Nine Inch Nails has had many logos throughout its history, and while the original logo is still considered the band's "main" logo, this is a list of all logos that have been used over the years.
On the visual strength of the standard logo, an article from The Fader magazine[1] stated:
"The NIN logomark, which was created by Reznor and graphic designer Gary Talpas, first appeared in the "Down In It" video and has been used, largely unaltered, since 1989. It is practically flawless. It utilizes uniform line weights, mathematic spacing, bold letterforms. "NIN" is a true acronym, as opposed to an initialism. Its abbreviation is an alternate spelling of the first word it represents. The mark is symmetrical. It is graphic. It is containerized. It is legible. It is easily recreated from memory. It reproduces well at all sizes. And the list goes on."
Contents
Original
Original logo
Designed by Gary Talpas, based on Trent Reznor's concept.
On Tour
On Tour logo
A stencil variant used to mark touring cabinets and equipment.
Pretty Hate Machine
Fractured Pretty Hate Machine era logo
Fractured Pretty Hate Machine era logo
There were a couple of variants of the original, sometimes used on promotional materials during this time, where the logo has a fractured look.
Sin
Sin logo
Designed by The Designers Republic, used on the Sin single.
Broken
Broken logo
Designed by Talpas, used on both Broken and Fixed.
The Downward Spiral
Unused NIN logo art created by Russell Mills for The Downward Spiral, 1994.
Dissonance Tour
Pinwheel logo from the Dissonance Tour.
The Fragile
The Fragile logo
Original logo partly hidden on The Fragile cover art.
With Teeth
With Teeth logo
Designed by Rob Sheridan, based on the Talpas original.
Live: With Teeth
Many tour posters had variations on the Sheridan theme, glitch manipulation of the Talpas logo. A full gallery is accessible at Category:Tour Lithos.
Year Zero
Art Is Resistance logo
Notable logo from the Year Zero ARG.
The Slip
The Slip logo
Designed by Sheridan, used only on the album booklet.
Wave Goodbye Tour
Designed by Sheridan, used on a tour poster.
