#wanted to do something graphic and blocky hehe

[1-800-seo]

This is a small analysis into graphic design in K-Pop by a graphic design major, this post focuses on logos! Analysis is under the cut, long-ish post ahead! :D

𝐀𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐀 𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐎 - 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧:

Aespa’s logo is that of a fourth generation group, and their modern digital concept reflects in the logo. The fashionable metallic fill on the typography shows the modernity of the logo, and the designer/s definitely knew what is currently trending.

Personally, I believe the interlocking ‘a’ and ‘e’ are positioned to create the silahouette of a butterfly, a common motif featured in the debut music video ‘Black Mamba.’ I believe Aespa’s main themes are that of the digital age, breaking free from the mold, and, debatably, an air of femininity; these themes all come together to create the motif of a butterfly. The butterfly often represents change, or remaking yourself, that of metamorphosis; and so the butterfly is a good analogy for breaking free from the mold, of being different from the rest. The butterfly can also represent femininity, or that of growing into womanhood, and these girls, nearly women, are on the journey, and so the overlapping letters to create a butterfly is a great logo for them as a group.

𝐍𝐂𝐓 𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐎 - 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐲:

Neo Culture Technology, or NCT’s branding often plays off of the similar pronunciation of their name to “N City.” This ‘city’ can be felt throughout their logo, in the use of imagery. The tall geometric shaped typography is positioned in such a way to create the look of a building, perhaps that of a skyscraper. The use of lower case letters in the typography helps stave off pointy lettering that would disrupt the flow of the blocky shaping. Overall the logo is easy to recognise, easy to read, and easily customisable - all great qualities to have in a logo.

What’s great about the range it can be customised at, is that NCT is a group of great versatility, and having four sub-units, it needs that quality in its logo. This logo can be changed in colour and basic design for each and every comeback as well as each and every sub-unit whilst still remaining ultimately recognisable - the designer/s did amazingly in this aspect.

𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐀 𝐗 - 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦:

Monsta X’s logo uses descriptive form to tell a story, one to match its namesake. When one thinks of the word ‘monster’, one thinks something menacing, sharp teeth, a looming figure - and this is shown in the logo too. This logo uses two of the basic elements of art (shape, form) to create an overall logo with an image that comes with, it’s almost a form of story telling that is put across to the viewer just by looking upon the logo.

You can see this in the tall length of the logo, and the shoulder-like stance of it. It describes itself as a looming, slightly hunched gargoyle in my mind. You can also see this in the sharp edges of the design, the pointed corners that give a menacing mental picture. They almost emulate the teeth of a beast, sharp and pointed as if to rest in a gaping maw.

And last but not least, this logo uses excellent lettering placement to still impress upon the viewer that of the important letters of ‘M’ and ‘X’. The ‘X’ focal point is shrouded by those ‘shoulders’ to create the ‘M’ if you view the logo as a whole, and this is remarkable. You can see the clear designer’s vision in creating this logo, that of the monster, and that of the memorable ‘MX’.

𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍 - 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬:

I must admit, Seventeen is a group that I do not know much about it’s philosophy. So this analysis is from that of an outsider, with that being said, here is my point of view.

The first Seventeen logo is that of the interlocking ‘1’ and ‘7’ with geometric shapes to create a form of an equilateral triangle. Its form is clear, precise, and easy to recognise - something very important in graphic design as well as the promotional world. This is because the viewer needs to easily remember the logo, recognise its elements, and hopefully understand the elements meaning and relation to each other. The ‘1′ and ‘7′ are easily seen but are also beautiful to view as a whole; there is something satisfying about an even geometric shape. This logo plays on that, and adds the unique side of the ‘17′ motif. It is not overcomplicated, as stated before, precision is key.

For their secondary logo, they delve deeper into the space of geometric shapes and the realm of being radically distinctive. They use somewhat paradoxical shapes, they seem to have a clear start and end yet it melds into itself in an eye-catching and unique way. It reminds me of the ‘Penrose Staircase’ popularised by the film ‘Inception.’ This set of paradoxical steps, envelops into itself and has no clear beginning or end, not too dissimilar, yet totally different to the logo in question. I believe this similar imagery depicted in the logo is not too complicated or confusing that one cannot grasp its form, a form not too undistinguishable that it gets lost in the pile of ‘ugly designs.’ The secondary design is beautiful, with a clear precise design. The form is well thought out and still provides that satisfying quality of the primary design. Overall, it is a great logo.

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧:

Thank you so much for reading! This was another self indulgent post lol. I wanted to analyse and appreciate the great work that goes into creating the logos I see every day. They surely are great pieces of art and design, and I hope my thoughts and analysis don’t come across as the wild ravings of a crazy person HDJFHDJ :)) A sincere thank you goes out to everyone who said nice things about my last ‘Graphic Design In K-Pop’ post, that includes those in the tags (I see you!!) and also my wifeys @nakamotocore​ and @mrkcore​ <33333 I’m so glad i can share my passions comfortably with you all hehe, tysm for reading!!!

[ghostsberry]

demoman!!