While a million decisions go into finding the right logo for your business (font, layout, images, color palette, etc.) I’ve compiled a list of the main types of logos to help make the logo-selection process painless – and fun!
There are 3 main logo categories: Images, words, and combinations. Below, you’ll read about 9 types of logos that fit into these groups.
1. Brand Marks (Pictorial Marks)
Are logos that are made up of a graphic symbol or icon, one that (usually) represents a real-world object. We’re talking something simple and straightforward, like the outline of a tree or a coffee mug. This object could tell the story of what your company do.
Brand marks are clean-cut and easy to remember. If you offer a specific service, an image representing that will send a quick, clear message to your audience.
Also, the simplicity of the design will translate well when resizing your logo across branding materials like business cards or letterheads.
Inspiration: YouTube, Apple, Twitter.
2. Abstract Logo Marks
Like a brand mark logo, an abstract logo consists of just a symbol. This type of image doesn’t necessarily mimic an object that exists in real life; rather, it’s a unique logo that’s designed to express something specific about your brand.
Because an abstract logo isn’t restricted to a real-world object or image, there’s a lot of room to say what you want about your company. Particularly if you’re a company that does several distinct things, a well-thought-out abstract mark may be the perfect logo for you!
Inspiration: Airbnb, Pepsi, Microsoft (Windows).
3. Mascots
Are images of a character or person that acts as a visual representation of your business. Think of them as your brand’s. much of your advertising will be centered around them.
Realize that Mascots may not send the right message if your company’s focus is global innovation or disrupting the pencil industry, or marketing a product that isn’t child-friendly.
Inspiration: The food industry – Lavache Kiri, KFC, Kellogg’s.
4. Wordmark Logos (Logotypes)
These types of logos consist of text only such as company names or monograms. No one has to do any guessing when they see a wordmark what is the company name or business name it’s quite clear what company the logo represents. Because the design is all in the lettering, logotypes are one of the most versatile logo options that are easily transferable onto any marketing material.
Inspiration: Google, Uber, Coca-Cola.
5. Lettermarks (Monograms)
Are abbreviations. Lettermarks, or monogram logos, are typography-based logos that take the abbreviated initials of a company name. Also, they’re to the point: Lettermarks turn your lengthy business name into an identifiable brand identity.
It’s relatively easy to get this logo up and running, so monograms could be a great option if you’re a new/small business who needs to get their name out there.
Also, you may want to consider embossing your business’s full name under your logo on branding materials (like business cards or a landing page) so that people can build an association between your monogram logo and your company name.
Inspiration: IKEA, CNN, FedEx.
6. Letterforms
They’re just one-letter logos. Of course, these logos should be bold, beautiful and designed well, since it is difficult for a letter alone to convey a clear message.
when your logo is just one letter, you can stick it anywhere and have it look good. And, a successfully designed letterform will invoke the full name of your brand in people’s minds.
Inspiration: WordPress, McDonald’s, Yahoo.
7. Combination Marks
The name is pretty self-explanatory, they are a combination of both images and words into their design.
The combination also allows for easy rebranding. your company name, for example, combined with an image (abstract or otherwise) will be associated as one, so that your customers will only see the symbol and still immediately think of your brand.
Conceptualize how you want your name and symbol to work together, and keep your logo design clean and on-message.
Inspiration: Doritos, Burger King, Lacoste.
8. Emblem Logo
These logos consist of typeface that sits within a border, usually a seal or a crest. Mostly used with universities, government organizations, and sports clubs.
Emblems are memorable, and they are professional, traditional, and important to your brand. They also give the impression that your company has been around forever, and it isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
Also, emblems don’t afford you the same flexibility as standard combination marks do, so be absolutely sure about your design before sending your logo into the world.
Inspiration: Starbucks, Harvard University, Harly-Davidson.
9. Dynamic Marks
You could say dynamic marks are the new-age logo. Unlike other logos, this type of logo adapts itself to the context in which it’s used. This means that rather than having one standard font-color-text combination in your logo, these elements can change – whether on the internet or on different branding materials.
Also, dynamic logos keep things interesting – your audience will be waiting on the edge of their digital seats to see what you come up with next.
Inspiration: MTV, AOL, Nickelodeon.
One Reply to “The 9 Types of Logos”
So informative!