Last updated on September 9th, 2019
From your fridge to your car, you see different types of logos everywhere. When you see them, you think that they are merely a symbol. But that’s not the case. Logos are more complex and meaningful than you may realize. We have created a list of 10 types of logos. Each type has a special significance. Let’s know about them one-by-one.
A logo is your identity signifying your business. There are 10 types of logos that you can use for your brand.
Though there are different types of logos, each one of them is a combination of an image and typography. Every brandmark you see around you has a different look and feel. Since your brand image is the first thing a customer will encounter, you don’t want it to ruin for the first impression, do you? To lend you a hand, we have picked a list of ten types of logos you should know about.
But before we go exploring each one of them, let’s remember LeBron James’ quote on logos — “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.”
Here Are 10 Different Types Of Logos
01. Lettermarks Or Monogram Logos
As the name suggests, these are the logos which consist of the brand’s name. Look at HBO, CNN, IBM, NASA, and HP names, do you find anything common? They stand for a famous company’s name. The names are in their initial forms rather the long full forms. The companies showed their name within two or three words instead of going for the whole.
And guess what? They all are the brands’ people hardly forget about! Each of these brands has used their initials as a logo instead of going for a fancy image. As they are easy for identification, it makes sense why they opted for monogram logos. It’s also known as lettermark logos.
It’s a typography-based logo design which uses a few letters. This type of logo is all about minimalism. Lettermark logos are perfect at streamlining any brand that has a longer than usual name. For example, it’s easy to remember HBO than its full name Home Box Office or NASA at the place of National Aeronautics and Space. Isn’t it?
As the focus is shifted on the initials of the brands, make sure you choose the right fonts. If needed, you can create custom typeface such logotypes. Don’t worry if you are new in the market. You can add the full name of your business right at the bottom of the logo for branding.
As logotypes are easy to create, you can take the help of a logo maker. In case you don’t want to spend a lot, it’s the best way to go.
02. Logotypes Or Wordmarks
A wordmark logo looks exactly like a lettermark. However, it is slightly different than the later one. This type of logo doesn’t focus on the initials but the complete name of a brand. Many big brands have embraced the idea of logotypes, for example— CocaCola, Pepsi, Google, FedEX, Disney, and more.
A wordmark logo works well when a brand has a unique, easy, and attractive name. The name, when combined with memorable typography, creates a unique brand identity. Since the spotlight will be on your name, you need to pick a typeface that captures the essence of your brand. If your business is related to federal agencies, go with traditional font. However, if it’s in the fashion domain, go for stylish, high-end fonts.
03. Logo Symbols
Of different types of logos, logo symbols are quite famous. It’s a graphic or icon-based logo. When you think such kinds of logos, some names that come to your mind are Twitter, Apple, Target, and more. Each of these brands has an emblematic logo, which is easily identifiable.
When you decide to go with a logo symbol, the most challenging part is to choose an image. The mark that you pick for your business will go with its existence. But before you pick one, consider its implications first. Do you want to showcase a more profound meaning with it? Are you using a symbol to evoke emotions? Think broader consequences of the logo symbol and you will find something worth matching with your business.
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04. Abstract Logos
These types of logos have pictures, but they avoid literal representation. You can use any abstract geometric forms to symbolize your business. Some of the best examples of these types of logo designs are Nike swoosh, Adidas flower, the divided circle of Pepsi, and so forth.
Like every logo design, the abstract logo works well as it confines your business into a single pictorial representation. Instead of being limited to a single mage, abstract logos help you create a custom image to represent your business.
The best thing about this logo design is that you can convey your brand’s purpose symbolically. You don’t need to rely on the cultural proposition of an image. With the help of color and other elements, you can give it a specific meaning that revolves around your brand. Nike’s swoosh is just like that which symbolizes freedom and movement.
05. Mascot Logos
As the name suggests, mascot logos, unlike symbols, include illustrated or anthropomorphized characters. They are often vibrant, cartoonish, and fun. If you want to create something unique to represent your brand, mascot logos are the best bet.
A mascot works like an ambassador of your brand. Food brands, service companies, and sports team are great consumers of these logotypes. The purpose of such brandmarks is to get familiarize with the audience.
Some of the famous mascots of the brands are — KFC’s Colonel, Mr. Peanut of Planter, and so forth. If you want to create a great atmosphere around your brand, mascot logos are perfect to go with. Your audience would love to get involved with your mascot if it’s engaging and created uniquely.
06. Combination Marks
In the world of branding, you don’t need to stick to just a single type of logo. You can create one by combining different types of logo ideas. Combine a symbol with letter logos or wordmark to create something unique. You can include picture and text together to stand out from others.
Think about Burger King, Dove, Lacoste, Doritos, and MailChimp. These brands use both the logotypes and symbols together.
As your brand’s name will have an image, it makes a versatile pick for logo design. It also allows people to link your name with your business name with the mascot or symbol right away! Also, it gives you the flexibility to depend only on the logo symbol and exclude the name if necessary once you have enough exposure. As such logos generate a distinct image; you won’t face problems for trademark.
07. Letterforms
These types of logos are the minimalistic versions of monogram logos. They are also known as letter logos. To get into notice, these brandmarks need to be bold as well as beautiful. Since, it’s challenging to think of just one letter as a representative of your brand, hire a professional graphic designer to get the things right.
The letter logos are scalable. You can use it anywhere from Web to printed materials, and they equally look great. A successfully made out letter logo will invoke your brand’s full name in people’s mind once they see it.
As the logo contains only one letter, its design becomes crucial. If it isn’t unique or memorable, it’s of no use. You can use a dramatic background or give it a funky typeface, exciting color, or any element that will make the letter pop and resonate with your brand.
Some of the best examples of letter logos are Yahoo, McDonalds, WordPress, and Netflix.
08. Emblem Logos
These are the oldest types of logos. However, the demand for these logos hasn’t gone down yet. The emblem logo includes a symbol or icon with seals, crests, and badges. As far as organizations, schools, or government agencies and the auto industry are concerned, emblem logos are the first choice.
While some companies don’t mind reflecting their brand essence with traditional design, others give the traditional emblem a modern look. Let’s take an example of the iconic logo of Starbucks. It includes a mermaid emblem with its name written along. The same goes for Harley Davidson’s famous crest logo.
As the design of such logotypes is intricate, they prove a little less versatile than other types of logos discussed earlier. Their intricate nature won’t make them easier to include in every aspect of branding. For printed materials like business cards, an emblem logo may scale down, which makes it hard to read.
09. Slime Logos
Slime logos are new-age brandmarks. Unlike the ones mentioned earlier, these types of logos have a cartoonish context. It means that instead of having a standard typeface or symbol, it has slime-inspired elements.
Take an example of the Nickelodeon’s logo.
You can hire a freelance graphic designer to create a perfect slime logo that matches your branding needs. Even, you can get fantastic slime logo ideas from the Web before opting for one.
If your brand is into kids’ interest or serves playful purposes, choosing a slime logo is the best idea.
10. Fonts Inside A Shape
These types of logos usually have a name depicted in various shapes like square, rectangles, square, and more. You can find many examples of logos comprising a name inside a shape such as — Levi’s, Ford, Samsung, MasterCard, and more.
Bottom Line
When it comes to deciding a logo for your brand, imagination is the limit. One of the best things you can do when picking a logo for your brand is to see different types of logos at Designhill. The site has thousands of logos for various industries. Find out logotypes that you liked the most the wordmarks, letterforms, logotypes or slime. Make a note of each logotype you like. Consider the message you want your logo to convey to your audience and then come to a final decision. Don’t forget to ask experts in case you have any doubts.
