Wells Fargo leads operations in the United States and 34 other countries. They are one of the most renowned banks in the world. In 2015, they claimed the title of the 22nd most respected company in the world. One of the reasons why the Wells Fargo logo is so respected is because it was the only AAA-rated bank in America in 2007.
The most recognizable Wells Fargo emblem is perhaps the classic six-horse stagecoach which goes back all the way to the great Gold Rush.
Wells Fargo Logo Design Elements
One of the most interesting things about the Wells Fargo logos is that there are two of them, in a way. Both the red square with yellow writing and the stagecoach with six horses stand for the bank. In addition, they both have their very own interesting and compelling stories.
While the text-based logo doesn’t have that good or even memorable an origin story, the Wells Fargo logo image of the stagecoach with six horses is undoubtedly one of the most instantly recognizable American imageries of all time.
Changes and Evolution
The logo hasn’t really evolved all that much over the years, with the exception of 2009. That brought the text-based logo Wells Fargo would use to this day. Still, the original stagecoach image is probably the most memorable. Additionally, the Wells Fargo origin for the logo is one of the best out there.
Just like most companies, Wells Fargo based their logo on something which they used to do. They went all the way back to the Old West.
1. Shape
The newer Wells Fargo logo is a simple a red square text written in a yellow font on it. But the situation is entirely different when talking about the classic six-horse stagecoach logo.
Initially, back in the 1850s, Wells Fargo consisted of an express delivery system. Up until 1918, the company delivered their customers’ important business and packages by any means necessary, from steamship to railroads. However, even the rails ended at some point. That’s where the stagecoach comes in.
At first, Wells Fargo merely contracted with different independent stagecoach line proprietors. However, as the business started getting more profitable and there were more requests for stagecoaches throughout the American West, Wells Fargo eventually became the largest known stagecoach empire in the world.
Due to this reputation, the Wells Fargo name became associated with the stagecoaches. Even more, the Wells Fargo logo started depicting the stagecoach, and it eventually stuck.
2. Color
The text-based logo has the more compelling story related to its color scheme. Even if it only exists since 2009, it managed to create a huge uproar among both giants and small entrepreneurs in the finance industry.
Its unique and vivid red color caused controversy. At first, most of the finance community saw the Wells Fargo logo as blasphemous, bordering on heretical. This was because it was unheard of for a bank to employ such a lively color. Most used and still use blue in their logos.
However, as time passed, people started associating the red of the Wells Fargo logo with the bank’s passionate, friendly, clear, and unique identity, as well as a sense of home. The yellow color depicted the richness, prosperity, and happiness of its customers. Interestingly, though, most advisors were also against the red color.
3. Font
The 2009 Wells Fargo logo uses a special typeface created by the famous English font designer Robert Besley. The font is named Clarendon. Interestingly, it’s easily available for download all over the internet, just like png vector files of both versions of the Wells Fargo logo. It’s quite similar to the Breitling logo, both in typeface and trademark color.
Trivia
Despite the superior trustworthiness and respectability offered by the Wells Fargo logo and brand, the international bank had its fair share of scandals and controversies. Most got quickly dismissed. However, some sources claim that there is much more to investigate and fix in regards to Wells Fargo’s practices.
- The bank got accusations of charging higher costs to Latino and African-American borrowers
- The bank failed to properly monitor transactions suspected of laundering money
- Their overdraft fees and mortgage servicing practices received fines
- Their inadequate risk disclosures received fines from the SEC as well
- Wells Fargo got sued by the FHA over underwriting loans
- Their premium inflation on forced-place insurance led to yet another lawsuit
- They paid $4 million for violating credit card laws
- They got accused of avoiding to pay taxes and of lobbying
- The bank invested in the prison industry
- The bank received accusations of overpaying their CEO
One of the most respectable and profitable banks in the world, Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo logo have had a long and very American history. Despite several fallouts with the public, the bank remains one of the most trustworthy companies in the world.
We hope you enjoyed learning about the Wells Fargo logo and the company’s history. The bank has shown that, in terms of design, you can become successful by taking a step out of the norm.
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