Confused about what type of logo is right for your business? You’re not alone. With so many different types of logos, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
Logos come in all shapes and sizes and can be created using various design techniques. Some logos are more complex than others, but all should be designed with a specific purpose.
But what exactly is a logo? Which one is suitable for your business? And where should you use them? Here is a quick guide to help you understand the different types of logos and when to use them.
What is a Logo?
A logo is a graphic mark or symbol commonly used by commercial enterprises to identify their products and services. Logos are also used in companies’ branding to create the initial interest of a prospect or even an existing customer.
They can be used in a variety of marketing materials, including websites, brochures, and advertising, to build brand identity and create customer loyalty.
7 Different Types of Logos (and How to Use Them)
A logo is more than just a simple image; it’s a symbol that represents your brand. And while there are endless possibilities for what your logo can look like, there are also different types of logos that can be used to achieve other objectives.
So, whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refresh your existing logo, here are seven different types of logos and how to use them.
Symbol
Symbol logo design is one of the most popular and effective forms of branding. A symbol logo is a stand-alone graphic that represents your company or product. They are often used in conjunction with wordmarks, but they can also be used alone.
The advantage of using a symbol logo is that it can be easily recognized, even when displayed in small or busy backgrounds. This makes it ideal for branding and marketing materials, such as business cards, website headers, and email signatures.
When designing a symbol logo, it’s essential to consider what you want it to represent. Do you want it to be playful or serious? Bold or understated? Modern or classic?
Once you’ve decided on the overall feel, you can start to brainstorm specific images that capture that essence.
Wordmark
Also known as logotypes, a Wordmark logo typically consists of a company name and sometimes a tagline. The company name is written in a certain font, size, and color and is often arranged uniquely.
For example, the Coca-Cola wordmark logo is written in red script and has a very distinctive look, or the FedEx wordmark logo is written in all caps with an orange “Ex.”
The appeal of wordmark logos lies in their simplicity and flexibility, and they can be easily scaled to fit any size and work well in both digital and print applications.
In addition, wordmark logos can be easily adapted to accommodate different languages, making them ideal for global brands. Perhaps best of all, wordmark logos are easy to remember and can help to build brand awareness over time.
So, if your company name is relatively long or difficult to pronounce, a wordmark logo can help people remember it. And if you want to convey a specific image or feeling, the right font and color choices can go a long way.
Abstract Logo
An abstract logos are an abstract shape or design that represents your company or brand without using any literal images or text.
Businesses often use this type of logo design in industries such as art, music, or fashion, where literal imagery would be limiting. Instead, abstract logo marks rely on shapes, colors, and other design elements to convey the brand’s essence.
While this approach can be challenging, it can also be incredibly rewarding, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind logo.
Combination Mark
Think of it this way – symbol + wordmark = Combination Mark logotype.
Combination mark logos can be very effective, as they give the viewer a lot of information at a glance. The text tells them what the company or brand is called, and the symbol or icon gives them a visual representation of what it stands for.
As a result, combination mark logos are often very successful in branding and marketing. However, designing a combination mark logo can be tricky, as you need to strike the right balance between text and image.
Too much text can make the logo look cluttered, while too little can make it difficult to read. Finding the perfect balance is essential for creating a compelling combination mark logo.
Pictorial Marks
Unlike an alphanumeric mark, which uses letters and numbers to spell out a name, a pictorial mark relies on a single image to convey its message.
The icon may be an object, animal, or person easily recognizable and associated with the company. The accompanying text is usually the company’s name or initials.
Pictorial marks are often used by companies that want to communicate a message without using words or by companies whose name is difficult to pronounce or spell.
They are also highly stylized and can be iconic, such as the apple logo for Apple Inc. or the golden arches for McDonald’s.
While they are not as common as alphanumeric marks, pictorial marks can be highly effective in conveying the essence of a brand. Many of the world’s most recognizable brands rely on pictorial marks to communicate their message.
Emblem
When it comes to corporate branding, an emblem logo design is often the best choice.
Unlike a text-based logo, an emblem uses a symbol or icon to represent the company. This can be anything from a simple geometric shape to a more complex illustration.
Emblem logos are often used by government agencies, schools, and other businesses with a more traditional branding. They can also be used on sports teams, military units, and other places where a sense of patriotism or loyalty is important.
The advantage of an emblem logo is that it can be highly versatile, and it can be used on everything from business cards and letterheads to website headers and t-shirts.
And because it doesn’t rely on text, it can be easily translated into other languages, making it ideal for international companies.
But, the downside of an emblem logo is that it can be challenging to create one that is both distinctive and memorable. But when done well, an emblem logo can be an excellent way to make your company stand out from the crowd.
Letter Mark
As the name suggests, a letter mark logo is a logo that consists of nothing but letters. This type of logo can be an excellent choice for businesses with abbreviated names or for companies that want to create a minimalist aesthetic.
While a letter mark logo may be simple, there are still many different ways to customize this type of logo to create a unique and memorable design.
or example, you can experiment with different fonts, colors, and sizes to create a look that reflects your business’s personality. You can also use negative space to add interest to your letter mark logo.
By getting creative with your design, you can create a letter mark logo that is both distinctive and stylish.
Once you’ve selected a logotype, you’ll need to decide where to use it. Your logo should be in all of your marketing materials, including:
- Websites
- Business cards
- Letterhead
- Brochures
- Product packaging
Remember, your logo is an integral part of your brand identity and uses it consistently across all of your marketing materials to create a strong and cohesive brand.
Which One Should You Choose?
Now that you know a little more about the different types of logos, you may wonder which one is right for your business.
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including your industry, target market, and overall brand identity.
For example, if you’re in a creative field, such as design or fashion, you may want to choose a more unique and expressive logo, like an icon or word mark.
On the other hand, if you’re in a more traditional industry, such as finance or law, you may want to choose a more straightforward and professional logo, like a monogram or combination marks.
There are many different types of logos to choose from, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. But the truth is, there is no “right” or “wrong” logo for your business.
The most important thing is to choose a logo that you feel best represents your company. If you’re unsure which type of logo is right for you, consider working with our Ai logo generator that will give you hundreds and even thousands of logo ideas that embody your brand’s unique personality.
