The Story Behind the FileGator Logo
Every project has a story, and sometimes even a logo has one worth telling.
Back in 2012, while working as a software developer, I met a talented designer named Boris Borisogljepski. We worked at the same company, and in our spare time, we both created and sold products on the Envato marketplace. When I needed a logo for my new FileGator project, I knew exactly whom to ask.
The name FileGator came from a naming convention that was popular at the time: combining a word describing your product with something inspired by nature. Even Envato's marketplaces followed a similar approach, with names like CodeCanyon, ThemeForest, and AudioJungle. I decided to follow the same convention, combining “file” with “gator” to create a memorable name for my file manager.
I already had an idea of what I wanted. The inspiration came from the wallpaper in my son's bedroom, which featured cartoon-style animals, including a giraffe, a monkey, and a crocodile. I showed Boris a picture of the wallpaper and explained that I wanted something with a similar playful style for a file manager.
I also jokingly suggested that it would be great if the gator's eyes could be animated to make it look like it was blinking.
The next day, Boris delivered the logo, and I absolutely loved it. It was exactly the kind of character I had imagined for FileGator.
We continued working together for several years. Boris eventually founded his own design agency, Brandbusters Design Studio, where he continues to help businesses build their brands. If you're looking for branding services, check out Brandbusters' branding services.
And here are a few screenshots showing what FileGator looked like back in those early days of 2012.
It's amazing to look back and see how much FileGator has evolved over the years. But the little alligator that started it all - remains a memorable part of the project's history.
And before you ask, yes, the cat is fine.