The Notch Apple, also known as the “Notch” or “Apple with a Bite,” is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. Designed by Rob Janoff in 1977, the Notch Apple has become synonymous with the Apple brand and its innovative products. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Notch Apple, its design evolution, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to create your own Notch Apple using various design tools.
A Brief History of the Notch Apple
The Notch Apple was designed by Rob Janoff, a renowned graphic designer, in 1977. At the time, Apple was a relatively new company, founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976. The company’s first logo featured a picture of Sir Isaac Newton under an apple tree, but Jobs felt that the logo was too complex and didn’t accurately represent the company’s values.
Janoff was tasked with creating a new logo that was simple, yet distinctive. He presented Jobs with several options, including a logo featuring a whole apple. However, Jobs felt that the logo was too similar to other fruit logos and didn’t stand out enough. Janoff then experimented with different shapes and designs, eventually creating the iconic Notch Apple.
The Design Evolution of the Notch Apple
Over the years, the Notch Apple has undergone several design changes. In 1977, the original Notch Apple featured a rainbow-colored apple with a bite taken out of it. The logo was designed to be colorful and playful, reflecting the company’s fun and innovative approach to technology.
In 1998, Apple simplified the logo by removing the rainbow colors and introducing a sleek, monochromatic design. The new logo featured a silver apple with a bite taken out of it, which became synonymous with the Apple brand.
In 2014, Apple introduced a new logo design, which featured a more streamlined and minimalist approach. The new logo retained the iconic shape of the Notch Apple but introduced a more subtle and sophisticated design.
Creating Your Own Notch Apple Using Adobe Illustrator
Creating your own Notch Apple using Adobe Illustrator is a relatively simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Create a New Document
Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new document by selecting “File” > “New” > “Document.” Set the dimensions of your document to 1000 x 1000 pixels and select “RGB” as the color mode.
Step 2: Draw the Apple Shape
Use the “Ellipse Tool” to draw a circle, which will serve as the base shape for your apple. Hold down the “Shift” key while drawing the circle to ensure it’s perfectly symmetrical.
Step 3: Add the Notch
Use the “Pen Tool” to draw a small triangle, which will serve as the notch in your apple. Place the triangle at the top of the circle, making sure it’s centered.
Step 4: Add the Bite
Use the “Pen Tool” to draw a small arc, which will serve as the bite taken out of your apple. Place the arc at the right side of the circle, making sure it’s centered.
Step 5: Add Color and Shading
Use the “Fill” and “Stroke” options to add color and shading to your apple. You can choose from a variety of colors, including the iconic silver and black colors used by Apple.
Step 6: Add a Drop Shadow
Use the “Drop Shadow” option to add depth and dimension to your apple. You can adjust the settings to achieve the desired effect.
Creating Your Own Notch Apple Using Sketch
Creating your own Notch Apple using Sketch is a relatively simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Create a New Document
Open Sketch and create a new document by selecting “File” > “New” > “Document.” Set the dimensions of your document to 1000 x 1000 pixels and select “RGB” as the color mode.
Step 2: Draw the Apple Shape
Use the “Oval Tool” to draw a circle, which will serve as the base shape for your apple. Hold down the “Shift” key while drawing the circle to ensure it’s perfectly symmetrical.
Step 3: Add the Notch
Use the “Vector Tool” to draw a small triangle, which will serve as the notch in your apple. Place the triangle at the top of the circle, making sure it’s centered.
Step 4: Add the Bite
Use the “Vector Tool” to draw a small arc, which will serve as the bite taken out of your apple. Place the arc at the right side of the circle, making sure it’s centered.
Step 5: Add Color and Shading
Use the “Fill” and “Stroke” options to add color and shading to your apple. You can choose from a variety of colors, including the iconic silver and black colors used by Apple.
Step 6: Add a Drop Shadow
Use the “Drop Shadow” option to add depth and dimension to your apple. You can adjust the settings to achieve the desired effect.
Creating Your Own Notch Apple Using Figma
Creating your own Notch Apple using Figma is a relatively simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Create a New Document
Open Figma and create a new document by selecting “File” > “New” > “Document.” Set the dimensions of your document to 1000 x 1000 pixels and select “RGB” as the color mode.
Step 2: Draw the Apple Shape
Use the “Ellipse Tool” to draw a circle, which will serve as the base shape for your apple. Hold down the “Shift” key while drawing the circle to ensure it’s perfectly symmetrical.
Step 3: Add the Notch
Use the “Pen Tool” to draw a small triangle, which will serve as the notch in your apple. Place the triangle at the top of the circle, making sure it’s centered.
Step 4: Add the Bite
Use the “Pen Tool” to draw a small arc, which will serve as the bite taken out of your apple. Place the arc at the right side of the circle, making sure it’s centered.
Step 5: Add Color and Shading
Use the “Fill” and “Stroke” options to add color and shading to your apple. You can choose from a variety of colors, including the iconic silver and black colors used by Apple.
