Hello everyone!
Let’s take advantage of ChatGPT again this time to get some trivia.
Do you know what the “check mark-like logo” of NIKE, a brand loved around the world, is called?
In this article, we will explain the secret story of how this simple logo of NIKE came into being.
If you read this, it will be a little trivia.
Now, let us explain.
What is the origin of the name「 NIKE」?
In 1971, University of Oregon track and field coach Bill Bowerman and his former athlete Phil Knight planned to launch a new sports shoe brand.
They decided to name the brand「 NIKE」.
The name was taken from “Nike,” the Greek goddess of victory.
They believed that the name symbolized a strong will to triumph in the world of sports.
Birth of the NIKE logo “Swoosh”
Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student at Portland State University, was asked to design the logo.
She had taken an accounting class with Phil Knight and was given this important task.
Knight’s simple request was for a symbolic mark of movement.
Davidson went through numerous sketches and eventually arrived at a design that would be named the Swoosh.
This design was inspired by the wings of the Greek goddess, representing speed and movement.
The “swoosh” logo was completed and the reward was $35, but…
Davidson spent 17.5 hours designing this logo and received $35 as compensation.
In the spring of 1971, the logo was used on the first Nike shoe, which would make its public debut.
The initial reaction was mixed, but Nike established its brand identity and innovative image through this simple swoosh mark.
Over time, the logo became a symbol of Nike, ensuring its relevance in the ever-evolving fashion industry and making a name for itself around the world.
A NIKE logo that established a global brand for a fee of only $35?
No, this is not all.
In 1983, Nike hosted a surprise party for Davidson as a token of their appreciation and in recognition of the logo’s great influence and success.
At this event, Phil Knight presented her with a diamond-embedded gold swoosh ring and a large amount of Nike stock.
The exact number of shares has not been disclosed, but according to reports it was approximately 500.
These shares were subsequently split into thousands of shares, and Nike’s substantial growth has made Davidson a billionaire.
Introduction of 「AIR」 Technology
1978 was an important year for Nike with the introduction of AIR technology. This innovation revolutionized comfort and performance by encapsulating air in the midsole of athletic shoes.
The debut of AIR in the Air Tailwind model not only improved athletic performance, but also set a new standard in footwear technology.
Partnerships with Top Athletes
The brand’s history is filled with strong endorsements from some of the greatest athletes of all time, including Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
These partnerships have not only enhanced Nike’s market presence, but have been integral in shaping the brand’s story.
conclusion
In this issue, I have discussed the birth of Nike and how the Nike logo or “swoosh” came into being and how it has remained steadfast in the world of sports and fashion.
The logo is the embodiment of Nike’s spirit of creativity and triumph, and will continue to be loved by many people around the world.
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