15 Famous Brand Logos That Were Inspired by Nature

In this article we explore 15 Famous Brand Logos That Were Inspired by Nature. We explain their nature-inspired designs and why they are effective.

Ever notice how certain logos make you feel instantly connected? Many iconic brands tap into the beauty of nature, creating designs that resonate with universal themes of growth, stability, and sustainability. A recent survey found that 70% of consumers are drawn to eco-friendly branding—a clear sign that nature-inspired designs aren’t just beautiful; they’re also effective!

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Famous Brand Logos Inspired by Nature

In this article, we’ll dive into 15 famous logos influenced by nature and uncover the unique stories behind each one. From symbols of freedom and renewal to earthy tones and organic shapes, these logos capture the essence of nature in ways that stick with us. Let’s explore how nature’s timeless elements give these logos life!

1. Starbucks – The Mermaid of the Sea

Starbucks’ iconic green mermaid is rooted in mythology, symbolising the sea and its wonders. The twin-tailed siren, inspired by Norse legends, reflects the brand’s Pacific Northwest origins and its commitment to sourcing coffee globally.

Starbucks uses green to emphasize growth and harmony with nature—a fitting choice for a brand known for environmental stewardship. The siren’s oceanic inspiration subtly connects the brand with themes of adventure and discovery.

2. WWF – The Enduring Panda

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) logo is perhaps one of the most recognised symbols for environmental conservation worldwide. Designed in 1961, the black-and-white panda represents endangered species and the urgency of wildlife preservation.

Not only is the panda a universally beloved animal, but its black-and-white simplicity also ensures visibility and minimal ink use—a thoughtful nod to eco-consciousness. WWF’s logo invites a universal message of protection, gentleness, and respect for the natural world.

3. Timberland – The Mighty Oak Tree

With a strong oak tree symbolising strength and stability, Timberland’s logo is rooted in nature both literally and figuratively. The brand’s rugged outdoor image aligns perfectly with the enduring oak, a tree often associated with resilience.

Timberland chose this design to underscore its commitment to outdoor adventures and durable products. The organic structure of the tree reflects a deep-rooted connection to the natural world, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

4. Animal Planet – The Elephant in the Room

Animal Planet’s logo, featuring a minimalist elephant, is a direct nod to the brand’s focus on wildlife and natural documentaries. Elephants are known for their intelligence and strength, making them an ideal symbol for a channel that educates and inspires viewers about nature.

With its natural green colour palette, the logo evokes an earthy, nature-focused aesthetic, positioning Animal Planet as a gateway to the wonders of wildlife.

5. Patagonia – The Majestic Mountain Peaks

Patagonia’s logo features the Fitz Roy mountain range, a symbol of challenge, beauty, and environmental respect.

The jagged peaks in its logo echo the rugged nature of outdoor exploration, with Patagonia positioning itself as a sustainable brand focused on preserving the planet.

The mountain range embodies both the thrill and responsibility of experiencing the wild, resonating deeply with adventure enthusiasts.

6. Evian – The Pure Essence of Mountains

Evian’s logo, with its silhouette of mountain peaks, symbolizes purity and natural origin. Since Evian is sourced from the French Alps, the logo’s mountainous design is fitting.

The minimalist style reinforces its message of purity and simplicity, qualities that the brand attributes to its water. By capturing the essence of untouched nature, Evian emphasizes its connection to unspoiled, natural resources.

7. Roots – The Noble Beaver

Canadian brand Roots taps into its national heritage with a beaver logo, symbolising industriousness and natural landscapes. The beaver, an emblem of Canada’s wilderness, reflects Roots’ commitment to outdoor lifestyles. The logo’s rustic style enhances the brand’s down-to-earth feel, reminding consumers of the importance of preserving nature and embracing its simple joys.

8. Land Rover – The Call of the Wild

Land Rover’s green oval logo might seem simple, but it’s packed with meaning. Green symbolizes nature and adventure, ideal for a brand known for rugged vehicles capable of exploring all terrains.

Land Rover’s logo captures the essence of the great outdoors, appealing to adventurers who feel a natural pull toward exploration and wilderness.

9. The Body Shop – Leafy Origins

The Body Shop’s logo, with its leafy green emblem, highlights the brand’s dedication to natural beauty and sustainability. The leafy design is a gentle reminder of the brand’s use of plant-based ingredients, connecting consumers with the concept of eco-friendly beauty.

By drawing on natural imagery, The Body Shop positions itself as an ethical choice for conscious consumers.

