a look at the Disney logo here).
Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
The subsequent two sequels followed a similar format, released three years after The Phantom Menace. Here, you’ll find consistency in the design, employing the same collage format and feel. Technology also stretched the logo to a more enhanced design at this point.
The Revenge of the Sith poster is slightly more sinister and action-packed than the two earlier episodes, connecting a culmination and focus on the film's darker path. Many best movie poster designs nod to the execution of this batch of logos due to its simplicity and ability to send a straightforward but in-tune message.
Star Wars Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
Another decade after the Revenge of the Sith, the movie franchise returns with a bang. This meant another major logo transformation occurred.
Nevertheless, Rice’s design is still present here. They did away with the borders, episode numbers were ditched and the words “Star Wars” became the centerpiece. The yellow Star Wars font returns to the sci-fi feel of the prequels from the early 2000s, and it’s easy to see why it’s become the most recognizable out of all the previous releases. It’s a good design with legible cues that highlight the franchise name.
Star Wars Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)
It’s interesting to observe the symbolic color choice of the final trilogy logos. The earlier movie used a yellow logo to represent the light. This time, red denoted the dark side. The color change of the logos works well in tune with the films while effectively communicating the themes and modulation of each one.
Star Wars Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
The same design persists up to the ninth installment of the Star Wars franchise. But this time, it differentiates itself from the other two with a blue Star Wars font. This particular visual cue aligns the focus on the Skywalker lineage, starting with Anakin Skywalker, who’s associated with a blue lightsaber passed down to Luke in Episode IV.
Stories Behind the Star Wars Symbols
Galactic Empire
The Galactic Empire took over through political scheming at the center of the Galactic Republic Senate and the manipulation of the dark side of the Force.
They were impressive from all angles. With an intense Sith center of Emperor and his lieutenant Darth Vader, they chased after power and domination. Everywhere the Empire went, the six-spoked symbol was one of the first things to see. It was on uniforms, flags, structures, ships and propaganda. These guys knew the power of redundancy and familiarity when transferring power and branding.
New Republic
The New Republic started out slow. Dancing Ewoks here and there and nothing to be alarmed about. However, the destruction of the second Death Star near the moon of Endor triggered the Rebel Alliance. It went from peaceful to a painful transformation from underdog to government, continuing the Galactic Republic that came before while uncovering Palpatine’s New Order.
Furthermore, the New Republic was an interstellar democratic group like its predecessor. It has its history deeply rooted in the unity of different forces. Paying to its hard-earned existence, it features the Rebel Alliance symbol as its foundation.
Rebel Alliance
This particular Star Wars logo gave the Imperial side a good laugh until the first Death Star blew up.
The Rebel Alliance featured rebel cells and renegade senators to answer the Empire’s oppression of the galaxy. Their crest was seen on most members’ suits, particularly Rebel Pilots’ helmets.
The characteristic Red Starbird would be improved for the New Republic’s symbol and the crest of its successor, the Resistance, three decades after.
Current continuity points out that the Starbird was assembled by putting together the signature of Mandalorian Sabine Wren and the crest of partisan leader and rebel Saw Gerrera.
First Order
History repeats itself, and the First Order is among those that tell that tale. The Force Awakens revealed a familiar military dictatorship seeking dominance of the galaxy 30 years after the Empire’s downfall.
The New Order core that powered the Galactic Empire military fought the New Republic but could never live up to the expectations of many.
Palpatine’s return in The Rise of Skywalker suggests his eye for detail in the First Order logo. The symbol is imposing and has the 16 rays of a dial representing an unlimited explosion.
Jedi Order
The Jedi Order is more than just muscle and fighting expertise. The spiritual order of the Jedi had been around for thousands of years before it was abolished in the Empire’s rise to power.
Their symbol highlights peace and justice: a crest resembling the emblem of the Old Republic. It shows a wing blade of light and sunrise cues. Although the center was unmistakably a lightsaber, it tells more than just that. It wasn’t plastered on Jedi robes, but it was a sign of darker times when Jedi had it on their armor during the Clone Wars.
The Intergalactic Impact of the Star Wars Logo
You might just be looking at the Star Wars logos out of curiosity, but from a designer’s standpoint, looking at these logos in depth can be highly beneficial.
Star Wars is a renowned brand that combines some of the best global artists. Hence, it’s safe to learn a thing or two from its branding efforts to establish an identity.
Clarity has to trump aesthetics at times. This is one thing that many overlook. The Star Wars logo transitioned from a simple campaign tool for a movie to being widely recognized regardless of age, country and interest.
Using fundamental logo elements effectively communicated all the essential information to support the audience.
Design is a beautiful process that encompasses experimental phases. Its impact on other movie films and logos is countless. The Star Wars logo and the series of films started the movie franchise movement. It featured new camera technology, special effects, a gateway to science fiction and an incredible underdog story.
Plus, it is a beautiful representation of branding agencies' ability to create iconic and influential brand identities that transcend industries and capture the imagination of audiences worldwide!
- Industries:Entertainment
- Tags:Lettermark Logo symbols Typography