I believe that given the Rhinoceros is an endangered species, that a serious rendering of its image be part of your graphical suitcase, as opposed to the red eyed three eared, cartoon you have presently for your logo.
Around 27,000 rhinos remain globally across five species, with significant declines from their historical numbers due to poaching and habitat loss, though conservation efforts have stabilized some populations, while critically endangered species like the Javan and Sumatran rhinos number in the hundreds or even dozens. The White Rhino is the most numerous (around 18,000), while Black, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos are critically endangered, with the Northern White Rhino functionally extinct. (info from Google)
Attached is a an example of an alternate logo I created, wherein, I used “Tekton” font as it is the typeface style of Drafting, Design and Architecture that utilize 2D & 3D applications. I looked through about 1,500 images of Rhinos to find this fine example. I removed the background and generated the photo to vectors, and adjusted the color.
Before the digital age, we had to print everything text related that went on drawings by hand, using either a sharp 2H pencil or 3x0 Rapidograph ink pen. The style of hand printing that developed looked much like this example:
Tekton, designed by David Siegel and originally released in 1989, is an Adobe Original type family that is based on the hand-lettering of Seattle-based architect and author Francis D.K. Ching. Although Tekton was initially designed by Siegel, a former draftsman, with architects in mind (Tekton is the Greek word for builder), it quickly found a much broader audience. The simple, clean letterforms work well with architectural and engineering drawings. (Info from Adobe.com)
Ugh. I thought it was kinda ‘cute’ when I first saw it and even used it for a couple of things, but I am so, so tired of seeing it now. For me it’s anything but ‘simple and clean’ and calls way too much attention to itself.
As far as logos go, they are generally more abstract/symbolic and less pictorial. An image generally does not make a great logo.
Thank you, for your comments and insights. I note that no one made a comparison to the current logotype which is my main reason for starting this post.
The current logo does not represent an accurate image of a rhinoceros; Rhinos do not have rectangular red eyes, Its lower jaw does not become a duck bill, and its ears are not the height of its head. My impression of it generally is that it is part of some Urban Totem Pole.
Helvetosaur is correct, in that “An image generally does not make a great logo”, however in comparison it does make an accurate image of a Rhinoceros. Given time I can turn that base image into a line drawing, rough charcoal drawing, or technical illustration etc. But the Pose is correct. Also logos usually come in one or two colors, mainly to reduce printing costs (two color printing vs four color printing) but where there is no printing there is no difference, and no cost for additional color i.e. a rhino full color illustration.
It’s not supposed to be ‘accurate’. In case you don’t know, it’s actually a 3D model made with pre-Rhino 1.0. You can find the model today still in the samples folder.
And if you have been to Seattle, the northwest tribes (er, native Americans?) in that area did indeed create fantastic totems that have similar characteristics. I’m sure that had an influence.
I always thought the logo looked more like a prehistoric Triceratops and not much like a rhino.
Since McNeel has this branded on everything “Rhinoceros” I doubt they’re going to consider changing it. Maybe McNeel could occasionally use your logo on the splash screen with a link to charities and organizations that support the ecology of Rhinoceri.
Artistic license is not a tool to deceive. If you are going to take that route then call the logotype what it is “Kinda Rhino” which points directly to the imagery we are discussing, and to the graphics and words that represent the Company. To be transparent and honest wins the day, in words and visually.
Rhino’s original logo is a great example for an abstract art.
Abstract art is a modern art form that uses a visual language of shapes, colors, forms, and lines to create compositions independent from real-world references, aiming to evoke emotion or experience rather than depict reality.
Here is another great example of an abstract art (the “Smash” icon in older Rhino versions).
Iconography, in terms of the modern graphic UI, is a type of abstract art. Rhino’s icons fall under the category of abstract art due to the clever approach that gives you an objective visual information without the need to be an accurate representation of the real-world counterparts.
I think you take the topic far too seriously. Imagine you start a company and your product is a 3d design tool. While building the tool you model something and somebody walks into the room and says “cool - a 3d rhino!”. You have a sense of humour so decide to call the company Rhinoceros and use that model as the logo.
And then 20 years later someone without a sense of humour comes along….
In that case maybe you want to contact Apple and tell them that the apple in their logo is way too stylized to represent their company name, or Jaguar and tell them their leaping cat is way too streamlined and polished to represent the real animal. Etc…
It’s a bold proposal but it made me smile at least 
