The 12 Chinese zodiac animals in brand design
The 12 zodiac animals are familiar symbols in both Chinese and Thai culture, and many brands use them in annual products or logos. This article outlines each animal's key meaning and what to consider before using one in a long-term brand.
HUANGJUI Design journal
The key meaning of each animal
The rat stands for quick wit, the ox for diligence, the tiger for courage, the rabbit for gentleness, the dragon for power, the snake for wisdom, the horse for progress, the goat for kindness, the monkey for agility, the rooster for punctuality, the dog for loyalty and the pig for abundance.
Easiest to use for annual products
Designing packaging or souvenirs around the year's zodiac animal creates excitement and encourages collecting. When the year ends, you simply move on to the next animal while the core brand stays the same.
Be careful when using one as a permanent logo
If you use a zodiac animal as your logo, it should connect meaningfully to the owner or business, such as the founder's birth year or a meaning that matches the service. Also check traditional clashes between animals, since some customers take them seriously.
Draw it in your brand's own style
Stock animal illustrations will look like every other shop's, so design the animal to match your brand's lines, colours and personality. The HUANGJUI Design team creates zodiac symbols and annual designs that use auspicious meanings correctly while remaining distinctly yours.
Apply these ideas to your brand
Tell our team about your business to plan design suited to its real uses.
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