The Story Behind Umbrella Inc’s Iconic Logo Design

Umbrella Inc is a fictional company in the Resident Evil video game series. The company plays a major role in the game’s storyline, with its logo being a recognizable symbol among fans. Here is the story behind Umbrella Inc’s iconic logo design.

1. The Birth of Umbrella Inc

Umbrella Inc was founded in 1968 by Ozwell E. Spencer, Edward Ashford and James Marcus. The company started as a pharmaceutical company, but secretly worked on developing biological weapons. The company’s headquarters were located in Raccoon City, a fictional city in the Resident Evil series.

2. The Logo Design Process

The logo design process for Umbrella Inc’s logo started in the early 1990s. The logo was designed by a team of graphic designers and artists at Capcom, the game’s developer. The team wanted to create a logo that was simple, yet memorable.

3. The Design Inspiration

The inspiration for Umbrella Inc’s logo came from a real-life pharmaceutical company, Merck & Co. The Merck logo features a stylized letter “M” with a globe in the center. The Umbrella Inc logo features a similar design, with a stylized letter “U” and an umbrella in the center.

4. The Symbolism

The Umbrella Inc logo has several layers of symbolism. The stylized letter “U” represents the company’s name, while the umbrella in the center represents the company’s umbrella-like protection. However, the umbrella also has a darker meaning, as it represents the company’s secret development of biological weapons.

5. The Popularity

Umbrella Inc’s logo has become one of the most recognizable symbols in video game history. The logo has been featured on merchandise such as t-shirts, keychains and even an actual umbrella. The logo has also been parodied in various forms of media, including movies and television shows.

1. Introduction

Umbrella Inc is a fictional pharmaceutical company in the Resident Evil video game series. The company is known for its iconic logo, which features a red and white umbrella with a curved handle. In this article, we will explore the story behind Umbrella Inc’s logo design and the symbolism behind it.

2. Inspiration

The logo design for Umbrella Inc was inspired by the real-life pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline. GlaxoSmithKline’s logo features a similar umbrella design, with a blue and white color scheme. The designer of Umbrella Inc’s logo, Kenichi Iwata, was tasked with creating a logo that would be instantly recognizable and convey a sense of authority and power.

3. Symbolism

The umbrella is a symbol of protection and shelter, which is fitting for a pharmaceutical company that aims to improve people’s health. The red color of the umbrella represents danger and warning, which is also appropriate for a company that creates dangerous viruses and bio-weapons in the Resident Evil series. The curved handle of the umbrella is meant to resemble a scythe, which symbolizes death and is a nod to the company’s sinister intentions.

4. Evolution

The Umbrella Inc logo has undergone several changes throughout the Resident Evil series. In the earlier games, the logo was more simplistic and featured only the red and white umbrella. In later games, the logo was updated to include the company’s name and a tagline, “We Do It All For You.” The tagline was meant to convey the company’s dedication to improving people’s lives, but it also had a sinister undertone, as the company’s actions in the games were anything but altruistic.

5. Conclusion

The Umbrella Inc logo is a memorable and iconic design that has become synonymous with the Resident Evil series. The symbolism behind the logo is both fitting and chilling, as it represents a company that creates deadly viruses and bio-weapons for profit. Despite its fictional nature, the Umbrella Inc logo serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked corporate power and greed.