TYPES OF LOGO...You've never heard of number 6 right??
The types of logos (AND WHICH IS MOST SUITABLE FOR
YOU)
A logo is
an image that symbolizes your business. But did you know there are seven
different types of logos?
Though they’re all a
combination of typography and images, each type of logo gives your brand a
different feel. And since your logo is the first thing new customers will see,
you want to make sure you get it right. Want to choose the best logo type for your
business? Here are the 7 types of logos you need to know about:
1.
Monogram logos (or lettermarks)
Monogram
logos or lettermarks are logos that consist of letters, usually brand initials.
IBM, CNN, HP, HBO, LV… Noticing a pattern, yes? They’re the initialisms of a
few famous businesses with rather lengthy names. With 2 or 3 words to remember,
they’ve each turned to using their initials for brand-identification purposes. So,
it makes perfect sense for them to use monograms—sometimes called lettermark
logos—to represent their organizations.
A lettermark is a typography-based logo that’s comprised of a few
letters, usually a company’s initials. The lettermark is all about simplicity.
By utilizing just a few letters lettermark logos are effective at streamlining
any company brand if they have a long name. For example, how much easier is it
to say—and remember—NASA versus the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration?
Because the focus is on initials, the font you choose (or
create) is very important to make sure your logo is not only on-theme with what
your company does, but also legible when you print on business cards. Also, if
you’re not an established business already you may want to add your full
business name below the logo so people can begin to learn who you are right
away.
2. Wordmarks (or logotypes)
Similar to a lettermark, a wordmark or logotype is a font-based logo
that focuses on a business’ name alone. Think Visa and Coca-Cola. Wordmark
logos work really well when a company has a succinct and distinct name.
Google’s logo is a great example of this. The name itself is catchy and
memorable so, when combined with strong typography, the logo helps create
strong brand recognition.
Also,
like with a lettermark logo, typography will be an important decision. Since
the focus will be on your name, you’ll want to pick a font—or create a
font—that captures the essence of what your business does. For example, fashion
labels tend to use clean, elegant fonts that feel high-end, while legal or
government agencies almost always stick to traditional, “heavier” text that
feels secure.
When to use lettermark and wordmark logos:
· Consider a lettermark logo if
your business happens to have a long name. Condensing the business name into
initials will help simplify your design and likewise customers will have an
easier time recalling your business and your logo.
· A wordmark is a good
decision if you’re a new business and need to get your name out there, just
make sure that name is short enough to take advantage of the design. Anything
too long can look too cluttered.
· A wordmark logo is a
good idea if you have a distinct business name that will stick in customers’
minds. Having your name in a great, designed font will make your brand all the
stickier.
· Both lettermark and wordmark logos are easy to replicate
across marketing material and branding thus making them highly adaptable
options for a new, and developing, business.
· Remember that you’ll want to be scrupulous when creating a lettermark or a wordmark. Your business name in a font
alone likely won’t be distinct enough to capture the nuance of your brand. So,
make sure you hire a professional who’ll have an eye for detail.
3. Pictorial marks
(or logo symbols)
A pictorial mark (sometimes called brand mark or logo symbol) is an
icon—or graphic-based logo. It’s probably the image that comes to mind when you
think “logo”: the iconic Apple logo, the Twitter bird, the Target bullseye.
Each of these companies’ logos is so emblematic, and each brand so established,
that the mark alone is instantly recognizable. A true brand mark is only an
image. Because of this, it can be a tricky logo type for new companies, or
those without strong brand recognition, to use.
4. Abstract logo marks
An abstract mark is a specific type of pictorial logo. Instead of being
a recognizable image—like an apple or a bird—it’s an abstract geometric form
that represents your business. A few famous examples include the BP starburst-y
logo, the Pepsi divided circle and the strip-y Adidas flower. Like all logo
symbols, abstract marks work really well because they condense your brand into
a single image. However, instead of being restricted to a picture of something
recognizable, abstract logos allow you to create something truly unique to
represent your brand.
The
benefit of an abstract mark is that you’re able to convey what your company
does symbolically, without relying on the cultural implications of a specific
image. Through color and form, you can attribute meaning and cultivate emotion
around your brand. (As an example, think about how the Nike swoosh implies
movement and freedom).
