Adobe's CS Icons Make No Sense!

Feather May 15th 2005
Something has been simmering at the back of my mind for a long time now, and I can’t take it any more. I have to get my thoughts down on “paper”. (heh)

What the hell was Adobe thinking when they developed their new identity for Creative Suite? I mean all of their old logos, while a little on the yawn side, at least made sense. The Photoshop eye/lens, The Illustrator Venus, these were graphics that I could equate to the programs they represented.

I mean really what does a flower have to do with vector illustration? A feather with raster graphics? I understand that Adobe was attempting to “tie everything together” with one cohesive identity. But although they came in strong with concept, they failed in execution.

In my opinion they broke one of the cardinal rules of logo design. Never re-brand, unless it clarifies your message. What they did was trade off their long standing, easily recognizable identity, just to underscore the concept of selling all their apps as a package. (this is what happens when you let the accountants drive)

I know this is all a day late, and a dollar short, but they should have at least figured out a way to work their existing identities into the new brand.

FYI: if you long for the glory days of Illustrator, or just want to see a cool easter egg, hold down + option (ctrl + alt on the PC) and go to help/about Illustrator. (this also works in other CS applications)