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The Forbes logo is a ubiquitous symbol of wealth and business success. Its bold red "F" and clean white lettering in a sans-serif font are instantly recognizable. But have you ever encountered a version with a black outline and blue text?
This alternative design, though not the official logo, has an interesting history. It harkens back to an earlier era of Forbes magazine, a time when the publication was helmed by Bertie Charles Forbes.
Bertie Charles, son of the magazine's founder B.C. Forbes, took the reins as editor-in-chief in 1954. This was a period of significant change for the brand. Malcolm Forbes, Bertie's flamboyant cousin, was waiting in the wings to take over and usher in the era of the iconic red and white logo we know today.
The black and blue design reflects the design sensibilities of the mid-20th century. Back then, sans-serif fonts were gaining popularity, offering a cleaner and more modern look compared to traditional serif typefaces. This aligns with the vision Bertie Charles may have had for the magazine – a focus on contemporary business issues.
It's important to note that the black and blue logo was never officially adopted by Forbes. Malcolm Forbes, known for his brash personality and love of bold colors, is credited with introducing the red "F" and white lettering that became synonymous with the Forbes brand. This change coincided with his rise to prominence within the Forbes family and his eventual control of Forbes magazine in 1964.
While the black and blue logo may not be the official Forbes insignia, it offers a glimpse into a different chapter of the magazine's history. It serves as a reminder of the Forbes family's long legacy in the world of influential business media, and the constant evolution that brands undergo, even those as recognizable as the Forbes 400 list itself.