Step 6: Add a Drop Shadow
Use the “Drop Shadow” option to add depth and dimension to your apple. You can adjust the settings to achieve the desired effect.
Conclusion
Creating your own Notch Apple is a fun and creative process that can be achieved using various design tools. Whether you’re using Adobe Illustrator, Sketch, or Figma, the steps outlined in this article will help you create a stunning and iconic logo that’s sure to impress. Remember to experiment with different colors, shapes, and designs to create a unique and personalized Notch Apple that reflects your brand’s values and personality.
| Design Tool | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Illustrator | Create a new document | Draw the apple shape | Add the notch | Add the bite | Add color and shading | Add a drop shadow |
| Sketch | Create a new document | Draw the apple shape | Add the notch | Add the bite | Add color and shading | Add a drop shadow |
| Figma | Create a new document | Draw the apple shape | Add the notch | Add the bite | Add color and shading | Add a drop shadow |
By following these steps and experimenting with different design tools, you can create a stunning and iconic Notch Apple that’s sure to impress.
What is the Notch Apple and why is it iconic?
The Notch Apple is a design element that has become synonymous with Apple products, particularly the iPhone. It refers to the distinctive notch or cutout at the top of the screen, which houses the front-facing camera, speaker, and other sensors. The Notch Apple has become an iconic design feature that is instantly recognizable as part of the Apple brand.
The Notch Apple was first introduced with the iPhone X in 2017, and it has since become a standard design element across many Apple devices. The notch serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, providing a unique and distinctive look that sets Apple products apart from other smartphones on the market. The Notch Apple has also become a status symbol, with many consumers seeking out Apple products specifically for their sleek and modern design.
What are the key design elements of the Notch Apple?
The Notch Apple is characterized by a distinctive cutout at the top of the screen, which is typically rounded and symmetrical. The notch is usually centered and takes up a small portion of the screen real estate. The design of the notch is carefully crafted to be visually appealing, with smooth curves and a seamless integration with the surrounding screen.
In addition to the notch itself, the surrounding screen and bezels are also carefully designed to create a cohesive and premium look. The screen is typically edge-to-edge, with minimal bezels that provide a sleek and modern appearance. The overall design of the Notch Apple is meant to be minimalist and understated, with a focus on clean lines and simple shapes.
How do I create a Notch Apple design in my own projects?
To create a Notch Apple design in your own projects, you can start by using design software such as Sketch or Figma. These tools allow you to create custom designs and layouts, including the distinctive notch and surrounding screen. You can also use pre-made templates and design elements to help speed up the design process.
When creating a Notch Apple design, it’s essential to pay attention to the details. Make sure the notch is symmetrical and centered, and that the surrounding screen and bezels are carefully crafted to create a cohesive look. You can also experiment with different shapes, sizes, and colors to create a unique and customized design that meets your needs.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when designing a Notch Apple?
One common mistake to avoid when designing a Notch Apple is to make the notch too large or too small. The notch should be proportional to the surrounding screen and should not overwhelm the design. Another mistake is to neglect the surrounding screen and bezels, which can make the design look incomplete or unbalanced.
Another mistake is to use low-quality or poorly designed assets, such as low-resolution images or poorly crafted icons. This can make the design look cheap or unprofessional, which can undermine the overall aesthetic of the Notch Apple. To avoid these mistakes, make sure to pay attention to the details and use high-quality assets and design elements.
Can I use the Notch Apple design in my own commercial projects?
The Notch Apple design is a trademarked element of the Apple brand, and as such, it is subject to certain usage restrictions. While you can use the Notch Apple design in your own personal projects, you may need to obtain permission or a license to use it in commercial projects.
If you plan to use the Notch Apple design in a commercial project, make sure to review Apple’s usage guidelines and obtain any necessary permissions or licenses. You can also consider using alternative designs or creating your own unique design elements to avoid any potential trademark issues.
How has the Notch Apple design evolved over time?
The Notch Apple design has evolved significantly since its introduction with the iPhone X in 2017. Initially, the notch was larger and more pronounced, but subsequent designs have refined the notch to make it smaller and more subtle. The notch has also become more symmetrical and centered, with a greater emphasis on creating a seamless and cohesive look.
In addition to the notch itself, the surrounding screen and bezels have also evolved over time. The screen has become larger and more edge-to-edge, with minimal bezels that provide a sleek and modern appearance. The overall design of the Notch Apple has become more refined and sophisticated, with a greater emphasis on creating a premium and high-end look.
What are some alternative design elements to the Notch Apple?
If you’re looking for alternative design elements to the Notch Apple, there are several options to consider. One alternative is the “hole-punch” design, which features a small circular cutout for the front-facing camera. Another alternative is the “waterdrop” design, which features a small teardrop-shaped notch that is centered at the top of the screen.
You can also consider using a “bezel-less” design, which features a screen that is completely edge-to-edge with no notches or cutouts. This design can provide a sleek and modern appearance, but it may require the use of alternative design elements, such as a pop-up camera or a screen that wraps around the edges of the device.