Logo, apparel designs, asanas and teacher training symbols for a logo yoga studio.
Visually, this logo is busier and more complex than most of the logos I would normally create, but it was important to the client that his logo contain the symbolism and deep spiritual meaning found in various Eastern religions (and in his own yoga practice). Because of the complex meaning behind every aspect of this logo, it was a lot of fun to create. I've included a breakdown of the symbols and meanings here.
Visually, this logo is busier and more complex than most of the logos I would normally create, but it was important to the client that his logo contain the symbolism and deep spiritual meaning found in various Eastern religions (and in his own yoga practice). Because of the complex meaning behind every aspect of this logo, it was a lot of fun to create. I've included a breakdown of the symbols and meanings here.
Inspiration and Meaning: The client wanted a connected, circular logo with either a Sri Yantra ("sacred instrument") or Sri Chakra ("sacred wheel") in the background. We tried a few different designs, and this Sri Yantra worked best visually. In Eastern religions, the Sri Yantra or "sacred instrument" is a yantra formed by nine interlocking triangles that surround and radiate out from the central ("bindu") point, the junction point between the physical universe and its unmanifest source.
At the center of the "bindu" is an infinity symbol. The infinity symbol connects with the Sri Yantra at the navel of a silhouette of the yoga instructor, Matthew Higdon, in the handstand lotus pose -- or Adho Mukha Vrksasana in Padmasana.
At the center of the "bindu" is an infinity symbol. The infinity symbol connects with the Sri Yantra at the navel of a silhouette of the yoga instructor, Matthew Higdon, in the handstand lotus pose -- or Adho Mukha Vrksasana in Padmasana.
Symbolism and Meaning: Several silhouettes of the yoga instructor form an upward facing star within the circle of the logo. Each silhouette represents one element: fire, earth, water, air or space.
The colors used represent various chakras or "energy points" within the subtle body -- with the purple color in the center representing the crown or spiritual chakra.
The colors used represent various chakras or "energy points" within the subtle body -- with the purple color in the center representing the crown or spiritual chakra.
Silhouettes were used for the logo, website and yoga teacher training manual.
Final Text (Six Point Star and Om) -- And finally, for the end logo that the client will be using on his website and Yoga Teacher Training Materials, we added text around the border of the circle.
The text reads "Subtle Power Yoga" and includes "Om" symbols placed in between each word, spaced out so that they form a six pointed star around the outer border of the circle.
The text reads "Subtle Power Yoga" and includes "Om" symbols placed in between each word, spaced out so that they form a six pointed star around the outer border of the circle.
Om is a mantra and mystical Sanskrit sound which originated in the areas of India and Nepal. This sacred mantra is important in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and other Dharmic religions -- and is commonly used in yoga classes.
The six-pointed star is common in various religions. Here, specifically, it represents a few different things:
1) the upward triangle represents action of the outward flow of energy through selfless service to humanity;
2) the downward triangle represents knowledge or the inward search of our sádhaná (Sanskrit for "a means of accomplishing something", an ego-transcending spiritual practice)
It can be likened to following dharma "for self-realization and for the welfare of the universe". The six-pointed star represents a perfect balance of the inner and outer world.
The six-pointed star is common in various religions. Here, specifically, it represents a few different things:
1) the upward triangle represents action of the outward flow of energy through selfless service to humanity;
2) the downward triangle represents knowledge or the inward search of our sádhaná (Sanskrit for "a means of accomplishing something", an ego-transcending spiritual practice)
It can be likened to following dharma "for self-realization and for the welfare of the universe". The six-pointed star represents a perfect balance of the inner and outer world.
