Citibank Umbrella Logo The Story Behind the Iconic Design

Citibank is a global bank with a presence in over 160 countries. The bank’s umbrella logo is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. Here is the story behind the iconic design.

1. Origin of the Logo

The Citibank umbrella logo was designed in 1975 by Paula Scher, an American graphic designer. Scher was working for a design firm called CBS Records at the time. Citibank was then known as First National City Bank, and it was looking for a new logo to replace its old one.

2. Design Inspiration

Scher was inspired by the idea of an umbrella, which is a symbol of protection and safety. She also wanted to convey the idea of a bank that could provide financial shelter to its customers. Scher created a simple and elegant design that featured a red umbrella with a curved handle.

3. Evolution of the Logo

Over the years, the Citibank logo has undergone several changes. In 1984, the bank changed its name to Citicorp and updated its logo to reflect the new name. The new logo featured a blue umbrella instead of a red one. In 1998, the bank merged with Travelers Group to form Citigroup. The new logo combined the red umbrella of Citibank with the blue umbrella of Travelers Group.

4. Brand Recognition

The Citibank umbrella logo is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. It has become a symbol of trust and reliability, and it is associated with a bank that provides financial stability to its customers. The logo has helped Citibank establish a strong brand identity and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

In conclusion, the Citibank umbrella logo is a testament to the power of simple and effective design. It has stood the test of time and has become an iconic symbol of a global banking giant.

The Citibank logo is one of the most recognizable in the world, with its distinctive red and blue umbrella design. But have you ever wondered about the story behind the iconic logo?

The Citibank umbrella logo was first introduced in the 1970s, and it has remained largely unchanged since then. The design was created by a graphic designer named Paula Scher, who was working for a design firm called Chermayeff & Geismar at the time.

According to Scher, the inspiration for the logo came from the idea of a bank providing financial protection for its customers, much like an umbrella protects you from the rain. The red and blue colors were chosen to represent the American flag, as Citibank is an American company with a global presence.

The logo was an instant hit, and it has become synonymous with the Citibank brand. In fact, it is so recognizable that the company often uses it without even including the name “Citibank” alongside it.

Over the years, the logo has undergone some minor tweaks and updates, but the basic design has remained the same. In 1998, for example, the logo was given a more three-dimensional look, with the umbrella handle and the word “Citibank” appearing to pop out of the page.

Despite its longevity, the Citibank umbrella logo has not been without controversy. In 2011, the company was sued by a design firm called The Smashing Agency, which claimed that the logo was too similar to one that they had created for a Swiss insurance company. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed, but it serves as a reminder of the power and importance of branding in the business world.

In conclusion, the Citibank umbrella logo is a testament to the enduring power of good design. Its simple yet effective design has helped to establish Citibank as one of the most recognizable and respected brands in the world, and it will likely continue to do so for many years to come.