Jim Schindler designed McDonald’s 1962 Golden Arches logo, transforming the chain’s architectural arches into a corporate symbol.
Schindler was McDonald’s construction and design chief. He combined the two separate yellow arches used on restaurant buildings into the familiar joined “M” shape. The logo replaced earlier branding that prominently featured the Speedee character and the words “Speedee Service.”
The arches were not invented solely as a graphic mark. Architect Stanley Meston had used large yellow arches in McDonald’s restaurant designs during the 1950s, including the distinctive roofline associated with the San Bernardino restaurants. Schindler adapted that physical feature for print and signage.
A common mix-up is crediting Ray Kroc with designing the logo. Kroc was the company’s powerful early leader, but Schindler is credited with creating the 1962 mark. The Golden Arches later became one of the world’s most recognizable business symbols.