CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Nike’s Designer and the Inception of its Logo

Summary

Christina Phasoulidou

11/5/2015

Department: Multimedia and Graphic Design

Course: LCE_111

The author begins the article by introducing Nike’s logo designer Carolyn Davidson and by

explaining that she was asked to design it while being a young college student, back in 1971.

Following, it is claimed that the gift she received is now worth $643,035 despite of the fact

she hasn’t sold any of the 500 shares of Nike stock. Furthermore, it is discussed how the co-

founders approached Ms Davidson and asked her to work with them. It is then mentioned,

that after her graduation she started working as a freelancer but before that she had been

working for Nike for several years. Moreover, the article reports that in 1983 the founders

rewarded Ms Davidson by giving her a gold ring in the shape of her swoosh and an

appreciation certificate of stock. Additionally, it is mentioned that Ms Davidson claims that

she lives comfortably even though she isn’t a millionaire. Regarding to the design process, it

is supported that it was a challenge for her to come up with a logo that expresses motion.

However, it is added that Mr. Knight – Nike’s co-founder – and two other executives weren’t

impressed at first but over the following minutes they changed their mind and decided it was

the best one. Also, it is stated that the company first started selling shoes under the name

Nike in 1972, which it was named after the Greek goddess of victory, and adopted the name

for all its operations in 1978. Last but not least, it is supported that today Nike is one of the

biggest sports company worldwide.