12 Creative Barcode Designs That (Amazingly) Work

The barcode is one of the most unexplored designs right after QR code, due to the misconception that the design is immutable and just plain boring to look at. Fact of the matter is, not only can their lines be twisted for creative purposes, but when it’s treated equally with other design subjects, the barcode has the capability to highlight and make the product stand out from the rest.

(Image Source: Steve Simpson)

Don’t take our word for it. Some design visionaries have gone ahead and breathed life into barcodes in ways neither you nor I can imagine. Here are 15 unique barcode designs (that work!). Get ready to be impressed and tell us your favorite one!

Sweet Chilli Sauce. If creativity is poured into it, a barcode can become a viral medium to visualize the brand, like this piece. (Image Source: Steve Simpson)

BBQ Sauce. Fun and charming and best of all, it works. (Image Source: Steve Simpson)

Inferno Sauce. A well-illustrated barcode draws a serious amount of attention from such limited space. (Image Source: Steve Simpson)

Snappy Flossers. Running out of ideas? Just integrate the product into the barcode design! (Image Source: Steve Simpson)

3 Cows 2 Cats. Sometimes, you don’t need to change anything, just add an amusing cat and the barcode is now an attention-grabber! (Image Source: Olga Mosina)

Cordel. Barcodes can be fun if you want them to be, although it’s better for the bottom part to be flat for higher scannability. (Image Source: Vanessa G. Ferreira, Juliane Cristelle, Rodolfo Rodrigo Oliveira Pinto, Lilianne Marcondes)

Faber Castell. And with some color, the barcode fine art is born! You would need a brilliant mind like Filipe Daniel’s to pull this off though. (Image Source: Filipe Daniel)

Boer & Brit. A majestic barcode for a noble brand? Not a problem, sir. (Image Source: Fanakalo)

Tree Root. Just something simplistic with smart execution is enough for a win with most barcodes. (Image Source: Fanakalo)

Electric Guitar. As long as the bottom part is flat, anything could be a perfect subject for a barcode design! (Image Source: Fanakalo)

Tuna. Who says you can’t express motion in barcode? (Image Source: Penélope Lira)

City. You wouldn’t think an artwork like this could be scanned like a normal barcode, but yes, it is possible. (Image Source: Christian Usher)