7 types of logos… and how to use them
A logo is an image designed and crafted to symbolises your business. But did you know there are 7 different types of logos?
By way of a combination of imagery and typography, a logo sets your business apart from its competitors and conveys its character. It’s likely the first thing new customers will see, that’s why it’s so important to get it right. When deciding on the best fitting logo for your business there are 7 types you want to consider:
1. Lettermarks (or monogram logos)
Monogram logos or lettermarks consist of letters, typically brand initials. BBC, IBM, BMW, NASA BP… all use initials rather than their full and lengthy business names to set their business apart. Naturally, they’ve utilised the monogram logo – also known as the lettermark logo – to represent their organisations.
Comprised of a few letters, usually a company’s initials, the lettermark is all about simplifying an otherwise lengthy full name. Wouldn’t you agree that it’s easier to remember NASA rather than the National Aeronautics and Space Administration?
Given the focus is on initials, it’s important that the font used or created is not only appropriate to the brand and in character with the organisation, but legible. If yours is not yet an established business, it’s good practise to include the full business name below or alongside to build the association between the two in the minds of the customer.
2. Wordmarks (or logotypes)
A wordmark or logotype is a font-based logo that focuses on a the name of the business. Think Coca-Cola and Google. Wordmark logos are perfect for companies with a distinct and short name. When the name is memorable and rendered in an attractive and iconic typeface, it becomes instantly recognisable going a long way to establishing strong brand recognition.
Of course, The important thing to consider when opting for the wordmark is the typeface or typography used. This needs to capture the essence and ethos of you the brand or company. For example, fashion labels tend to use clean, elegant fonts with a premium feel, while legal or government agencies generally utilise traditional, ‘heavier’ text that invoking a sense of security.
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 making them highly adaptable options for both new and developing businesses.
- 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 essence of your brand. Hire a professional who’ll have that eye for detail.
3. Pictoral 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 star burst Shell. The logos from each of these companies is so emblematic, and each brand so established, that the mark alone is instantly recognisable. In essence, a true brand mark is simply an image. As a result, it can be a tricky logo type for new companies or those without strong brand recognition to use.
The biggest thing to consider when deciding to go with a pictorial mark is what image to choose. This is something that will stick with your company its entire existence. You need to think about the broader implications of the image you choose: do you want to play on your name (like John Deere does with their deer logo)? Or are you looking to create deeper meaning (think how the Snapchat ghost tells us what the product does)? Or do you want to evoke an emotion (as the World Wildlife foundation does with their stylized image of a panda—an adorable and endangered species)?
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
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.
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
It’s in the name! 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 choice 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 picture and symbol 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.
There you have it – a breakdown of all the types of logos out there.
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This article was originally written by Hilda Morones and published in 2016. It’s been updated with new information and examples.