Logos are a crucial part of a brand identity. Look around you. Logos are everywhere. On your shoes, your screen and every corner of the street. A good logo is memorable and reflects the character of the business.
When you have a new logo made it's goed to know which options are there. There are different types of logos. From symbols to text, or a combination of both.
Curious about the different types of logos? Keep scrolling!
The 7 different types of logos.
Logo #1 - Abstract
An abstract logo is a symbol that is not based on a real life object like pictorial logos, but it's something more metaphorical. Since it doesn't represent a specific object, you can go all out and make something super unique.
If you choose an abstract logo mark, think about the core of your business. What feeling do you want it to reflect? Take a look at the Airbnb logo. You can see the letter A, but it contains more hidden icons. For example, the upside down heart, the location icon, a person with their hands up. All important points in one: Airbnb, places, love and people.
More examples: Pepsi, Olympic Games, Microsoft, Adidas, Nike.
Logo #2 - Mascot
Mascot logos consist of illustrated characters that act as visual representations or "ambassadors" of a brand. They can be anything, from real people to fictional characters, as long as they reflect the identity of the brand.
Take KFC for example. They use founder Harland David Sanders as mascot. And we all know the guy with the mustache from Pringles, the bald MrClean, or the green robot representing Android.
More examples: Wendy's, Pringles, Monopoly, Kellogg's, Android, MailChimp.
Logo #3 - Pictorial mark
Pictorial logos (a.k.a. brand marks or logo symbols) are graphic icons, symbols or images that reflect the brand’s identity or activity. Normally these types of logos take shape as real life objects or animals. Most symbol logos are so memorable that you recognize the brand without even seeing the name, such as with Twitter or Apple.
Examples: Apple, WNF, Twitter, Snapchat, Playboy, Puma.
Logo #4 - Emblem
From all logos the emblem might be one of the most traditional options. Emblem logos, also known as badge logos, usually look like crests. Contemporary designs seem to become more modern and minimalistic compared to the traditional take.
If you're considering if an emblem logo is suitable for your brand, think about the branche you're in. Even though there are no rules, these types of logos are usually popular among universities, sport teams and coffee brands.
Examples: Starbucks, Harvard, NFL, BMW, Harley Davidson, UPS, Warner Bros.
Logo #5 - Letter mark
A letter mark, as the name suggests, is a logo made out of letters. They are known for their abbreviation, like H&M and NASA. For example, you never hear anyone call H&M "Hennes and Mauritz" anymore. And National Aeronautics and Space Administration is also quite a mouth full.
Examples: H&M, C&A, HP, HBO, NASA, Facebook, Pinterest.
Logo #6 - Word mark
A word mark is a logo that consist of the brand name. Take IKEA for example. They created a unique brand identity with a memorable font and two colors.
These types of logos are made unique by personalizing the typography.
More examples: Coca Cola, Hema, FedEx, Google, Netflix.
Logo #7 - Combination mark
Last but not least, we have the combination mark. This logo type is a combination of text and an icon. Examples are Adidas, Puma and Nike, which all use a recognizable symbol and their brand name.
More examples of combination marks: Taco Bell, Dove, Doritos, Burger King, Domino's Pizza, MasterCard.
What logo type is most suitable for my brand?
Choices during the design process are effected by your core values, the industry you're in, your product/service and much more.
Choosing a logo type might seem difficult, but you don't have to limit yourself to one. It actually can be very convenient to have multiple logo variations.
Do you want a new logo design? Contact hello@digitallane.nl and let's elevate your brand together!
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