ADVERTISEMENT

Wordplay is a never-ending source of amusement for me, with funny puns, spoonerisms, and double entendres bringing a little extra color and life to the everyday language that we sometimes take for granted.

Swedish graphic designer Daniel Carlmatz also loves to get creative with words but in a different way. He set himself a challenge to create a new typographic logo design each day for 365 days, using a common word and adding related visual elements through symbolism, creative use of negative space, and geometry. The inspiration for the 365-day challenge came from trying to challenge myself to look at type and design from a different perspective, Daniel told Bored Panda. The challenge was just an outlet for my personal, minimalist design thinking. And yes, I did manage to finish it without missing a day!

The logo ideas are truly remarkable in their creativity and simplicity, proving that inspiration for the design is all around us. For Daniel though, the process was anything but simple. I struggled, he told us. I didn't want them to take up too much of my time so I used to do them in my head or sketch them down on my way to work, and then finalize them on my way home from work. But sometimes you just end up with nothing.

"I had a few words I felt I wanted to do, but a lot of the design ideas came from having a solution first - and trying to find a suitable word that could support it. One of the hardest words was Panda, which was with me from day one but wasn't published until day 251."

Some of Daniel's logos make you look twice before you make the connection, and are a lot of fun to try to find. Can you spot them all? Scroll down to check out his work for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!

More info: Instagram

(h/t: Digital Synopsis)

#1

Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

Daniel Carlmatz Report

stellermatt
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

when spelling panda, all you need is p and a.

Anouk
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ohhhhh very clever sir. Took me a moment.....

Load More Replies...
Muhammad Cisco Zulfikar
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This should be the alternate logo of boredpanda

Id row
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It took him a year to come up with that? Yeah, it's cute and clever, but a year?

View more comments
RELATED:
    #2

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Dian Ella Lillie
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are very well done, but most are really more along the lines of visual puns rather than logos. Perhaps something was lost in translation when the title was created?

    Amazon QT
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There’s alway an “@“ in ever crowd...

    Matthew Veenker
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh wow, you got me with that one. Totally had to look at it 3 times before I caught it.

    View more comments
    #3

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    #4

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Kika González
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    all I see is that it's been chewed up a little??

    Load More Replies...
    Jess Burgess
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the people saying they don't get it, there's a dog shape between the p and the y at the bottom...

    Crybabyartist
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    could have made a mate with the first p and u since the same elements are aligned

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #5

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Eleanor Shakiba
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ha. If you want to trigger my rage reaction, show me that symbol...

    View more comments
    #6

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Vivek Mhatre
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my opinion, this is the most creative one out this list. Make no mistake though, all of these are awesome.

    Maria Bjørkgård
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Agree! I'm surprised at how easy it was to see the word, when it looks so much like a bike!

    Load More Replies...
    Matt Sephton
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminded me of an illustration I saw years ago: https://flic.kr/p/cTY5rU

    Matt Sephton
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminded me of this illustration I saw years ago: https://flic.kr/p/cTY5rU

    SnowyLynx
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Took me a second to get the “B”. But that’s good

    Maurice Palmer
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one takes the cake for me as well

    View more comments
    #7

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    PaulV
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would start a company called "raccoon" just so I could buy this logo.

    Alexander Amanuel
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Number/nummer: +46739303824 Let me know if it's available!

    May Be
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My favorite. And I highly disapprove of raccoons. They're evil.

    Danielle Holder
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They're not evil! They're cute, cuddly, and so adorable with their little hands taking treats!!

    Load More Replies...
    View more comments
    #8

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Funky Unibrow
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think "ill" stands out, which is unfortunately not a good word when food is involved.

    Darren Shalla
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "ill" is also an old slang term for good, cool, and other word that mean "good". "That's ill bro".

    Load More Replies...
    Dian Ella Lillie
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh dear... I saw a hand flipping the bird, and now I can't get the image out of my mind!

    porcupine
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Update: I see it! I finally see it! Thought you’d be pleased to know.

    Load More Replies...
    Nick P
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If i only concentrate on the Grill part the handle looks like a middle finger..

    Anne Jones
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Really like this one! Some of my Spatulas have slits in them. 🙃

    AnimalLoverSingerModel#1
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ill isn't a great word/name for a restaurant tho

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Matthew A
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They should have used the magnifier glass as the A!

    Mylah Rose
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope, this is way more effective. I imagine they tried that first though:

    Load More Replies...
    Little Menace
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's nice, but not a new idea. I remember a competition in the German BILD [tabloid] in the 1970s, where people could send in their designs just like this guy is doing. Yeah I'm a party pooper...

    Dian Ella Lillie
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've seen a similar thing done with the name of the most famous search engine - I suspect that there's a score of way to visually pun this subject!

    View more comments
    #10

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Tracy Day
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the "i" isn't bold black, so the "i" is naked.

