Who created McDonald's modern two-dimensional Golden Arches logo in 1962?

Jim Schindler created McDonald's modern two-dimensional Golden Arches logo in 1962. Working as a designer for the company, he combined the two architectural arches into an “M” shape that could appear consistently on signs, packaging, and advertising.

This graphic adaptation marked a major branding change. The original arches had been separate structural elements at restaurant sites, but Schindler's version made them a portable corporate identifier. It helped customers recognize McDonald's even when no full building was visible.

The logo is often confused with the building design itself. Stanley Clark Meston designed the physical arches in 1952; Schindler's 1962 work simplified and joined them into the familiar symbol. The Golden Arches remain one of the world's best-known trademarks, although their proportions and surrounding colors have changed over time.