Book Review: Object Logos by Counter Print

Hello, fellow designers! Designers and logo enthusiasts often search for inspiration in the most unexpected places. Whether you’re seeking out clever design techniques, minimalist aesthetics, or simply a collection of logos to admire, Object Logos by Counter-Print is a book that stands out. Published in 2022, this small yet powerful softbound book offers a carefully curated selection of logos, trademarks, and symbols that form recognizable objects. These logos, drawn from various industries and regions worldwide, revolve around common items like scissors, musical instruments, sports kits, tools, keys, and stationery.

With a compact size of 105x146mm and 108 pages of content, Object Logos is easy to carry around yet packed with inspiration. The book feels like a treasure trove for those drawn to the power of symbols in branding and graphic design, focusing on the versatility and creativity behind turning everyday objects into iconic logos. Whether you’re a professional designer, a student of visual communication, or someone simply interested in logos, this book offers something valuable.

A Unique Concept

What makes Object Logos particularly compelling is its concept. The logos featured in the book are all based on tangible, everyday objects. It’s a delightful exercise in seeing the ordinary transformed into the extraordinary.

Counter Print is an expert in making universally recognized objects and revolutionize them into sleek, modern, and timeless visual identities.

For instance, scissors become a universal representation of craftsmanship and precision, while tools represent strength, utility, and functionality. These logos are used by businesses and organizations worldwide, offering an opportunity to study how object-based branding taps into human associations with physical items. This emphasis on using objects creates an instantly recognizable, relatable, and effective logo to communicate the brand’s message.

Aesthetic and Structure

Counter-Print’s decision to focus on objects helps make this book highly relatable, as it appeals to human familiarity with the physical world. The logos selected in Object Logos are all examples of simplicity in form, which fits perfectly with modern minimalistic trends in branding. There’s something nostalgic and cutting-edge about the logos in the book — timeless simplicity and innovation in transforming everyday objects into branding tools.

The book is well-organized, with each page offering a different logo. You won’t find lengthy descriptions or essays in Object Logos. Instead, it’s a visual journey, with the design work speaking for itself. The lack of accompanying text emphasizes the visual nature of logos and allows readers to focus solely on the creativity behind each design. This approach makes it perfect for creatives who want quick bursts of inspiration without getting bogged down in too much commentary.

Versatility in Branding

One of the best aspects of Object Logos is its demonstration of the versatility of object-based logos. From stationery and sports equipment to tools and musical instruments, these logos can fit any number of industries. By associating their brands with objects, companies can evoke clear emotions and ideas in their audience — precision for scissors, strength for hammers, or nostalgia for vinyl records.

For example, a logo shaped like a key may instantly communicate security, access, or unlocking potential, it's ideal for locksmiths, tech companies, or startups looking to convey a message of innovation and discovery. Similarly, using a pair of scissors could symbolize craftsmanship, design, or even education. This is the beauty of object logos — they work because they instantly connect the viewer to the brand’s core identity through familiar imagery.

A Collector’s Delight

With its softbound cover, small size, and high-quality paper, Object Logos is a functional resource for designers and a delightful collector’s item. The publication’s minimalist aesthetic mirrors the simplicity of the logos inside, and its compact size makes it perfect for keeping on a desk, stashing in a bag for easy reference, or even displaying as part of a design library. The book is practical, elegant, and inviting in its visual presentation.

Lessons for Designers

For graphic designers looking to hone their craft, Object Logos offers valuable insights into how simplicity and familiarity can form the foundation of a great design. There’s a quiet brilliance in seeing how logos can evolve from basic everyday objects into something unique and impactful. These designs remind us that logos don’t have to be overly complicated to leave a lasting impression.

The book also encourages designers to think outside the box and take inspiration from their surroundings. Anything can be turned into a logo if approached creatively enough, and Object Logos prove that everyday objects are a rich source of design inspiration.

A Personal Takeaway

As someone who’s worked in freelance and corporate design, I find Object Logos an essential resource for igniting creativity. The curated logos in this book provide a fresh perspective on how simplicity and clarity should be at the forefront of design thinking.

Logos are about storytelling — taking something familiar and using it to convey a message that resonates on a deep level. Object Logos does just that, offering endless inspiration for creating logos that are not only visually appealing but also deeply meaningful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a designer stuck in a creative rut — Object Logos is a must-have. Its collection of logos rooted in the familiarity of objects reminds us that sometimes, the best ideas come from the most ordinary places. Keep this book within arm’s reach when you need a quick spark of inspiration or when you’re working on a project that requires thinking outside the box.

At the end of the day, logo design is about capturing the essence of a brand in a way that’s visually striking and emotionally resonant. What better way to do that than by drawing inspiration from the objects that surround us every day? Whether you’re designing for a local business or a global brand, the logos in this book show how the right object can become the face of an entire identity.

Happy designing!