    Load More Replies...
    Max L.
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice idea but too articolated. I won't have choosen it for publish

    View more comments
    #11

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Rebecca Renee
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I saw a paw print at first, but was pleased to now see a moon.

    Load More Replies...
    View more comments
    #12

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    stellermatt
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it only takes one tree to make a thousand matches, only takes one match, to burn a thousand trees.

    porcupine
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I see ET’s profile. Like, if he had a stick body.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #13

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Livi Moe
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My whole life is a lie...

    Beth Arriaga
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mine too. *shakes head from side to side violently in a weak asses effort to clear it*

    Load More Replies...
    Mylah Rose
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Not super clear actually

    #14

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    M.A.D.
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd rather it have a moustache, but nevertheless it looks awesome.

    Mylah Rose
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This just shows the different meaning of the word in the US!

    N G
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought the E had died

    View more comments
    #15

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Jessica Stohr
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can hear the sound in my head!

    Mikhail Malakhanov
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing- caaching...MONEY! :)

    #16

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    LoneWolfie
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought it was a needle for a sec

    Kenny Kulbiski
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pirates everywhere are going to be offended by this stereotypical design.

    Eric Mikalo
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like the sim card removing tool

    Jennifer Nation
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this! I would have kept the neg. space in the "P" black like an eye patch!

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #17

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Amazon QT
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “My cup runith over...” ☕️

    Brendan Hurwood
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think this one looks very good👎 But the others are great😊

    View more comments
    #18

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Richard Samul
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought that was a "G" at the end, and that's a completely different word.

    Amazon QT
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ....I’m done... *mic drop*

    View more comments
    #19

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    SnowyLynx
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Perfection! Especially since i play Saxophone in a Jazz band

    Ingrid Tsai
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My school's jazz band always get a t-shirt, and for the third year in the row, they used that idea of a saxophone for a J

    View more comments
    #20

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Dian Ella Lillie
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tetris isn't that simple - the 'I' should have been tilted by 90 degrees!

    Beth Arriaga
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Damn, harsh critics much!?? No way in heck most people could be this creative. Especially day in and day out for a year.

    Amazon QT
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s not that easy. I was a Graphic Designer for a famous candy company in Tacoma, Washington 7+ years, I worked on several of their product designs.

    Load More Replies...
    Amazon QT
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ahhh my all time favorite video game!! ❤️

    Icha Faricha
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it will more close to tetris when the " i " is formed from 3-4 cubes stacked vertically

    jtan
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This could be more developed

    Islam Mounir
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Need more blocked font to make a winning row

    View more comments
    #22

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Thomas woldesenbet
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The idea and the typography is fantastic.

    Mylah Rose
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So subtle that if I didn't know I was looking for it, I probably would have missed it

    #23

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Daniel Sipes
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why can't I pin down why this logo is so aesthetically pleasing?

    Val
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one creeps me out

    KismetTheFox
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I shall grace this one with my presence. I like it I’m not cool Sorry Haha I wanna die Probably lots of people I’ve Been trying to please will Hate me because of this

    #24

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    ALIYAH ALLEN
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    when you're cruising down the street in your 64

    #25

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Rue Granger
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's even more aesthetically pleasing is that there are three and a half letters on each side!

    I Love My Dog
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    About the only time when a divorce gets everything split 50/50

    Load More Replies...
    Andy Howard
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The letter “I” should be the splitting point to show how it is never 50/50.

    #26

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Sophster
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    upvote if u thought of Commendatore

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #27

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Nini Meow
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    FIE have missed being in the slfie clicked by E

    PeachPossum
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The I should have been the selfie stick, then SELF would be in the picture.

    Load More Replies...
    View more comments
    #28

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Eyad Babikir
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At first I saw a guy pulling his middle finger 😮😂😂😂

    Sriphong Ph
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought it was a guy giving the middle finger

    adoracat
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminds me of the knight, in chess pieces.

    View more comments
    #29

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    Analyn Lahr
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This should be a news channel logo.

    #30

    Designer-Challenge-Simple-Logos-365-Days-Daniel-Carlmatz

    Daniel Carlmatz Report

    TommyDAQ
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    agree... maybe if the "l" were extended lower to give the connotation that it's a longer letter???

    Load More Replies...
    Steve West
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is this guy in public school or something? A kid doing this may be impressive but if its an adult this is just sad! Why would you publish this???

    Heather Bloom
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can you link me up some logos or designs worthy or your approval so that I can learn the difference between good and bad design.

    Load More Replies...
    Jonathan Allen
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel bad for people who do not see the words lol so simple and elegant

    Elie Bernhardt
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    maybe if the "l" and "e" noodles were falling off the stick?

    Janet Scheetz
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    noodle. The “l” is draped over the chopsticks.

    Mylah Rose
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If noodle they could have just written the whole word with one lone noodle??

    Mylah Rose
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not entirely sure what this is meant to say....

    View more comments