LOOK: Netizens react to new PLDT/Smart logos

PLDT and Smart recently unveiled new logos that sent the cyberspace up ablaze. Here are some of the notable observations we’ve seen round about the PH internet.

newpldtsmart

The new image changes were a shock to everyone, especially when PLDT’s ‘network’ logo, being one of the most iconic and recognizable symbols in the country, has been revamped for the first time in twenty years. With the new unveiling, netizens were quick to point out similarities to other logos, as well as nitpicks on the workmanship involved in creating these logos.

https://twitter.com/petricores/status/742578886861422592

Hi #smart #pldt graphic artist.
I marked some 'inconsistent' features of your new logo/insignia. Peace tayo 🐸✌🏼️ pic.twitter.com/y84wxmq1X4

— Nol Montalbo (@NolMontalbo) June 15, 2016

https://twitter.com/danieleazar/status/742329958903603201

https://twitter.com/kimberlymendero/status/743380805875990532

The art community also panned the new logos unveiled by one of the country’s top telcos.

Image: Stanley Coloma

Multimedia artist and mentor Stanley Coloma asserts that the new symbols would not be intuitive as it would be hard to apply in other mediums. As posted on his Facebook page: “The delta symbol has too many shades that will make it a challenge for compatibility in applying it in different mediums (i.e. wood engraving, frosted glass, metal, plastic etc.) Since the delta is exactly the same, it’s monochrome version or black and white version would be indistinguishable and may cause confusion as a stand alone version unless it’s their intention. Since the symbols has too many shades, using it on a colored background would be very limiting. The kerning on Smart’s choice of typography would be difficult to preserve on smaller prints or apparel designs.”

Website underconsideration.com, on the other hand, universally panned the new logo and its typography on its ‘Brand New’ section. “The new logos have the right intention but the executions fall short.” its review mentioned.

There were also a few renditions of symbols that did the rounds and made viral headlines. One came from Facebook page Pinoy Real Talk, which had an interesting take on the PLDT logo.

PLDT and Smart revealed their new logo yesterday. Then here comes a graphic artist sharing his idea on what PLDT’s new logo should’ve been. What do you think?

Posted by Pinoy Real Talk on Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Meanwhile, there was another image circulated that really earned the praise of the netizens as it depicts the ‘reality’ they see.

Full credits sa artist. Nakita ko lang sa newsfeed dahil ito ang pinaka appropriate na logo for them. Haha pic.twitter.com/FcFB1C5R0A

— Rhadson Mendoza (@matabangutak) June 15, 2016

With this, leading freelance service website freelancer.com kicked off a logo design contest to design a new that aims to allow artists to create better renditions of the new logos. “While the designed logos will not be used by the companies, they will give the local design community a chance to showcase their design skills (and also win a small monetary prize from Freelancer.com.)“, said in a press release.

What do you think of the new logos? Do you feel the need for a logo refresh for both PLDT and Smart at this point in time is appropriate? Let us know in the comments below.

8 Comments

thinKING says:

7 years ago

triangle . bawat logo may ibig sabihin … it’s not just a logo but … there’s story behind it. Tingin ko lang … im not an expert tho
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balotzki says:

8 years ago

hindi ako ganun kagaling magdesign ng logo pero unang kita ko pa lang sa billboard ng bagong logo ng smart parang hindi telecom company ang tingin ko.. kulay green?? mas maganda pa ung layout na turtle at snail sa globe galing ng artist haha
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Dwite says:

8 years ago

Malilito tao nito dahil magkapareho ang icon design ng dalawa. kung red icon – pldt. kung green – smart. eh kung grayscale ang print, wala ring pinagkaiba ang icon. At kung icon lng ang gamitin… Saan identity ng logo? Which is which? Parang walang originality yung dalawa dahil pareho itsura hehe. Each logo dapat may unique na icon design.
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boo says:

8 years ago

LOL. Parang logo lang ang basehan eh no? Parang walang pinoy ang hindi nakakakilala sa pangalan palang ng Smart at PLDT. Kung logo lang ang basehan, matagal na bang nalilito ang mga pinoy sa logo ng BPI, PNB, at San Miguel? Tsong, tingnan mo yung logos nila, litong lito na ako! hahaha

Archie says:

8 years ago

Hindi dinadaan sa pacontest ang logo design. Napakacheap at weak ng marketing department nila kung hindi sila kukuha ng professional designer na pagbubuhusan ng oras at isip ang logo na gagamitin for the next years. Kumuha sila ng inspiration sa apple at ibang top brands hindi sa shutterstock.
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wired_boy says:

8 years ago

LOL nagbabasa ka ba iho? or mahina lang english comprehension mo hihi
Carl Lamiel says:

8 years ago

To clear it up, the contest at Freelancer is not connected in any way to Smart or PLDT’s logo revamp. It’s an independent study of rebranding for the companies like what Freelancer themselves said, “While the designed logos will not be used by the companies, they will give the local design community a chance to showcase their design skills.”

kuratong_balileng says:

8 years ago

parang delta air tung sa pldt at yung aa smart parang google drive or logo ng mga eco-bag.. eco friendly na may pagka logo ng CISION
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