Laravel is an open-source PHP web application framework created by Taylor Otwell, with its first beta release made available on June 9, 2011. The framework’s name was inspired by Cair Paravel, the castle from the Narnia books, as Laravel rhymes with Paravel. [1]
The current Laravel logo and website design were created by Focus Lab, a branding and design agency, and launched in August 2019 alongside the release of Laravel 6. The new logo was announced during Taylor Otwell’s Laracon US keynote, where he introduced both Laravel 6 and the new visual identity. [2] Focus Lab had previously worked with Laravel on the first Laracon website and its t-shirt illustrations. [2]
Design and History
Focus Lab’s creative exploration for the Laravel identity was built around four key concepts: building blocks, perspective, multi-dimensional, and elegant. From these concepts, the team developed a system of three-dimensional building blocks, described as a modern evolution of the original perspective L mark that Laravel users had come to know. [3]
The design system was paired with a visual language of modern 3D renders, which made the brand more tangible when combined with the simplistic linework of the logomark. A vibrant secondary color palette was also introduced to add personality while counterbalancing the primary red. [3]
Focus Lab crafted the logotype to work alongside the building block foundation, using a simple geometric nature as a counterpart to the weight and construction of the brand mark. [3] The building block concept was designed to scale across the large framework, allowing for infinite letterforms and visual arrangements for future assets and storytelling. [3]
Official Laravel logo and brand assets are maintained in the laravel/art GitHub repository, which hosts the framework’s artwork and logo files. [1] Laravel owns trademarks containing the word “Laravel,” and its trademark policy governs how the community may use the logos and distinctive signs in commercial and non-commercial contexts. [4]
Meaning and Symbolism
The building block concept behind the current Laravel identity reflects the framework’s nature as a tool for constructing applications. Focus Lab’s stated goal was to design a brand that accurately portrayed Laravel’s global reach and influence while giving a nod to the brand equity established over the years. [3] Taylor Otwell, Laravel’s founder, expressed satisfaction with the branding, praising Focus Lab’s attention to detail and passion for quality throughout the design process. [3]
Typography and Design
Focus Lab described the Laravel logotype as having a simple geometric nature, designed specifically to complement the weight and construction of the three-dimensional building block brand mark. [3] The primary brand color is red, with the hex code #FF2D20 commonly associated with the Laravel identity across its official assets. [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.
