However you feel about Starbucks' coffee (it's a divisive issue, we know), there's no denying the brand's logo is one of the most iconic in design. Complete with fascinating backstory (we'll go into that later) and previous iterations more, erm, graphic in nature, the caffeinated siren is instantly recognisable world over. But have you ever noticed the on-purpose-mistake designers put in there to make the siren even more special?
The small detail can be found at the upper-right side of the character's nose. In case you haven't seen it yet, we'll give you a second alone with the design to see if you can work it out. (When you notice it, you'll realise why this design is considered one of the best logos ever.)
The imperfection was added in 2011 (Image credit: Starbucks)
See it yet? The logo designers decided to place an extended shadow falling from the eye, to the right-hand side of the nose – offsetting the symmetrical nature of the rest of the character design. But why? And has it always been there?
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Well, no. Actually, the unsymmetrical shadow was only added in 2011, when Starbucks decided to make the siren more human and approachable. Whereas the previous iteration (from 1992 onwards, find it below) was completely symmetrical, the added imperfection makes her more intriguing and less 'perfect'.
Starbucks' siren has become less wild and more... buttoned up over the years (Image credit: id8 branding)
But this isn't as wild as the Starbucks siren has been in the past (hard to believe we know – she's really let herself go). The original logo, designed in 1971 (see it above), tells a very different tale of the character. Based on a twin-tailed Nordic siren from the sixteenth century, the original design saw her bare-breasted and full of imperfections and asymmetry. She is wild and free in this version, sitting slightly off centre and turned to the right, with none of the cleanly-cut graphic austerity to be found.
If the shadow was added onto the original design, it would be hard to spot but when placed carefully on the present iteration, it is a small detail that makes all the difference. And at least the discrepancy was was put there on purpose, unlike the Paramount logo mistake that has got the internet talking. Ouch.
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Georgia has worked on Creative Bloq since 2018, and has been the site's Editor since 2022. With a specialism in branding and design, Georgia is also Programme Director of CB's award scheme – the Brand Impact Awards. As well as immersing herself with the industry through attending events like Adobe Max and the D&AD Awards and steering the site's content streams, Georgia has an eye on new commercial opportunities and ensuring they reflect the needs and interests of creatives.
