Johnnie Walker’s Logo Encapsulates The History Of The Brand And Its Whisky
Johnnie Walker is a famous brand of Scotch whisky that originated in the quaint Scottish town of Kilmarnock. The original founder was a grocer by the name of — you guessed it — John Walker, who first introduced the whisky in 1820.
Manufacturer Diageo now owns the brand and has helped Johnnie Walker to become the most widely sold brand of blended Scotch whisky in the world.
The Johnnie Walker brand is known for selling a number of different Scotch whisky blends — from their black label to their red label and even more prestigious and sophisticated blends that have become more popular in recent years.
And each package design matches this naming system correctly — each Johnnie Walker label is created in whatever color blend that matches it. But one thing that remains the same is the iconic striding man that makes up the Johnnie Walker label.
The striding man we see today has been a staple for the brand since the beginning of the 20th century when the team at Johnnie Walker decided they wanted to add a personality and playful edge to the regal whisky.
They enlisted the help of cartoonist Tom Browne, who created the striding man that still exists today.
But there were many iterations of this striding man over the years. He began as a jovial character that played out happy scenarios in print materials and adverts. He had a smile on his face and a monocle in his eye.
But over the years, this cartoon changed size, shape, and demeanor. It reflected the state of the world — depending on the social and political climate, this cartoon would take on a more regal and sophisticated look, or his image would be dropped altogether.
In the late 90s, however, the good ol’ striding man returned. And today, he stands tall with a sophistication and a regalness that ushered him into the 21st century and will continue moving this brand towards the future.
The Johnnie Walker Logo Design Uses Sophisticated Illustration To Emulate Innovation And Forward Thinking
The Johnnie Walker logo is a modern and playful image that captures a history and a legacy of quality Scotch whisky.
As it stands now, it looks less like the lively cartoon man full of personality, wit, and charm. Instead, the logo looks more modern, minimal and sleek.
The brand ditched the colorful ensemble and the peppy walk for a striding man that is moody, sophisticated and full of class. It’s more of an outline now that sits above the Johnnie Walker wordmark, and is accompanied by the tagline “Keep Walking.”
It’s playful, witty and unique. This design is extremely minimal and engaging. It is a design that is made up of only the colors black and white, giving it a classic and elegant vibe.
Similarly, this design is half shaded in and half not, giving it a creative and modern twist. You can see the man’s hat, coat, shoes and walking stick filled in, but the rest of the design is left empty. This gives you just enough information to know that this is a man, but also enough is left out for you to use your imagination.
There’s a movement to this design. This man is walking, after all. But walking where? The dynamic nature of the design makes you think that this man is striding toward the future, towards greatness and success.
It embodies the brand in a simple and majestic way. It's subtle yet powerful in its determination and minimalism.
It lets you use your imagination, but you don’t have to wonder too much. You know that this brand means business, and their whisky is worth the hype.
Johnnie Walker’s Logo Design Is Recognizable And Iconic -- Just Like The Product Itself
The Johnnie Walker logo has a history and a heritage about it. He’s sophisticated, modern and regal. He is full of legacy, strength, and resilience. What began as a playful cartoon has morphed into a powerful, modern and stunning symbol of this brand and its excellence.
The current logo as we see it today was created to bring the brand into the 21st century, and this refreshing image still holds that movement and dedication to growth and success.
Today, when you look at this simple, black-and-white etching, you feel a sense of majesty and honor. It’s simple, sleek and modern in its almost outlined-like quality. Certain aspects of the design are colored in — the hat, coat, shoes and walking stick. But the rest is left in a white, clean space that lets your imagination run wild.
This is a modern and clever logo design. It’s simple but has a power that compels people to remember it.
It’s iconic in its elegant and classic nature. The Johnnie Walker logo is one for the ages and is a timeless image that leaves a lasting impression.
