The Origins of the Umbrella Corporation Logo Revealed
1. Introduction
The Umbrella Corporation is a fictional multinational conglomerate in the Resident Evil series of video games and movies. The company is known for its sinister activities, including genetic engineering, bioterrorism, and corporate espionage. The Umbrella Corporation logo is one of the most recognizable symbols in pop culture, with its red and white color scheme, stylized umbrella icon, and the Latin phrase “Servus et Umbra” (meaning “Servant and Shadow”). But where did this iconic logo come from?
2. The Designer
The designer of the Umbrella Corporation logo is an artist named Takeshi Miyazawa. Miyazawa is a Japanese-Canadian comic book artist who has worked for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Image Comics. He was hired by Capcom, the developer of Resident Evil, to create the logo for the fictional company. Miyazawa’s design was inspired by the logos of real-life pharmaceutical companies, such as Pfizer and Merck.
3. The Meaning
The Umbrella Corporation logo has several meanings and interpretations. The stylized umbrella icon represents protection and shelter, which is ironic given the company’s nefarious activities. The red and white color scheme is reminiscent of the Japanese flag, which is fitting since the series was created by Japanese game designer Shinji Mikami. The Latin phrase “Servus et Umbra” can be interpreted as “Servant and Shadow,” which reflects the company’s secretive and manipulative nature.
4. The Evolution
The Umbrella Corporation logo has evolved over the years, reflecting the changing nature of the fictional company. In the early games, the logo was simple and straightforward, with a black umbrella icon on a white background. As the series progressed, the logo became more elaborate and stylized, incorporating the red and white color scheme and the Latin phrase. In the later games, the logo was modified to include the words “Umbrella Corporation” and the tagline “Our business is life itself.”
5. Conclusion
The Umbrella Corporation logo is an iconic symbol of the Resident Evil series, representing the sinister and secretive nature of the fictional company. The logo was designed by Takeshi Miyazawa, who was inspired by the logos of real-life pharmaceutical companies. The logo has several meanings and interpretations, including protection, manipulation, and the company’s Japanese origins. The logo has evolved over the years, reflecting the changing nature of the company and the series as a whole.
The Umbrella Corporation is a fictional organization that plays a central role in the Resident Evil franchise. The company is responsible for the creation of the T-virus, a pathogen that turns humans into zombies. The Umbrella Corporation logo is instantly recognizable to fans of the series, but the origins of the logo have remained a mystery until now.
The Meaning Behind the Logo
The Umbrella Corporation logo features a red and white umbrella with the words “Umbrella Corporation” written in bold letters underneath. The logo is simple yet striking, and it has become an iconic symbol of the Resident Evil franchise.
The red and white colors of the logo are believed to represent blood and bone, which are both central to the Resident Evil series. The umbrella itself is a symbol of protection and shelter, which is ironic given the company’s sinister motives.
The Origins of the Logo Design
The logo design for the Umbrella Corporation was created by a Japanese graphic designer named Yasuyuki Saga. Saga was working for Capcom, the company behind Resident Evil, at the time.
Saga has stated that he wanted to create a logo that was simple and easily recognizable. He was inspired by the Japanese flag, which also features a simple design with bold colors.
The red and white colors of the logo were chosen because they are easy to see and remember. Saga also wanted the logo to be symmetrical, which is why he chose the umbrella as the central symbol.
The logo was first introduced in the original Resident Evil game, which was released in 1996. Since then, it has appeared in numerous Resident Evil games, movies, and other media.
The Legacy of the Umbrella Corporation Logo
The Umbrella Corporation logo has become one of the most recognizable symbols in the video game industry. It has been featured on merchandise, cosplay, and fan art.
The logo has also become a symbol of the Resident Evil franchise as a whole. It represents the sinister and dangerous world of the series, and it has helped to build the brand into one of the most successful franchises in gaming history.
Conclusion
The origins of the Umbrella Corporation logo have now been revealed. The logo was designed by Yasuyuki Saga, a graphic designer working for Capcom at the time. The logo’s simple yet striking design has become an iconic symbol of the Resident Evil franchise, representing the dangerous and sinister world of the series.