Tryck or trick?

This is a perception trick. The word "push" in Swedish is TRYCK. But I could not help of feeling tricked. Maybe is the traveling hysteria that they always serve you, but can’t help of making the connection. Even at an unconscious level. So I don’t think it's a wise choice to actually write it. Sometimes i expect to find chewing gum on the handle.

The best logo in Stockholm

We have 2 winners:
One is for best word play, and second is for the design and symbol. I didn’t found a logo that is outstanding and has a good, clear and innovative communication.

The brand that made me smile is Stockhome. It’s so inspired and catchy. “Making Stockholm your home” – just great (this is not their official slogan, it's just my interpretation of the meaning). But it has no graphic representation other then their choice of font and dimension.
Here goes:


The best symbol:
I love the design of this. It’s a symbol for renting bicycles. I love the lines, the light and the power of expression.


And here is the actually rent place. You have a card and you just get a bike.

Stockholm, the city of crowns

This is the brand of Stockholm - The Capital of Scandinavia.

As you can see the symbol used is the crown. And apparently for good reason. The symbol of crown is very much used in all levels of design in Stockholm. There is also the 3 crowns version. Actually the 3 crown symbol (Tre Kronor) is the national symbol of Sweden. I like the theory which says that each crown represents a kingdom, but you can see more here.
Coming back to Stockholm. This is official design for the city material:



You can see the crown design in architecture and building decorations:


And other city materials:

And then you can see in the official logo of Police, Post and Transport Administration:



Trafikvert - Swedish Transport Administration. I find in this a very powerful logo design. Besides the elements integrated in the logo i see a tiger face smiling and ready to jump. Dynamic is the word you want people to think when you are a transport company.

And here am some brands that use it:

WASA - has the crown integrated in the logo design. But the actual crown is made of wheat.

Nordiska Kristall. I personally like very much this logo. Integrates the crown with the meaning of powerful cuts and also crystal working.










And products:

Performance store

A good choice of words. Performance as in performance art, as in a show. But also performance like getting impressive results on lets say sports. So the expression makes me think of ballet but also running in the park and establishing a new record for you.

Sweden or Ukraine

This a tricky one. The flags are different, but the actual use can be very similar. I’ve been already twice to Ukraine and I am used to see the colors every where. The picture below is taken in Sweden, in Pride Parade, but it's actually the Ucrainian flag. For no reason what so ever. And there are many other examples like this.

Sunset Sea

I love this logo. It’s so simple, so unrefined, but it has a lot to say. You have the sunset (the red circle), you have the sea (the anchor) , and they are well assembled.


Seaside Söder Stockholm.

Ubuntu you were saying?

For those who still think Ubuntu is one of the best version of Linux, I hate to disappoint you. It’s a coke.
Actually UBUNTU means "humanity or fellow feeling; kindness". It's a concept from african philosophy.

Actually the only thing that the coke and the OS have in common is the name, the humanitarian philosophy and the bubbles in the identity.

Branding NORTH

In the middle of the Central Station in Stockholm there is a round panoramic view, cut to see in the floor below.
On each side of the space there are some very interesting figures and representations. My guess is that they actually represent direction, but i don't have any confirmation yet.
So on the side that there are some african statues i guess there is south, and on the exact opposite side with the Eskimos and a seal, i suppose is north.
Take a look of how nice they are, how they change the feeling of the place and how great are representations rather the words or directions.