Types of Logos and How to Use Them For Your Brand

When you think about a logo, what comes to your mind?

Perhaps it’s a visual element positioned next to or above a brand name, creating a combination mark logo. This type of logo is the embodiment of how a logo is visually defined and happens to be the most commonly seen. Why is that? Simply put, it works like a charm and can be recognized as a logo at a quick glance.

However, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to logo design.

Creating a comprehensive logo requires delving deeper into your brand’s story and fully grasping the brand’s requirements and desired communication with its audience. It’s essential to explore your options, starting with the various types of logos that are available to you.

Types of Logo Design

Logo Design Type Example
1. Lettermark Logo CNN (Cable News Network)
2. Wordmark Logo Google
3. Pictorial Mark Logo Twitter
4. Abstract Logo Pepsi

1-Lettermark Logo Design

Lettermark logos utilize fonts to represent the company’s name through abbreviations. CNN (Cable News Network) is a notable example. These logos benefit from familiarity with the public.

2-WordMark Logo Design

The Wordmark logos consist of the complete business name and are text-based. Google’s logo showcases an excellent example of Wordmark design, known for its elegant font and style.

3-Pictorial Mark Logo Design

A pictorial mark is a logo represented by a visual element. The Twitter logo and the Apple logo are both examples of pictorial marks.

4-Abstract Logo Design

Abstract logo designs are geometric marks. Pepsi’s logo serves as an excellent example of an abstract logo design.

Logo Design Type Example
5. Mascot Logo KFC
6. Combination Mark Logo Nike, Adidas
7. Emblem Logo Harvard University, Starbucks

5-Mascot Logo Design

A mascot is based on a character. You can choose a mascot logo design if you want your business to represent a friendly and fun image. The KFC logo is a great example of this.

6-Combination Mark Logo Design

This type of logo design combines several types of logos. A combination mark logo design is ideal if you want your logo to include an image as well as fonts.

7-Emblem Logo Design

Emblem logo designs are preferred by educational institutions. As it closely resembles a seal, it is regarded as the oldest logo design. In smaller prints, your text may not be visible if the design is too complex inside the symbol.

What makes a Logo Professional?

A professional logo should be up-to-date to resonate with current trends and customer preferences. It needs to be versatile, adapting well to different business applications like websites, social media, and printed materials. A minimalistic design ensures simplicity and clarity. It should be suitable, representing the business accurately and aligning with its values. Lastly, an attention-grabbing logo captivates viewers, leaving a lasting impression and helping the brand stand out from competitors.

What to use Logo for your Brand?

To use your logo effectively for your brand, consider the following tips:

  1. Consistency: Use your logo consistently across all brand touchpoints to build recognition and create a cohesive brand identity.
  2. Size and Placement: Adjust the size and placement of your logo based on the context and medium where it will be displayed.
  3. Colors and Backgrounds: Maintain the original colors of your logo and create variations if needed to ensure visibility and legibility on different backgrounds.
  4. Typography: Use the specified fonts consistently in other brand communications to maintain visual consistency.
  5. Branding Guidelines: Develop clear guidelines for logo usage, including size requirements, clear space around the logo, and minimum reproduction sizes.
  6. Online Presence: Optimize your logo for digital platforms, ensuring it displays well on different devices and social media profiles.
  7. Print Materials: Utilize your logo on printed materials such as business cards, brochures, and signage, ensuring high resolution and suitable file formats for printing.

As brands continue to grow, expand, and transform, designers create a plethora of logo variations. While a combination mark is a solid foundation, there’s more to explore.