“Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” Michelangelo

While leaving in Italy, one of my favorite pass times was to visit museums of art and science to study the work of the masters like Michelangelo. These trips were constant reminder that imagination, passion, and vision, to see that which is yet to be created are legendary combinations. 

The greats knew something else most people ignore, the importance of combining imagination with action. No brand was created by imagination alone. This weekend, I thought, there is no logo that most embodies this point of view than the Royal Arms of the British family. On either side of the coat of arms, holding up the shield is a lion and unicorn. 

While you may be wondering what this has to do with branding, however, coat of arms are noble families and nations version of a business logo. They carry deep meaning and express their values. 

Wikipedia: Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom

While the lion represents Britain, the Unicorn was added when Scotland became a part of the United Kingdom. These two animals are powerful symbols. Symbols that seem so aligned to how all the greats create. The lion represents courage, strength, action, and leadership. The lion is a relentless fighter and the king of the jungle.

The unicorn represents infinite possibilities. It is a symbol of success, innocence, purity, healing powers, joy and is untamable. It is symbolic of a magical and unseen world.

According to mythology, the unicorn was a deadly enemy of the lion and so bringing them together symbolically united Britain with Scotland. To me by combining the lion with the unicorn, this is a metaphor for how we should approach life.

Being able to see that which is unseen, using our imagination and through the connection with the strength, courage, and leadership of the lion, making it a reality.

Did you notice that the unicorn is chained with a crown around its neck? It was believed that a unicorn could be dangerous if left free. The crown represents the royals ability to tame it. 

As a transformational coach and brand strategist, I truly believe that if you exist in imagination alone, you become a sand castle builder. This does not mean you need to put a tight leash, leave space to create.

To truly build a brand and life that you can be proud of, you need to be a part lion (action) and part unicorn (imagination).

This is why I am joining the Royal family and using the symbol of the Lion (I’m a Leo anyway) with the Unicorn.

You don’t have to, but like one of my mentors always says “success leaves footprints.” History has shown that it is both imagination and action that creates RESULTS.

See how much depth is in that Coat of Arms (a.k.a logo)? Your own logo should symbolize all that is meaningful for you and supports your overall brand vision. Like the Royal arms, Apple and even Nike, its message should be powerful.