Illinois National Bank, a Springfield, Illinois-based financial institution, adopted a new monogram logo in 1975 designed by the prominent New York identity firm Chermayeff & Geismar. The mark combines the letters “I” and “N” into a single geometric form, reflecting the firm’s signature approach of stripping away ornament in favor of bold, memorable shapes.
Design and History
The original Illinois National Bank was established in 1886 in Springfield, Illinois.[1] The bank’s 1975 logo was created by Chermayeff & Geismar, the firm known for iconic marks including Chase Bank, Mobil, NBC, and National Geographic.[2] The design is a monogram that combines the letters “I” and “N” into a single geometric shape, with shadow and outline treatments giving the mark depth.[2]
In 1989, the bank was sold to First of America Bank and assumed that name on February 1, 1990.[1] A new entity was formed in 1999, reviving the Illinois National Bank name.[3] On October 1, 2019, the bank officially changed its name to INB, with the formal designation “INB, National Association.”[3] The bank noted that most customers already referred to it as INB, and the change aligned the official name with common usage.[4]
Meaning and Symbolism
The 1975 Chermayeff & Geismar mark functions as a monogram, merging the initials of the bank’s name into a single unified form.[2] The design follows the firm’s documented philosophy of reducing visual elements to their simplest, most memorable expression, a principle applied across its extensive portfolio of corporate trademarks.[5]
Logo Index is an independent educational archive covering logos, visual identities and graphic design history. All trademarks and brand assets remain the property of their respective owners.
