The Story Behind the Logo of

At first glance, my logo might seem straightforward, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Beneath its clean and simple design is a lot of meaning and carefully hidden details. Every element tells a story that reflects the essence of what Graphic Magic is all about. Join me as I reveal some of the secrets and symbolism that make my logo unique.

The Pen & the Wand

One of the first things people notice are the “i” letters in both “Graphic” and “Magic.”

  • In “Graphic,” the “i” is designed to resemble a pen or tablet pencil. This symbolizes the precision, creativity, and craftsmanship that go into every design project. Whether it’s sketching out ideas or bringing them to life on screen, the pen represents the hands-on, detailed work that defines Graphic Magic.
  • In “Magic,” the “i” is cleverly depicted as a wand. This ties directly to the name of my business, emphasizing the ‘magic’ I bring to design. Just as a magician’s wand brings wonder to an audience, this wand represents the creative spark that turns ordinary ideas into extraordinary designs.

These elements not only make the logo visually engaging but also encapsulate the essence of what I do—combining skilled craftsmanship with a touch of magic to create something truly unique.

The Magician’s Cut

The “M” in “Magic” isn’t just a letter—it’s a subtle nod to one of the most iconic illusions in magic: the “woman being sawn in half” trick. The “M” separates the logo, resembling the sharp blades used to slice the woman, which conceal the secret behind how the magician separates the two halves of the box during the trick.

Interestingly, after finalizing the design, I noticed that the magician’s stance for applause in this classic trick mirrors the shape of the “M.” The sharp edges of the “M” reinforce the illusion, hiding the secret while making the audience believe the impossible has happened. This fortuitous connection adds an extra layer of magic to the logo, whether by design or by happy accident.

This element of the logo not only highlights the magical theme of my brand but also symbolizes the creative process—taking something whole, carefully separating and examining each part, and then bringing it back together in a way that amazes and delights.

The Lockpick

When I began designing the logo, I wanted to incorporate a “lock” element—because of my childhood fascination with Houdini. But I also see it as a symbol of “unlocking” a brand’s potential with design.

After countless designs, I realized that a literal lock might stand out too much or give the wrong impression—like a locksmith company rather than a design studio. That’s when I started thinking about elements associated with a lock and found inspiration in the idea of a lockpick. The sharp edge of the “G” subtly resembles a lockpick, so I slanted the edge without making it overly obvious. After all, as designer Joe Sparano famously said:

“Good design is obvious.
Great design is transparent.”

Meaning: It works its magic without drawing attention to itself.

The lockpick now represents the precision and careful thought that goes into every project. This hidden detail reinforces that great design isn’t just about what you see—it’s about “picking” the right approach and ensuring everything comes together seamlessly.

The Deck of Cards

The “r” in “Graphic” carries a hidden nod to another classic element of magic—the riffle shuffle of a deck of cards. If you look closely, the shape of the “r” mimics the motion of cards being riffled through a magician’s hands. The curve at the end of the “r” resembles the bend of the cards as they are shuffled, creating that familiar cascading effect.

Just as a magician riffles through a deck of cards, I riffle through countless online pages, gathering insights, researching trends, and refining ideas. This process ensures that every design is not just visually appealing but also thoughtfully crafted and well-informed.

This element adds a playful yet sophisticated layer to the logo, reinforcing the idea that magic is in the details—whether it’s in the cards or in the careful research behind each design.

The Top Hat

The Top Hat

The top hat is more than just a logo mark for me; it’s a symbol that has always embodied both magic and style. The top hat has a personal significance that has been with me since childhood. I grew up captivated by the top hats I saw in everything from Looney Tunes cartoons—whether on Bugs Bunny or the singing frog—to Scrooge McDuck in DuckTales, and even one of my favorite superheroes, Zatanna. It also played a memorable role in classics like Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and Alice in Wonderland with the Mad Hatter.

One of my earliest and most vivid memories of the top hat comes from watching Lance Burton perform his iconic act. He would step onto the stage, hang the hat on a streetlamp, and then start producing doves from nowhere. That moment captured my imagination and sparked a lifelong fascination with magic. This fascination led me to study magic tricks, and to this day, I still love entertaining at gatherings with a pack of cards or any object I can get my hands on.

I’ve found that magic tricks are the best icebreakers when done well—especially when the trick feels like real magic rather than just something anyone can do. That sense of wonder is what I strive to bring to my clients through my designs. Just like that top hat, I want each project to capture imagination, evoke delight, and leave a lasting impression.

The Triangle & Square

The triangle & square carry even more meaning than just their respective roles in design and magic. The tips of these tools—the triangle and square—were carefully chosen to represent something deeper.

  • The Triangle: This subtly references a diamond, one of the four suits from a deck of cards. In design, triangles represent stability, progress, growth, and speed—qualities that are essential in both design and brand development. Notice that the tip of the triangle isn’t round, which would have been the typical choice to resemble a pencil or tablet pencil. Instead, I intentionally opted for a sharp triangle to emphasize these qualities.
  • The Square: To complement the triangle, I aligned the square above the “i” in “Magic” to be the same size. While this choice was made for visual harmony, it serendipitously aligns with the square’s symbolic representation of stability and structure. In the context of the logo, the square becomes the tip of the magician’s wand—simple, precise, and controlled. Magic often involves transforming one thing into another, and in this case, hence the transformation from a dynamic triangle to a stable square.

And if you look closely, you might notice the other playing card suits “shapes” hidden within the logo as well.

The Final Secrets

There are even more secrets hidden within my logo, but like any good magician, I believe some mysteries are best left unrevealed.

My logo designs reflect the thought, creativity, and attention to detail I bring to every project. If you’re looking for a logo that captures the essence of your brand with the same level of care, or if you’re seeking another design, let’s create something truly magical together.

Already have a logo?

Why not put it to the test? Download my Logo Rating PDF below to evaluate your logo’s effectiveness across key areas. Whether you’re scoring high or discovering areas for improvement, this tool can help you decide if it’s time for a fresh design.