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IBM

Recognition through rhythm.

Library
Brand studyUse as reference
Edition
1972 / Eight bars
Design credit
Paul Rand
Sector
Technology
Form
Striped lettermark
IBM symbol in solid black on white
Monochrome reference vector. Study the silhouette, spacing and negative space.

Form & negative space

Horizontal cuts create a repeatable rhythm across three very different letters. The letter structure stays legible because the solid and empty bands are read together.

Studio Tokyo visual analysis

Documented process

Rand’s 1972 eight-bar mark followed his earlier work on IBM’s letterforms. IBM’s historical account describes the stripes as a more streamlined, dynamic expression. The identity evolved through color, imagery and context while retaining its core lettermark.

Read the source

Sources & credits

IBM / history of the logoLetterform Archive / Paul Rand collectionVector source

Curated September 2026. Design and source imagery belong to their credited owners. This is an independent educational study, not an asset license or an affiliation.