A logo is a symbol or other design created to visually represent a company or organization. It is a key part of any brand as it’s meant to communicate the promise and personality of a business in a highly memorable way.
And yet, like so many things in the marketing world, too many people try to get by on the cheap, either by hiring a low-cost graphic designer to design their logos or by trying to do it themselves.
And thank goodness for that, or we wouldn’t have these terrible logo designs to laugh at!
Let’s get to it:
A-Style clothing company
I don’t know what this logo is supposed to communicate, but that looks like doggy style to me.
Dicklovers Computer Specialists?
Ladies and gentlemen, here is Exhibit A of why letter kerning matters. I mean, “Click Lovers” isn’t a great name in the first place, but this logo conjures images that really aren’t relevant to computer repairs at all.
Is it possible this logo was designed by a disgruntled employee, or a graphic designer with a grudge? The more I look at it, the more that “mouse” on the left looks suspect, too.
Institute of Oriental Studies
Supposedly a symbol of Eastern knowledge, this is by far my favorite logo of the bunch. I need an animated version, stat!
Islamic Understanding Institute
I have no idea what goes on at the Islamic Understanding Institute, but based on this logo, I’m open to learning more.
Dirty Bird Fried Chicken
Wow, here’s a Rorschach test for you. I’m sorry, but you cannot convince me that this logo wasn’t designed as a “money shot” first and a restaurant logo second.
Would you eat at a Dirty Bird? I sure wouldn’t!
Doughboys Pizza, Salad, and Panini
I’m sensing a trend here, and it’s not good. Are these graphic designers and restaurant owners subliminally obsessed with the male orgasm? I mean, how in-your-face does it have to be? No, please — don’t answer that.
Deccan Engineering
More cock and balls. Hey, don’t blame me, I’m not the one who designed these logos.
But I guess Freud was right. Everyone loves a wiener!
You love what?
Locum is a property management company in Sweden, but if you didn’t know any better, you’d be forgiven for thinking this logo was a bumper sticker for sex workers who are, um, thirsty for work.
Kum & Go
This logo is for a convenience store, right? A place where travelers stop off for gas and snacks? Or is this a stop-off for drivers needing a different kind of break?
Actually, this is one of the few logos that can actually be explained. The name was coined in 1975 as a play on the phrase “come and go” using the initials of the company founders Krause and Gentle.
I guess the joke’s on us!
The Computer Doctors
This logo needs a doctor, all right. That wang is leaking.
Kudawara Pharmacy
What the hell goes on at this pharmacy, anyway?
Clinica Dental
If you’re getting your teeth cleaned at Clinica Dental, I suggest you schedule your appointment for a different day than you pick up your prescription from Kudawara Pharmacy. Granted, it’s a different position, but you’re still getting screwed!
Catwear for women
OK, who’s the genius who thought highlighting a cat’s asshole was a good idea? Is this some kind of baffling disparagement of the clothier’s customer base?
By itself, “Catwear” is a pretty good name. Cats are slinky, sexy, strong and beautiful creatures. But have you ever seen a cat’s anus? I mean, have you ever really sat down and looked one straight in the eye?
It will haunt your soul.
Massage the who?
Ah, more fun with kerning. This unfortunate logo holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of the famous SNL skit in which Jeopardy! contestant Sean Connery (played by Darrell Hammond) tells host Will Farrell that he’ll take “the rapist” (the category was “Therapist”) for $200.
Don’t ask me why this particular rapist should be treated with a massage, because I don’t know.
Arlington Pediatric Center
I’m sure they meant well, but this logo looks a little strange to me.
The Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice and Research
What in the Sam Hill is going on here?
Catholic Church’s Archdiocesan Youth Commission
They’re not even trying to hide it anymore.
Young Alarm
This logo for a home-security company in Tuscon, Arizona might be more appropriate for a company that alerts authorities to the creeps behind a few of the logos above.
Megafucks?
As in, “sex with excessive force”?
I bet this is a great in-joke among Megaflicks employees and customers. “Hang on, hon. I need to stop by Megafucks on the way home.”
Something tells me this logo was made by a graphic designer who had no more “megafucks” to give.
The right tools
Look, everyone, another penis! There’s no mistaking that screw and those nuts.
Sex changes?
Sex change! Get your sex changes here!
If you’re really in the market, may I suggest you go someplace that looks a little more upscale?
Leave the kids out of it
“Kid Sex Exchange”? “Kids Exchange”? I know it’s all the rage these days, but I’m not a big fan of asking children to choose their own genders at the age of four. As for this little store, I’m pretty sure it’s a front for something illegal.
Pitch your tent with Fully Erect tents
I’m convinced now. A lot of these logo designs are absolutely intentional.
Dish dick TV
Woohoo! Look at this happy cartoon dish character, waving his big antenna around! Sure, he looks friendly. Maybe too friendly. I don’t know about you, but I’d be reluctant to let one of this company’s employees into my home.
Glenbard North Wrestling
We’ve all heard jokes about men’s wrestling. This logo looks just like those unsettling images we’ve all seen in our heads.
Please stop hitting that bong-smoking dude in the wheelchair!
Handicapped stoners’ lives matter, too.
Bureau of Health Promotion
Who knew threesomes were good for your health? Well, people who have threesomes, I suppose — and the good folks at the Bureau of Health Promotion.
Me, I think I’d just find it confusing.
Dew Thai tea
Dew Thai is the name of a tea shop out of Tondo, Manila. According to the owner, who designed the logo herself, the penis reaching into the clouds is supposed to be a large straw inserted into a cup.
Say what you want, but I’m not drinking anything from a cup like this.
It’s a trap!
They tried to fool me with the red cross, but I can’t unsee the ropes around the necks of that hanging family.
“For a special aunt”?
That is not what this card says.
Is it getting hot in here?
This big-breasted mama’s got a fire in her loins and by golly, she’s ready to bake!
S.H.I.T.
What a fitting way to end this blog post about bad logos.
Do you have a favorite bad logo?
I mean, besides the laughable “new Gap” logo the clothing retailer famously cocked up in 2010? Let us know!
And before I sign off, be sure to check out the work of graphic designer Emanuele Abrate who did a bang-up job fixing some of these bad logos for a story over at Bored Panda.
See you next time, Cranky readers!
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Freaking hilarious. Love all your posts.
Thank you, Holiday! Your kind compliment comes on a day when I really needed it. Thanks for reading! 🙂