10. Greenpeace – Earth at Heart

Greenpeace’s logo—a simple green wordmark—captures its dedication to protecting the Earth. The choice of green emphasizes its environmental mission, while the minimalist style makes the message clear and accessible.

Greenpeace’s logo invites individuals worldwide to join in its commitment to protecting nature, using the universal appeal of Earth-friendly imagery.

11. John Deere – The Leaping Deer

John Deere’s leaping deer symbolises agility, growth, and vitality, qualities associated with the farming industry. The deer represents a harmonious relationship with the land, and the green and yellow colour palette emphasizes growth and abundance.

John Deere’s logo is a powerful symbol of the brand’s commitment to supporting farmers and respecting natural cycles.

12. Volvo – The Circle of Strength

While Volvo is not immediately associated with nature, its logo’s use of the male symbol (circle with an arrow) ties back to iron—the element representing strength and resilience. By using natural symbols, Volvo subtly conveys its cars’ durability and the enduring reliability of the brand.

13. Lacoste – The Crocodile’s Grit

Lacoste’s iconic crocodile logo has a unique origin story tied to its founder, René Lacoste, whose tenacious playing style earned him the nickname “The Crocodile.”

The logo embodies strength and resilience. The crocodile, a creature of the natural world, makes Lacoste’s logo a recognizable emblem of grit and style.

14. Apple – The Bite of Nature

Though a little less conventional, Apple’s logo—a stylized apple with a bite—is a nod to the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden. This nature-inspired symbol speaks to the brand’s innovation and pursuit of knowledge. Apple’s logo appeals to consumers with its subtle complexity, blending nature with ideas of discovery.

15. Bacardi – The Bat of Good Fortune

Bacardi’s bat logo is inspired by the fruit bats found in Cuba, where the brand originated. In Cuban culture, bats are seen as symbols of good fortune. The bat logo is unique and memorable, rooting Bacardi in its heritage while conveying a sense of celebration and exoticism tied to nature.

Conclusion

Nature-inspired logos resonate because they tap into universal themes of growth, resilience, and connection.

These 15 iconic logos show how brands use natural elements to convey powerful messages, create memorable images, and even strengthen their sustainability efforts. As consumers grow more eco-conscious, logos that celebrate nature will only gain popularity.

If you’re a branding specialist or logo designer, take inspiration from these iconic logos. Ask yourself: How can elements of nature communicate your brand’s values? After all, the natural world offers endless inspiration—sometimes, the best logos are the ones that feel as timeless and rooted as the trees, mountains, and creatures they celebrate. Embrace the power of nature, and watch your brand flourish!

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Author Bio
Andrew Marriott is the owner and founder of The Logo Creative™. He is an award-winning designer with over two decades of experience designing logos and specialising in branding for companies worldwide.

FAQ – About Logos Inspired by Nature

Which famous companies have nature-inspired logos?

Notable companies with nature-inspired logos include Twitter (bird), Apple (apple fruit), Shell (seashell), Puma (mountain lion), Firefox (fox), WWF (panda), NBC (peacock), Dove (dove), and Starbucks (siren/mermaid). These brands leverage natural elements to create memorable visual identities that resonate with consumers.

Why do companies use nature elements in their logos?

Companies choose nature-inspired logos because they: – Create instant emotional connections with audiences – Convey universal meanings across cultures – Represent growth, strength, and sustainability – Stand the test of time better than trendy designs – Help build brand trust through familiar natural elements

What makes nature-inspired logos effective for branding?

Nature-inspired logos prove effective because they tap into primal human connections with the natural world. These logos often feature simple, recognizable shapes that are easy to remember and reproduce. They also convey specific brand qualities – for example, a lion suggests strength and leadership, while a tree represents growth and stability.

How has Apple’s nature-inspired logo evolved over time?

Apple’s logo started as a complex illustration of Newton under an apple tree in 1976. It evolved into the simpler apple shape with rainbow stripes in the same year, designed by Rob Janoff. Since then, the logo has maintained its distinctive apple silhouette with the bite mark, while updating its color schemes from rainbow to monochrome, chrome, and flat designs to match contemporary design trends.

What natural elements are most commonly used in brand logos?

The most frequently used natural elements in brand logos include: – Animals (especially birds and big cats) – Trees and leaves – Mountains and landscapes – Water elements – Fruits and flowers – Sun and stars. These elements resonate across different cultures and industries, making them versatile choices for global brands.