This post is a bit different from what I usually talk about on this blog...but it is sort of related. As a graphic designer, I look at logos a lot. When designing logos, it is important to see what else is out there...to get inspired, look at your own stuff differently, etc.
Well, I finally saw the new AB InBev logo. I know it has been out for about a month now, but I saw it last night for the first time. As a person who was born and raised in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch Companies has always held a (might I say) "sacred" place in my heart. It doesn't have to do with the fact that they produce beer really...it has to do with tradition and image. All St. Louisans have fond memories as I do...such as sitting on my dad's lap eating those AB brand pretzels that were shaped like the logo.
For the longest time, AB has been a strong image of St. Louis. Next to the Arch...the brewery, the clydesdales, and the AB logo gave St. Louis an image to stand behind. Something ours. Constant. Constant through not only the ups and downs of the Cardinals (Both the Baseball- and the Football-), the Blues, and the Rams, but also through the ups and downs of life. And now, when we are in down times...we don't have that logo to stand behind anymore.
Well there's a now this new logo. The new AB InBev logo goes against all I've just said. They might have well as just made the eagle a canary. The trendy, new-age logo is very apt in that it completely personifies AB InBev's new direction. Instead of the eagle strongly spreading its wings through the "A" in the traditional logo...it is now soaring into the future amidst a sleack slender font spelling out the merger's new name. I have to say that the designer of the logo did a great job. I can picture Carlos Brito going to the design/branding firm and asking them to "make it something sleak/stylish/progressive." And that is the new direction of AB InBev.
I know I may come off as being pissed off at the new logo. But, what I mean to say is that I am just sad. I don't hold it against the AB Board or even Brito. They were just doing their jobs...wouldn't you do the same in their position. The intent of this post is simply to point out further the already obvious fact that times are changing.
And I hates it I do!