the consequences of a bad logo

Wilhelm Deffke was one of the first designers who publicly reflected on the consequences of a bad logotype and its ability to harm a company’s reputation. He went as far as discussing proprietary rights and legal protection of a logo, subjects that became a part of the mainstream design rhetoric only much later.

A drawing of a kiosk with Reemtsma logo. Illustration for Reemtsma
A letter B with a wing. A signet

Kiosk illustration for Reemtsma, Erfurt, 1920–21.

Work for Hansa und Brandenburgische.

Logo for Hansa und Brandenburgische. A red bird's head turned sideways with letters H and B
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16