What Is the Origin Story of The Rolling Stones Lips?

0
371

Most designs take on inspiration from one source or another. However, when it comes to corporate branding, you would want a design that seems unique enough to be synonymous with the brand you’re trying to promote. 

Nothing could bear testament to how far corporate branding can take you than the world-famous Rolling Stones Lips logo. The logo, often cited as the most famous logo in the history of music has been featured on everything from Rolling Stones memorabilia to knives and forks – it’s true!

But how did the most famous logo in musical history come to be? Who designed it? What did they draw reference from? And how is the symbol represented in the media today?

History

John Pasche was studying in his final year at the Royal College of Art in London, working towards getting his Masters in Arts degree in 1970. The band The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, approached him after having viewed his designs at Pasche’s final year show.

Previously, The Rolling Stones had rejected numerous designs from their record label and top-notch designers for a poster for their upcoming European Tour. Mick Jagger wanted something simple in its design but displayed the essence of the band. 

John Pasche was arguably not as experienced as the designers whose work had already been rejected. He wasn’t even looking to submit his ideas but was approached by Mick Jagger and offered 50 pounds sterling as commission. 

The second design Pasche presented was that Mick Jagger ultimately decided to go on the poster of their 1970 European Tour – the tongue and lips logo.

Inspiration

Mick Jagger instructed Pasche to design something drawing inspiration from the tongue of the Hindu goddess Kali. The design needed to take inspiration from the goddess’ trademark appearance while also retaining the essence of what The Rolling Stones stood for and the sort of music they produced. 

The design concept needed to represent the band’s anti-establishment attitude, Mick Jagger’s mouth instead of Kali’s, and hint at sexual innuendos. Comparing the requirements to the logo that’s seen today, John Pasche produced a simplistic design that captured all three aspects of what was asked of him.

What Makes the Design so Popular?

To start, The Rolling Stones are arguably one of the biggest names in music. They have fan followings for each of their songs, and their concerts would always sell out in minutes. 

But aside from adoration for the band, the tongue and lips logo can now be seen practically anywhere because it was made to be as reproducible as possible. Pasche wanted the logo to be simple enough for the logo’s fans and admirers, only to recreate it with ease. 

Conclusion

According to a survey in 2018, the tongue and lips logo was voted as the most famous logo to have ever existed – nearly 50 years after it was first introduced. It is definitely one of the most iconic logos and the thousands of ways it reproduced on products keeps it all the more alive.

Facebook Comments