The Prolific Evolution Of The 3M Logo Design, 1978 (above)

We start this logo evolution of the 3M logo with the most recent which was introduced back in 1978.  Possible winner of logo with the most logo updates?

The evolution of the 3M logo looks like a successful exercise in yo-yo backwards-forwards brand logo design. We zip from round contained logo designs (1938) to plain typographic designs (1937), oval contained designs (1952) and frilly leave edged designs (1954).

From this linear display it really does look a little random.

Some of the logos are clearly alternative lock-ups rather than different logo designs which I presume are the ones labeled: I, II, III & IV, as well providing alternative designs for other 3M sub brands? Need to research this more closely.

What’s interesting is to see how close they got to the current logo design back in 1937 & 1952 with a typographic solution.

Some of the middle era designs are just rather odd when you compare to designs previously used as well as the actual technical accuracy of them.

And what the hell happened in 1961?

The Prolific Evolution Of The 3M Logo Design, 1906-2012

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1978

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1961 II

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1961 I

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1960 II

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1960 I

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1958

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1957

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1956

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1955  II

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1955 I

Evolution of the 3M Logo Design – 1954 IV

Evolution of the 3M Logo Design – 1954 III

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1954 II

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1954 I

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1953

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1952 IV

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1952 III

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1952 II

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1952 I

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1951

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1950

Evolution of the 3M Logo Design – 1948

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1944 II

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1944 I

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1942

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1938

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1937

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1926 II

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1926 I

Evolution of the 3M Logo – 1906

Found on Retronaut who provided this selection of 3M logos: Evolution of the 3M Logo

You might also like the Evolution Of The Batman Logo 1941-2007 by Rodrigo Rojas

Hire a Freelance Logo Designer in the UK