Woman at the Helm
When I ask friends and acquaintances whether they think a logo was chosen by a woman or a man, over 60% say it was a woman. They’re wrong 40% of the time, though. 😉
Part of the reason is that far fewer women buy boats or own them. But there’s truth in the perception, too—women doapproach yacht logo design differently.
The process is always the same: We talk, I reflect on what fits, what feels right. I create a few initial drafts to align on direction, then we dive in. Designs are exchanged, colors are tweaked, and we discuss shirts, caps, and mugs—until, finally, the logo ends up on the yacht, the apparel, and more.
Rarely can you tell whether the final logo was decided by a woman, a man, or a couple. The difference lies in the journey. Women engage more deeply in the details—adjusting small elements, refining nuances. Men, in my experience, take a broader view. As a former creative director, I noticed that men focus more on the overall concept and form. Colors? Less critical. Whether I pair deep blue with orange or madder red matters far less to them. They want to see the logo on the yacht—is it the right size? Is it legible?
With women, the conversation leading to the final logo is more than twice as extensive. We discuss precise spacing, whether the typography should stay sans-serif, or if the color matches the interior upholstery and the ordered cushions.
And then there’s another variable in the equation: me. At a design conference, someone asked if my logos reflect my own femininity. I don’t think so. Whether the style leans soft and organic or geometrically structured, whether the final logo uses warm or cooler tones—it depends on entirely different factors. Who is the owner? What kind of yacht is it? Where will the logo be used? Where will the yacht sail? Is it a charter yacht or a private vessel?
So, here’s a challenge: Guess who made the final call?
Find the answer at ka@myyachtlogo.com.
