There are approximately 7 main types of logos. Finding the perfect one that is representative of your business can be confusing but fret not, we’ll be telling you what each does and how you can find the perfect fit.
The aim of a logo is to set the tone of your business; What does it convey? Is it eye-catching? Will your consumers and target market recognize it immediately? Each type of logo considers a number of factors; target audience, colors/mascot/representation of your brand, emotions it’s associated with, et cetera.
We of course encourage you to discuss with your designer, the experts in the field will be able to not just help you come up with a logo fit for you, but you will be needing their artistic skills. But before that, be sure to explore the types of logos down below.
1. Word Mark Logo
Examples for such logos include:
Examples of Word Mark Logos
Often colour coded or stylised with a well recognisable font such as Disney or Coca Cola, Word mark logos are usually the name of the company or brand.It can even be found in 37% of the 100 top companies.
It is a great starter logo to get your company name out there in the market, especially for starter companies that want to get their names known. This thus, infers that your company name is your brand.
Here are some things to consider, you need to make sure you use a suitable font that fits your brand image. Something that is immediately recognisable, noticeable, and memorable. But you also need to make sure your brand in the logo is not too long.
So for example, a fashion brand logo shouldn’t have a chunky font with too many mismatched colours, else, it could come across as being tacky thus, not translate well into how your target market perceives your products and branding.
2. Lettermark Logo
Examples of Lettermark Logos
Unlike Word Mark logos, the Lettermark logo consists of only a few letters. For example, the brand name’s initials. It’s usually fitting for brands with long names or those that are hard to remember or pronounce. Thus, abbreviated words roll off your tongue better, for example, BBC instead of British Broadcasting Channel or H&M instead of Hennes & Mauritz.
This way, the brand can also easily go international that caters mostly to English spoken cultures since it’s an international language. Lettermark logo is more efficient in big scale brands where replicating logo on branded items is needed.
So what should you discuss with your designer if you want a Lettermark logo? Here are some things; first and foremost, a suitable font. Choosing the correct font is one of the most important aspects that make your logo, yours. It needs to be noticeable and memorable while reflecting the essence of your brand at the same time.
3. Pictorial Mark Logo
Examples of Pictorial & Abstract mark logos
Pictorial logos, also known as logo symbols, are graphic logos that represent your brand. For example, either associated with the name, product/service or something you want the consumer to instantly connect together with.
This type of logo is especially suited for conveying emotions, ideas or services your business offers. It is also suitable if you have a long name, as well as a business that can be easily associated with imagery such as Firefox or Shell.
Pictorial Logos are long-lasting, so make sure you are consistent with the image since it’ll stick with your consumers with your brand. Don’t be too specific with your imagery either, for example, if you plan to expand later on from a shoe store to a fashion brand, don’t start out with a sneaker pictorial for your brand logo. Lastly, be sure to pick complementing colours, or colours that are representative of your branding.
4. Abstract Mark Logo
Example of Abstract Mark logo
A special and unique logo tailored just for your business, there is no other kind of mark out there. These are the types of logos that use geometric shapes, sketches and any other form designs that are representative of your brand identity.
This is perfect for businesses that specialise in different fields. It helps you stand out from your competitors while being a unique brand of your own. This type of trademark will be helping you in the long run when the market becomes stagnant, so long as you stay consistent, it will help you in the long-run.
Thus, it’s important that your design is simple yet intriguing at the same time. Make sure it stays true to your brand identity, or the message you want to convey. Abstract mark logos are often heavy on the emotional side, so you need to be sure with the design.
5. Mascot Logo
Examples of Mascot Logos
One of the most iconic brands such as KFC, Koko Krunch, Cheetos, et cetera all have memorable mascots that stick with you. These mascots form somewhat of an interpersonal relationship with the consumers.
Such businesses especially attract families and children which leads to a close, friendly bond with their consumers. Most of the mascot businesses are food and beverage related. Thus, it’s not often businesses use colourful, cute mascot characters for more serious and authoritative businesses.
Another thing to consider is to not have too many details in the mascot, if not it will be harder to print on merchandise or business cards. So be sure to let your designer know exactly what you want.
6. Combination Mark Logo
Examples of Combination mark logos
Often most recognisable for both words and a logo design, also known as wordmark. These logos are most adaptable since you can change the shape around. You should use this if your brand needs an adaptable logo that is able to be used either combined or on its own.
Often, Combination Mark logos have a strong brand and logo association thanks to the combination of the brand name and elements. But when you are planning to choose this, make sure to avoid making it too complicated, either with colours, shapes or just too many elements in the design.
You should consider how this brand logo will appear both online on social media or on your website, and even in print. So make sure it looks good anywhere it appears on, this means limit the colours to four at maximum and keep the elements simple.
7. Emblem Logo
Examples of Emblem logos
Originating from influential families in the middle ages, they were used to show a house or family in the form of a crest. They are also used as royal and aristocratic stamps. Nowadays, businesses use this design as a way to send a message to their target audience that they are a serious and professional brand, even royalty would use.
Just like families with a long history, businesses with emblem logos want their consumers to know they have a long history and can be trustworthy as well. Hence, most of these brands are either in the educational field or sell goods with a loyal customer base. So if you do choose this for your brand, make sure you choose a design that will show up in print. Since emblems are detailed, it may be tricky to get all the elements in the logo to be seen.
With this helpful guide, we hope you now have a better understanding of what to look for when choosing a logo for your brand. It is not complicated once you get the hang of it, so what is your next step? Contact your designer and discuss with them what you want to achieve with this logo for your business. Good luck and have fun creating your very own logo.