Logos symbolize a company’s brand or business. These images are often seen in advertising and marketing materials, as well as on company websites and products. There are many different ways to create a logo, and the style you choose should be based on your company’s brand identity.
Before you start designing a logo, decide the type of logo that best fits your brand. Many logos combine different elements to create a unique and memorable image. However, these elements will only work together cohesively if you have a clear idea of the type of logo you want to create.
Types of Logos
Your logo is one of the first things customers will notice about your brand. Choosing a style that reflects your company’s personality and sets you apart from the competition is essential. But with so many different types of logos to choose from, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
Lettermark or Monogram Logos
A lettermark or monogram logo consists of the initials of a company or brand. Companies with long names usually use a lettermark logo so that their initials can quickly identify them. Some well-known companies that use lettermark symbols are CNN, IBM, HBO, and HP.
One advantage of using lettermarks or monogram logos is that it turns the long name into something that can be easily remembered. Another advantage is that it can be very flexible in terms of design. For example, companies can arrange the initials in different ways to create different looks.
Wordmark Logos
A wordmark logo is a font-based logo that focuses on a business name alone. This type of logo works well when a company like Google has a succinct and distinct name. Wordmark logos help create strong brand recognition.
These logos are essentially the company names set in a particular typeface. Usually, the typeface is designed specifically for the business, which makes it unique and easily recognizable.
Wordmark logos can be easily scaled to fit any size without losing quality. You can use them on everything from business cards to billboards. Additionally, wordmark logos are easy to remember, which is essential for building a strong brand.
Pictorial Mark Logos
Pictorial mark logos or brand marks are graphic-based logos that use an icon or symbol. These logo designs are probably the first images that come to mind when you think of a “logo.” Famous examples include the Apple logo, Target bullseye, and Twitter bird.
These companies are well-established, and their logos are emblematic, making them easily recognizable. Pictorial logos or brand marks are mainly images. Due to this, new companies may find it challenging to use this type of logo design.
Abstract Logos
An abstract mark logo is a specific type of pictorial logo that uses an abstract geometric form to represent a business. This type of logo is unique in that it allows for great creativity in its design. Abstract logos are often memorable and can be easily recognized.
Some examples of well-known abstract logo marks include Adidas’s flower logo, BP’s starburst logo, and Pepsi’s divided circle. An abstract logo mark allows companies to condense their brands into one image. It also allows the company to create a unique symbol representing its brand.
An abstract logo also allows a company to communicate its main business using a symbol. The color and form of the logo also help to create meaning and emotion around the brand. For instance, the Nike swoosh conveys a message of freedom and movement.
Mascot Logos
A mascot logo is a family-friendly logo that uses images or illustrations of colorful characters. They are also cartoonish and fun, which is the company’s visual representation. The mascots also allow companies to have a brand spokesperson.
Think of your favorite sports teams – they have a mascot that helps represent them. The same can be said for large corporations like McDonald’s and Target.
A mascot logo can be an excellent way to make your brand more relatable and approachable. Mascot logos are ideal for companies aiming to create a family-friendly atmosphere.
Combination Mark Logos
Combination mark logos combine a lettermark or wordmark with a pictorial mark, abstract mark, or mascot. The image and text can be laid out side-by-side, stacked on top of each other, or integrated to create the logo. Some well-known combination logos include the Doritos logo and Burger King logo.
The versatility of the combination mark allows companies to use letters and symbols to create a clear brand message. It is also easy to rebrand a company with combination marks. For instance, if a company changes its name since the image associated with it will be strong enough to keep the brand alive.
Emblem Logos
An emblem logo is a mark closely associated with a company name. Its elements are not isolated, which makes them different from other logo designs.
Even the name has that impressive, traditional feel. Traditional emblems have stood the test of time, from family crests to the royal stamps of powerful monarchs.
These logos usually consist of a typeface within a border – usually a seal or crest. Many universities and government organizations use emblem logos.
If you want your company to have a long-standing, traditional feel, an emblem logo may be the right choice for you.
Different Uses of Logos
Logos are a part of everyday life. They are on the clothes people wear, the food they eat, the products they buy, and the screens they look at every day. But have you ever stopped to think about what they are used for? Here are the different uses of logo symbols.
Improve Brand Recognition Through Visual Cues
A new business finds it challenging to increase brand recognition in the market. But logos can help them by providing visual cues to increase their reach in the market. Companies can use a combination logo to create a unique image that can be trademarked and remembered by their target audience.
Increase Traction for a Business with a Brand Mark
Businesses can increase traction by using a brand mark. A brand mark is a symbol that represents a company or product. It is often used in place of, or in addition to, a company’s name. A brand mark is ideal for businesses with traction that specialize in specific products and services.
Communicate Brand Values
Logos can also communicate a brand’s core values. For example, an environmentally friendly company might choose a green or earth-toned color scheme. A company that is modern and cutting edge might choose a more abstract design. There are endless possibilities when selecting a logo that communicates your brand’s values.
Differentiate Branches
Some companies have different branches of their business. And if they want to differentiate these branches without losing their identity, companies can use a dynamic mark. A dynamic mark allows customers to associate the brand and color with the same company even if it has different branches.
Another example of when a company might want to use a dynamic logo is for sub-brands. Perhaps the company has a main product that is very well known, but they have other products or services under that same name. In this case, it would be beneficial to create a dynamic logo for the sub-brand that helps customers understand that it’s still the same company but with different offerings.
Finding the Right Logo for a Company
When creating a logo for your business, consider the following points first:
Right Font
Using the right font is essential to any design project. But with so many fonts out there, deciding on the right one can be difficult. Here are three popular font styles to help you choose:
- Serif Fonts. Serif fonts are the most traditional type of font. They are often used in print projects, like books and newspapers. Serif fonts are easy to read because of the small embellishments on each letter.
- Sans Serif Fonts. Sans serif fonts are a more modern type of font. They don’t have the small embellishments of serif fonts. This makes them appear cleaner and easier to read on digital devices. Arial is a popular sans serif font.
- Script Fonts. Script fonts are a more whimsical type of font. They are often used for invitations or other projects that need a more elegant feel. Script fonts can be challenging to read, so they are not often used for large blocks of text.
Appropriate Colors
Colors also play a role in conveying your business’ message. For example, red is often used in logos because it’s seen as bold and exciting. Green evokes peace and health, while yellow demonstrates clarity and optimism. On the other hand, blue represents trust and dependability.
Logo Style
Each logo style conveys specific messages to its audience. A company’s logo’s style should reflect its overall brand identity.
For instance, the typographic logo style features the company name in a specific font. This style is often used by companies that have a long history or want to convey a feeling of tradition.
The iconographic logo style features a symbol or icon that represents the company. Companies use this style to create a strong, easily recognizable brand.
The pictorial logo style features a picture or image that represents the company. The style demonstrates an emotional connection between the company with its customers.
A logo plays an important role in a company’s branding. It should reflect the company’s values and give customers a positive impression of the brand. So, companies need to design a logo that represents their businesses correctly.