7 Unique Types Of Logos—And How To Use Them Effectively

 

A logo is a symbol used to represent your business. When you create a logo, you have a variety of options available to you, depending on what best represents your company and what suits its image.

 

Logo design refers to the process of creating a unique and recognizable symbol or mark that represents a brand or business. A logo can be a combination of shapes, colors, typography, and other design elements that communicate the essence of a brand's identity and values.

 

Designviva creates custom logo design experiences. Our logo design services are perfect for startups, small businesses, and non-profit organizations who want a professional, branded appearance. The logo is often the first visual representation of a brand that customers see and is an essential part of creating a strong brand identity. A well-designed logo should be memorable, versatile, and easily recognizable, even when viewed in different sizes and contexts.

 

Logo design typically involves researching the target audience and competition, brainstorming ideas, sketching out concepts, refining the chosen design, and finally delivering the finished product in various file formats for use in different applications. It is a collaborative process between the designer and the client, aimed at creating a visual representation of the brand that resonates with the target audience and helps to build brand recognition and loyalty.

 

Here is a brief overview of the seven most common types of logos:

 

1. Lettermark (or monogram) logos

 

A Monogram logo, also known as a lettermark logo, is a type of logo that consists of one or more letters, typically initials, that are combined to form a unique design. It is a form of brandmark that uses typography as the primary design element.

 

Monogram logos are often used by companies or individuals who have long names that are difficult to remember or pronounce. By using the initials of their names in a creative and unique way, they can create a logo that is easily recognizable and memorable.

 

Some well-known examples of monogram logos include IBM (International Business Machines), CNN (Cable News Network), HBO (Home Box Office), and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). These logos are simple yet effective, and they have become iconic representations of their respective brands.

 

Designviva is the choice for minimalist and modern monogram logos. Overall, monogram logos are a popular choice for companies and individuals who want a minimalist and modern logo design that is both unique and easy to recognize.

 

Monogram logos can be a great option for businesses or individuals who want a simple and elegant logo that is easy to recognize and remember. However, it is important to make sure that the monogram is unique and not too similar to other existing logos to avoid any potential legal issues.

 

2. Wordmark logos

 

A wordmark logo is a type of logo design that consists of a stylized version of a company or brand name. It is also known as a logotype. Unlike other types of logos that incorporate symbols or icons, wordmark logos rely solely on typography to communicate a brand's identity. The design and style of the typography used in the wordmark logo are crucial, as they can convey the brand's personality, values, and image.

 

Wordmark logos are often used by companies that have distinctive brand names, as they help to reinforce brand recognition by using the company's name as the primary visual element of the logo. Wordmark logos are typically designed to be simple, clean, and easy to read, with a focus on typography and font choice.

 

Examples of popular wordmark logos include Google, Coca-Cola, and FedEx. These logos are easily recognizable and help to establish a strong visual identity for the brands they represent.

 

3. Pictorial mark logos

 

Pictorial mark logos are basically logos that have a visual element, like an image or a symbol, and are designed to be easily recognizable. They can be very simple, or they can be extremely complex. They're not just limited to text either—pictorial mark logos can include illustrations and other kinds of images as well.

 

Pictorial mark logos are a type of logo design that uses a simple graphic or icon to represent a brand or company. Unlike a logo that includes text or typography, a pictorial mark logo relies solely on a recognizable image to convey the brand's message and identity.

 

Pictorial mark logos are often used by well-established companies with a strong brand identity, such as Apple, Nike, or Twitter. These logos are easy to recognize and memorable, making them effective in building brand recognition and loyalty.

 

Pictorial mark logos are often created using simple shapes and colors that are easy to reproduce and identify. They can be used alone or in combination with a wordmark or other design elements to create a unique and cohesive brand identity.

 

4. Abstract logo marks

 

Abstract logo marks are a great way to brand your company or product. They are ideal for companies that have a unique aesthetic or message, or for companies that want to focus on their core product. The main advantage of abstract logos is that they can be made up of any number of shapes and colors, allowing you to create a unique mark for your business.

 

Abstract logo marks are logos that use abstract shapes, forms, and patterns to create a visual representation of a brand or company. These logos typically do not depict recognizable images or icons, but instead use geometric shapes, lines, and colors to create a unique and memorable design.

 

Abstract logo marks can be highly effective because they allow for a great deal of creativity and flexibility in design, and can be easily adapted for use in different contexts and media. They are often used by companies that want to convey a sense of innovation, creativity, or sophistication, and can be particularly effective in industries such as technology, design, and fashion.

 

Examples of famous abstract logo marks include the Nike "swoosh" logo, the Pepsi logo, and the Apple logo. These logos use simple yet powerful abstract shapes and colors to create a distinctive and memorable brand identity.

 

 

5. Mascot logos

 

A mascot logo is a type of logo design that features a character, often an animal or a person, as the central element of the logo. The character is usually designed to be cute, friendly, or powerful, and is often accompanied by a brand name or a tagline.

 

Mascot logos are commonly used by sports teams, schools, and companies that want to create a strong brand identity that resonates with their target audience. The character in the logo is often chosen to represent the values or personality of the brand, and can be used in various marketing and advertising materials to promote the brand.

 

Some well-known examples of mascot logos include the Michelin Man for Michelin Tires, the Geico Gecko for Geico insurance, and the Tony the Tiger for Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereal.

 

6. The combination mark

 

A combination mark is a type of logo design that combines both a symbol or icon with a wordmark (text). It is a versatile and effective way to create a distinctive brand identity that incorporates both visual and textual elements.

 

The symbol or icon in a combination mark can be either abstract or representational, and it is often designed to convey a message or concept that is relevant to the brand. The wordmark, on the other hand, is usually the name of the brand written in a particular font or style.

 

Combination marks are often used by companies that want to establish a strong visual identity while also making their brand name prominent. Examples of combination marks include the logos of McDonald's, Burger King, Adidas, and Lacoste.

 

7. The emblem

 

An emblem type logo is a type of logo design that consists of a symbol or icon enclosed within a shape, such as a circle or a square. The symbol and the shape are usually integrated to create a cohesive and distinct image that represents a brand or a company.

 

Unlike other types of logos, such as wordmarks or lettermarks, the emblem type logo typically includes both text and imagery within the same design. The text may appear inside the shape, or below or above it. The emblem type logo is often used by organizations that want to convey a sense of tradition, prestige, or heritage.

 

Examples of emblem type logos include the logos of car brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, sports teams like the NFL's Chicago Bears, and luxury fashion brands like Chanel.

 

Combination marks and emblem logos can be used in a variety of situations, but they are especially useful when you want to create a versatile logo that can be used in a variety of formats and contexts.

A combination mark combines a wordmark with a symbol or icon.

 

This type of logo is useful when you want to create a recognizable symbol that can stand on its own but also includes your brand name for clarity. Combination marks are often used by established companies that want to refresh their brand image or by startups that want to create a distinctive visual identity.

 

Emblem logos feature a symbol or icon that is surrounded by a border or shape that contains the brand name or slogan. This type of logo is useful when you want to create a logo that looks more traditional or formal, such as for a university or government agency. Emblem logos are often used by organizations that want to convey a sense of stability, trustworthiness, and professionalism.

 

In general, combination marks are more versatile than emblem logos because they can be used in a variety of contexts and on a variety of materials. However, emblem logos can be more memorable and have a more distinctive look than combination marks. Ultimately, the decision to use a combination mark or emblem logo will depend on your brand's unique needs, values, and goals.