If you’ve yet to see the now somewhat infamous OGC logo by London design group FHD, have a look below. When viewed in normal left to right fashion, the design looks like your average company logo, but this all changes when tipped on it’s side. A more inappropriate image appears. 
While humorous to many, the recipient of the logo (OGC – Britain’s “Office of Government Commerce”) probably wasn’t laughing when this was brought to their attention. Especially considering they had already begun furnishing their offices with the new £14,000 identity.
Despite initial concern, ultimately OGC made the decision to stick with the design, claiming many people responded well to it. This is what they had to say:
“The OGC is currently overhauling the design of corporate identity materials following a new strategy and forward direction. As part of this, the OGC has been developing a new visual identity, one aspect of which is a new logo. The proposed version, which you have sent over, has been shared with staff, and is now going through final technical stages. It is true that it caused a few titters among some staff when viewed on its side, but on consideration we concluded that the effect was generic to the particular combination of the letters ‘OGC’ – and is not inappropriate to an organization that’s looking to have a firm grip on government spending. The new identity has been extremely well received, as it presents a very clean, uncluttered and modern identity.”
OGC’s decision to stick with the design was probably good news for the design agency. If a lesson can be learned from this, it’s the reminder to designers, of the importance of checking and re-checking our work for mistakes, hidden imagery or unintentional messages. Not doing so can result in a costly and/or embarrassing situation.