Disney has submitted an application to trademark a new Disney Junior logo, and fans have concerns. Where are Mickey's ears? Where's the colour? In fact, where is 75% of the television network's name?
In a much simplified design, the logo abbreviates the network to Djr, while a simple full stop is all that remains of the characterful Mickey-eared dot over the 'i' in the current logotype. And while the Disney ‘D’ remains instantly recognisable, fans aren't feeling the stripped down styling. It won't go down as one of the best Disney logos of all time.
The logo design submitted to the USPTO (Image credit: Walt Disney Company)
The Disney Junior logo has already been simplified (remember the rainbow lettering and yellow and purple ears of the Playhouse Disney logo?) and is often used without the Mickey colours, following a trend we've seen in branding in general. But some fans think the new design, which was submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office on 24 January, is taking things too far.
The Disney Junior logo we know and love (Image credit: Walt Disney Company)
Some welcomed the design when it was shared by the fan account, DTVA News, on X.com, saying it was about time the network had a rebrand. But others were less sympathetic. "Yet another example of oversimplified logos," one person wrote. "Having the Disney D without the Mickey Mouse ear looks weird to me. Its omission is especially odd here because it could've worked as the dot on the J in junior," someone else wrote." Others still miss the Playhouse Disney logo.
Playhouse Disney was rebranded as Disney Junior in 2011 (Image credit: Walt Disney Company)
It it provides some reassurance, I think fans don't need to worry yet. There's been no official launch for the logo, and if Disney Junior does use it, I suspect that it might be as a complementary abbreviated design rather than the main identity. It would make sense for use in small applications, such as social media avatars, where the existing full logo currently looks rather squished. Still, they could have tried to get the ears in.
Joe is a regular freelance journalist and editor at Creative Bloq. He writes news, features and buying guides and keeps track of the best equipment and software for creatives, from video editing programs to monitors and accessories. A veteran news writer and photographer, he now works as a project manager at the London and Buenos Aires-based design, production and branding agency Hermana Creatives. There he manages a team of designers, photographers and video editors who specialise in producing visual content and design assets for the hospitality sector. He also dances Argentine tango.
