Designing Logos for Spotify, YouTube and Netflix Like It's 1984

Let's go retro!

To use an adjective from the 1980s, Kostya Petrenko’s work is totally tubular.

The graphic designer channels a distinctly—and delightfully—’80s aesthetic in his work, creating bold, colorful, retro logos for modern brands like Spotify, YouTube and Rockstar Games. He shares them on his popular Instagram account.

And, yes, you will find an ’80s-style logo—multiple versions, actually—for Instagram on Petrenko’s Insta, too.

Here, the 20-year-old artist, originally from Kyiv and now based in Prague, answers a few questions about his passion for logo design based on notions from the decade that brought us personal computers, VCRs and MTV.

MUSE: Are you a self-taught graphic designer, or did you study design at school?

Kostya Petrenko: I’m fully self-taught. Just began learning Illustrator and Photoshop two years ago.

How would you describe 1980s logo design, and why does it appeal to you?

I’d describe it as a super creative era, because each design tells its own story, especially the animated ones. I love the colors and typography that were used back then.

What kind of reactions have you gotten to your logos? Has anyone from HBO or Netflix or other companies reached out?

Millions of people liked those reimagined logos. I got featured on Adobe Behance, on some huge Instagram accounts, and my Reels in general went viral. Some of those companies commented on my videos, and some of them even emailed me.

Do you work with brands?

I’ve worked with many big brands. But, unfortunately, can’t share any info right now as I’ve signed NDAs.

Do you have any dream clients you would love to create logos for?

I’d love to work with Netflix, A24 and Spotify. I haven’t worked with them yet.

Why is having a great logo important for a brand, for a band, for anyone?

Maybe it’s just me, but when I see a logo, my first impression [of a product or company] is entirely based on it. When it’s creative and professional, I instantly have a positive perception of the brand, band or anything else it represents.

What is your work setup like?

I work at home. My setup is my main PC, where I design a logo, and my MacBook that I use for animation.

What kind of software do you use?

I use Adobe Creative Cloud only.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

My best logos are created during the nighttime.

Do you listen to music while you work?

Yeah, I do. I typically listen to some synthwave or ambient.

Are you into music, movies, TV shows from the 1980s?

I love ’80s rock. My favorite song is “Purple Rain” by Prince.