This sign hangs above a small coffee shop that I frequently pass on my way downtown. Each time, its loops and swirls catch my eye. But it took me several times of biking past to realize that the sign said something — something in English. I’m used to having to stop and look for a moment to decipher signs in Japanese, but this was a new experience. Even now, I’m not entirely sure if the second word is “fill” or “pill”. Here’s a closer look at that letter:

What do you think? Take a “Chill Pill” or have your “Chill Fill”?

Jacob Cass, the talented graphic designer behind Just Creative Design and Logo Of The Day, kicked off February with the Top 12 Logos of 2009. The showcase is a compilation of Logo Of The Month winners, as determined by readers, and now voting is open for Logo Of The Year.

My vote went to “Coffee” by Jan Zabransky:

Logo for coffee house Coffee CUP where high quality coffee is served. Notice that logo of coffee cup is made of letters ‘CUP’.”

I love the swirls and the use of typography, plus it really makes me want a cup of coffee. It’s even more beautiful in use.

For more design inspiration, check out all 12 logos, and cast your vote by February 12.