5. Mascots
Mascot logos are logos that involve an illustrated character. Often
colorful, sometimes cartoonish, and most always fun, the mascot logo is a great
way to create your very own brand spokesperson—er, spokes-character(?).
A mascot
is simply an illustrated character that represents your company. Think of them
as the ambassador for your business. Famous mascots include the Kool-Aid Man,
KFC’s Colonel and Planter’s Mr. Peanut. Mascots are great for companies that
want to create a wholesome atmosphere by appealing to families and children.
Think of all those mascots at sporting events and the great dynamic they create
by getting involved with the audience!
When to use picture and symbol logos:
· A pictorial mark alone
can be tricky. It’s effective if you already have an established brand but
that’s not a hard and strict rule. You can use brandmarks to your advantage to
convey what your business does graphically if your name is too long, and they
can also be used effectively to convey a desired idea or emotion.
· Pictorial and abstract marks also
work quite well for global commerce if, for example, a business name doesn’t
lend itself well to translation.
· A pictorial mark however
may not be the best idea if you anticipate changes to your business model in
the future. You may start off selling pizzas and use a pizza in your logo but
what happens when you start to selling sandwiches or burgers, or even produce?
· Abstract marks allow you to create a completely unique image for your business,
but are best left to design professionals who understand how color, shape and
structure combine to create meaning.
· Think about creating a mascot if
you are trying to appeal to young children or families. One big benefit of
a mascot is it can encourage customer interaction so it’s a great tool for
social media marketing as well as real world marketing events. I mean, who
doesn’t want to take a selfie with the Pillsbury Doughboy?
· Remember that a mascot is
only one part of a successful logo and brand, and you may not be able to use it
across all your marketing material. For example, a highly detailed illustration
may not print well on a business card. So, put some consideration in the next
type of logo design below, the combination mark.
6. The combination mark
A combination mark is a logo comprised of a combined wordmark or
lettermark and a pictorial mark, abstract mark, or mascot. The picture and text
can be laid out side-by-side, stacked on top of each other, or integrated
together to create an image. Some well-known combination mark logos include
Doritos, Burger King and Lacoste.
Because
a name is associated with the image, a combination mark is a versatile choice,
with both the text and icon or mascot working together to reinforce your
brand. With a combination mark, people will also begin to associate your
name with your pictorial mark or mascot right away! In the future you may
be able to rely exclusively on a logo symbol, and not have to always include
your name. Also, because the combination of a symbol and text create a distinct
image together, these logos are usually easier to trademark than a pictorial
mark alone.
7. The emblem
An emblem logo consists of font inside a symbol or an icon; think
badges, seals and crests. These logos tend to have a traditional appearance
about them that can make a striking impact, thus they are often the go-to
choose for many schools, organizations or government agencies. The auto
industry is also very fond of emblem logos. While they have a classic style,
some companies have effectively modernized the traditional emblem look with a
logo designs fit for the 21st century (think of Starbucks’ iconic mermaid
emblem, or Harley-Davidson’s famous crest).
But
because of their lean towards higher detail, and the fact that the name and
symbol are rigidly entwined, they can be less versatile than the aforementioned
types of logos. An intricate emblem design won’t be easy to replicate across
all branding. For business cards, a busy emblem may shrink so small before
it becomes too difficult to read. Also, if you plan on embroidering this type
of logo on hats or shirts, then you’ll really have to create a design that is
on the simple side or it just won’t be possible. So as a rule keep your design
uncomplicated and you’ll walk away with a strong, bold look that’ll make you
look like the consummate professional.
When to use a combination mark or emblem logos:
· A combination mark is
a great choice for pretty much any business out there. It’s versatile, usually
highly unique, and the most popular choice of logo among prominent companies.
(We also see A LOT of combination mark logos get created on 99designs.)
· An emblem’s traditional
look might be favored by lots of public agencies and schools but it can also
serve any up-and-coming private business quite well, especially those in the
food and beverage industry: think beer labels and coffee cups (Starbucks!). But
remember to play it safe when it comes to detail. You still want a design
you’ll be able to print neatly across all of your marketing material.
Now, I am quite sure that at the end of this reading, you should have
known the perfect type of logo to use for your business.
Have
you made your choice yet? If yes, click on the link to chat with our customer
representative to get a premium logo for your brand https://wa.me/+2347063672497
You
can get more details about Pivva Technologies on www.pivvatech.com
THANK
YOU FOR READING!!
