Pinterest has become a significant player in the social media landscape. It is known for its unique approach to visual discovery and sharing. Founded in 2010, the platform has seen remarkable growth and evolution, both in terms of user engagement and branding. It has undergone a few changes to its visual identity since its inception. The evolution of its logo reflects the growth of the platform and its commitment to creating a memorable and easily recognisable identity. The article delves into the logo changes for Pinterest over the years.
The Genesis of the Pinterest Logo (2010 – 2011)
The first Pinterest logo featured the brand name in black cursive lettering with a gradient blue shadow and a wide white outline. It was executed using the Bello Script typeface, which is similar to the calligraphy style of writing. Although it was visually appealing due to its layered design, it was deemed complex as there were too many different elements.
(2011 – Present)
In 2011, Pinterest unveiled a new logo that would become iconic. This design featured a bold red circle with the enclosed letter “P” in white. It was stylised to resemble an elegant pin. The pointed bottom of the letter “P” effectively communicated the platform’s purpose, that is, of pinning images to boards. This logo was not only memorable but also minimalist and emphasised content over branding.
(2011–2016)
In 2011, the logo was redesigned further by Juan Carlos Pagan and Michael Deal. It featured the brand name in red cursive letters connected to each other at the bottom. The letter “P” in capitals at the beginning appeared like a red clip, reminiscent of the pinboards. At the same time, the letter “t” at the end had a vertical stroke protruding from the top and connected to the top of the letter “s” in an arched way.
(2016 – Present)
In 2016, Pinterest introduced significant changes to its logo, but retained the core elements from previous designs—the emblem and the wordmark. The updated wordmark was executed in a grotesque typeface, which looked business-like. It complemented the circular emblem in red containing the letter “P.”
The Elements of the Pinterest Logo
Font
The 2011 Pinterest logo was entirely custom-designed, with each letter crafted specifically for the wordmark. In contrast, the 2016 logo took a different direction and adopted the grotesque font with a few subtle modifications.
Colour
The colour palette of the Pinterest logo reflects key traits of the platform’s creative community. These include love, passion, and curiosity—qualities that are shared by its users worldwide.
Finally
The changes in the Pinterest logo illustrate the platform’s journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a global hub for inspiration and creativity. Each logo iteration has focused on enhancing brand recognition while simplifying design elements to better reflect user engagement. Today, the Pinterest logo stands as a testament to its commitment to fostering creativity and connection among millions worldwide.