Research + writing + PUBLICATION DESIGN

Living Symbols

Living Symbols is an editorial publication exploring how animal symbolism is used in branding and logo design across cultures. The project combines visual research, semiotics, branding analysis, and publication design into a curated archive of over 300 animal-based logos.

The goal was to create a publication that functions both as a visual inspiration source and as a practical reference for designers working with symbolic communication in branding.

opened book presenting the contents: text about bears symbolism and examples of logos using a bear silhouette
pages of Living Symbols publication describing animal symbolism in logos and brand communication featuring examples

The Idea

Animals have been used as symbols in human communication for centuries. In branding, they often communicate personality traits instantly: strength, intelligence, elegance, speed, protection, freedom, or adaptability.

I wanted to explore why certain animals appear repeatedly in visual identities, how their meanings shift across cultures, and how designers translate these associations into simplified graphic forms.

The result was a publication combining:

branding research | cultural symbolism | logo analysis | editorial design | archival curation

people playing basketball outside
opened book presenting the contents: text about bee symbolism and examples of logos using a bee silhouette

DESIGN DECISIONS

The visual language of the publication was intentionally minimal and archival in tone.

Key design decisions included: modular grid system for clarity and comparison, monochromatic palette emphasizing form over decoration, bold condensed typography inspired by modernist editorial design and restrained layout allowing the symbols themselves to remain central.

opened book presenting the contents: text about bee symbolism and examples of logos using a bee silhouette

The project reflects my interest in the intersection of psychology, symbolism, and visual communication, which later became a foundation for my broader research into emotionally intelligent branding systems. Are you curious about this approach?

Let’s talk

branding + creative strategy

Domedo

Explore

logo design

Logofolio

Explore

magazine spread

illustration

Illustrations

Explore

stationery materials laying on a grid

Links

Home

About

Connect

LinkedIn

Design IG

Illustration IG

E-mail

©2026 Aleksandra Pekala

Translating feelings to visuals

Aleksandra Pekala

Home

About

Contact

Research + writing + PUBLICATION DESIGN

Living Symbols

Living Symbols is an editorial publication exploring how animal symbolism is used in branding and logo design across cultures. The project combines visual research, semiotics, branding analysis, and publication design into a curated archive of over 300 animal-based logos.

The goal was to create a publication that functions both as a visual inspiration source and as a practical reference for designers working with symbolic communication in branding.

opened book presenting the contents: text about bears symbolism and examples of logos using a bear silhouette
pages of Living Symbols publication describing animal symbolism in logos and brand communication featuring examples

The Idea

Animals have been used as symbols in human communication for centuries. In branding, they often communicate personality traits instantly: strength, intelligence, elegance, speed, protection, freedom, or adaptability.

I wanted to explore why certain animals appear repeatedly in visual identities, how their meanings shift across cultures, and how designers translate these associations into simplified graphic forms.

The result was a publication combining:

branding research | cultural symbolism | logo analysis | editorial design | archival curation

people playing basketball outside
opened book presenting the contents: text about bee symbolism and examples of logos using a bee silhouette

DESIGN DECISIONS

The visual language of the publication was intentionally minimal and archival in tone.

Key design decisions included: modular grid system for clarity and comparison, monochromatic palette emphasizing form over decoration, bold condensed typography inspired by modernist editorial design and restrained layout allowing the symbols themselves to remain central.

opened book presenting the contents: text about bee symbolism and examples of logos using a bee silhouette

The project reflects my interest in the intersection of psychology, symbolism, and visual communication, which later became a foundation for my broader research into emotionally intelligent branding systems. Are you curious about this approach?

Let’s talk

branding + creative strategy

Domedo

Explore

abstract painting

logo design

Logofolio

Explore

magazine spread

illustration

Illustrations

Explore

stationery materials laying on a grid

Links

Home

About

Connect

LinkedIn

Design IG

Illustration IG

E-mail

©2026 Aleksandra Pekala

Translating feelings to visuals

Aleksandra Pekala

Home

About

Contact

Research + writing + PUBLICATION DESIGN

Living Symbols

Living Symbols is an editorial publication exploring how animal symbolism is used in branding and logo design across cultures. The project combines visual research, semiotics, branding analysis, and publication design into a curated archive of over 300 animal-based logos.

The goal was to create a publication that functions both as a visual inspiration source and as a practical reference for designers working with symbolic communication in branding.

opened book presenting the contents: text about bears symbolism and examples of logos using a bear silhouette
pages of Living Symbols publication describing animal symbolism in logos and brand communication featuring examples

The Idea

Animals have been used as symbols in human communication for centuries. In branding, they often communicate personality traits instantly: strength, intelligence, elegance, speed, protection, freedom, or adaptability.

I wanted to explore why certain animals appear repeatedly in visual identities, how their meanings shift across cultures, and how designers translate these associations into simplified graphic forms.

The result was a publication combining:

branding research | cultural symbolism | logo analysis | editorial design | archival curation

people playing basketball outside

The process

One of the key parts of the project was researching how animal symbolism changes between cultures.

Each chapter combines logo examples with written analysis explaining:

  • symbolic associations of a species
  • historical and mythological context
  • cultural differences in interpretation
  • reasons certain animals are frequently used in branding

For example, an owl may symbolize wisdom in Western contexts, while other cultures associate it with mystery or death. Understanding these nuances can influence branding decisions, especially for international brands.

This research-driven layer transformed the project from a visual archive into a strategic branding resource.

opened book presenting the contents: text about bee symbolism and examples of logos using a bee silhouette

DESIGN DECISIONS

The visual language of the publication was intentionally minimal and archival in tone.

Key design decisions included: modular grid system for clarity and comparison, monochromatic palette emphasizing form over decoration, bold condensed typography inspired by modernist editorial design and restrained layout allowing the symbols themselves to remain central.

opened book presenting the contents: text about bee symbolism and examples of logos using a bee silhouette

The project reflects my interest in the intersection of psychology, symbolism, and visual communication, which later became a foundation for my broader research into emotionally intelligent branding systems. Are you curious about this approach?

Let’s talk

branding + creative strategy

Domedo

Explore

abstract painting

LOGO DESIGN

Logofolio

Explore

magazine spread

ILLUSTRATION

Illustrations

Explore

stationery materials laying on a grid