An area that has seen a good bit of experimentation recently is utilizing CSS to fully design or enhance artwork. For example, designers have tried their hand at recreating popular characters with impressive results.
Similarly, we’re also seeing some very interesting logos created with CSS, along with copious amounts of JavaScript and SVG thrown in for good measure. Together they offer a degree of flexibility that other formats do not.
Let’s take a look at ten examples of logos built with a combo of CSS, JavaScript, and SVG. Some are originals, others are from well-known brands:All are worth admiring.
Animated Fireworks
This anime.js logo animation uses a combo of CSS and (of course) JS to create a colorful and dynamic animated logo. Not only is there a cool intro animation, but subsequent clicks on the logo release more fireworks. It’s kind of addictive.
See the Pen anime.js logo animation by Julian Garnier
Scaling With Ease
One interesting advantage of using CSS for your logo is the ability to scale to match any size – much like an SVG file. The example logo below for Shop Talk shows off the pixel-perfect scaling of CSS, right alongside a PNG that can’t quite keep up.
See the Pen Shop Talk logo made in CSS by Hugo Darby-Brown
Handwritten
This example has been around for a while, but it’s still beautiful. The scripted text of the logo is revealed as if it were being handwritten across the screen. It’s simple but effective.
See the Pen Faithmade:Animated Logo by GRAY GHOST
Open & Close
While this white logo looks fabulous on the multicolored background, the real gem here is the play/reverse functionality that was built in. Hitting “play” will make the logo appear via a slick animation, while reverse (you guessed it) does the whole process backwards. This could be useful in situations where, for example, you want to signify the closing of an element.
See the Pen Logo by Marco Barría
Pure Chrome
Here’s a faithful rendition of the Chrome logo, done with pure CSS and in a single HTML element. It shows how much can be accomplished with CSS in terms of creating a seamless look and complicated shapes. The spinning hover effect is also a nice touch.
See the Pen Single Element Google Chrome Logo by Mike King
In the Spotlight
Hovering on either of the logos in this pen will give a “spotlight” effect on the immediate area of your cursor. It adds an element of cool and encourages interaction.
See the Pen Z24 Logo Anmitaion by Nikk Tifan
Unique Drawing Effect
This example is outstanding on a couple of levels. First, the animation that takes the logo from a sort-of technical drawing through to a finished product is fun to watch. Second, the subtly animated gradient background perfectly complements the entire scene.
See the Pen Animating Gradient with CSS by Cody
Minimal, Yet Fun Logo
Okay, minimal and fun don’t usually get mentioned together. But in this case – it fits. This simple logo with a rainbow of animated blocks in the background adds personality to something that would otherwise be quite plain.
See the Pen Logo by Melissa Cabral
Subtly Telling a Story
Animation is one of the big fads in logos, but sometimes it can be a bit too much. What makes this example so great is that the opening book animation is complimentary of the brand without overdoing it.
See the Pen Learnosity Logo by Sam Chahine
Logos Can Do More
For years, we’ve used logos as a mostly static resource. But when you combine the power of CSS, JavaScript, and SVG, a logo can become a place where we can add some real interactivity. And interacting with a logo is, in essence, interacting with a brand.
So not only is this a practice of adding another cool feature to your site – but it’s also an exercise in increasing brand awareness as well.
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