There are some teams and logos you see, no matter where you are in the world, and you know exactly who they are and what they mean.
LeBron James
The logo for your business needs to reflect your company in an honest and unique way and you may be surprised to learn how many businesses are actually using a logo similar to their competition. The logo itself needs to help your business stand out in a crowd, but in a way where the person looking at it can easily identify that it is your unique company. If you can incorporate into the logo key elements that your business represents, you have a better chance of people remembering it.
Since your logo is the first thing any potential customer will see, don’t you want to make sure you get it right? Of course, you do! All logos are a combination of typography and images, and each type of logo gives your brand a different feel. So if you want to choose the best type for your business, dive into the 7 types of logos, and a little bit of what you need to know about them:
A) Lettermarks or Monogram logos
Monograms are logos that consist of letters only, usually the brand’s initials: HBP, HP, CNN, NASA, IBM, etc., With 2, 3 or more words in their name, these companies decided on using their initials for brand-identification purposes. For example, how much easier is it to say—and remember—NASA versus the National Aeronautics and Space Administration?
A monogram is a typography-based logo that’s comprised only of a few letters, usually the company’s initials. And it’s all about simplicity. By utilizing just a few letters, lettermarks are effective at streamlining any company brand if they have a long name.
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.
B) Mascot logos
Mascot logos are logos that involve an illustrated character. Sometimes cartoonish, often really colorful, and most always fun, the mascot logo is a great way to create your very own brand spokesperson
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!
C) Emblem logos:
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.
D) Logotypes or Wordmarks
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.
E) Abstract logos
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).
F) Logo Symbols or Pictorials
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.
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)?
G) 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.
Conclusion
Each detail of your logo—colors, fonts, sizes, shapes and more—can affect the kind of impression it makes on customers. Although at the end of the day your logo may not resonate with every single viewer, a robust logo design process is your best opportunity to bring your brand vision to life.
Your weekly dose of logo-knowledge was brought to you by: HIBRIDIUM
Hibridium is a freshly freelancer turned to brand project, aiming to offer, as already stated, “more than design”. What is more than design ? Tailor made ideas and concepts, based on our customer’s insights and our own experience.
HIBRIDIUM lives in a Hybrid world, a mixture of digital marketing fairy tales, custom graphic designed dragons, printing materials for the bear in the forest, and brand identity in shining armor.
Check out more on Facebook!
