The Sea Horse: The birth of the Fotovacation logo
Before the programs, the contests and the thousands of photos, Photovacation needs a face. In 1982. The organizers turned to the wizard of Bulgarian graphics Stefan Kanchev.
Kanchev accepts the challenge: he takes a classic 35mm film, “twists” it into a silhouette of a seahorse and in one motion combines photography with the sea.
The master behind the logo
Stefan Kanchev (1915 – 2001) – author of over 1 600 logos, dozens of postage stamps and posters.
In 1990, the Japanese magazine IDEA ranked him among the ten best brand creators in the world.
See more about Stefan Kanchev
Stefan Kanchev’s influence is so great that a group of designers and programmers have taken it upon themselves to preserve and present his work in exhibitions, books and a website that we encourage you to check out: https://www.stefankanchev.com/
A seahorse with a hundred lives
Over nearly four decades, the seahorse has gone through countless incarnations. You will see it on T-shirts, hats, towels, programmes, posters, umbrellas, trousers, waistcoats and what not – sometimes it is red, but it has also been black, blue and green… in combination with different elements and many incarnations, but always recognizable.
Why does the logo stand the test of time?
Emotion – the cute silhouette makes people smile and immediately creates a sense of community.
Narrative – the filmstrip hints at the memories we’ll capture; the seahorse – the lightness of summer.
Durability – the simple shape works equally well on a beach flag, web icon or souvenir badge.
Help us finish this story!
Do you have a picture of Photovacation’s seahorse “climbing” on your t-shirt, umbrella, backpack or… something else? Send it to info@photovacation.org And become a part of the “Photovacation Stories” collection. Together, let’s add more shots to the endless film started by Stefan Kanchev!
