What are the perceived mistakes in the current HBO logo?

Users and a logo designer have pointed out that the letter 'B' in the current HBO logo appears to sit lower than the 'H,' which is considered a significant error, while the 'O' appears to sit slightly higher.

Is the alignment of the letters in the HBO logo intentional?

According to a logo designer, the 'B' sitting lower than the 'H' is an unintentional error. However, the 'O' appearing slightly higher is believed to be an intentional design choice to correct optical illusions.

Who designed the original HBO logo and what did they say about the current version?

Gerard Huerta designed the original HBO logo in the 1970s. He confirmed that the modern logo contains an error and shared his original mistake-free traced drawing.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / HBO Logo's Hidden Flaw: Can You Spot It?

HBO Logo's Hidden Flaw: Can You Spot It?

1 Feb

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Summary

A logo designer identified two perceived flaws in the HBO logo.
He believes one 'mistake' in the B's alignment is real, but the O's is intentional.
The original 1970s HBO logo designer confirmed the newer version contains an error.

The familiar HBO logo, a constant presence since 1972, has recently drawn attention for two perceived 'mistakes' in its modern iteration. Logo designer James Barnard highlighted that the letter 'B' appears to sit lower than the 'H,' a detail he considers a significant error. He meticulously measured the logo using design software, confirming the misalignment.

Barnard, however, attributes the perceived higher placement of the 'O' to intentional design. He explained that a slight 'overshoot' is often necessary for circular elements to appear visually balanced against straighter shapes, correcting optical illusions. This technique ensures the 'O' doesn't seem smaller than the 'H.'

Further analysis by Barnard revealed a sharp transition in the 'B' character's curve, creating a kink due to the 'Bone Effect,' another optical illusion. Gerard Huerta, the designer behind the original 1970s HBO logo, corroborated Barnard's findings, sharing his mistake-free original traced drawing. Huerta emphasized the meticulous hand-drawn process involved in creating logos before widespread digital tools.