The Logo’s Purpose
A logo design is more than simply a picture and some beautiful fonts; a logo is a brand’s visual identifier and serves only that purpose. Simply by looking at your logo, potential customers should be able to recognize your company, understand who you are, and what you do. The fundamental identifiers of enterprises are their logos. When someone sees a brand’s emblem, they immediately know it and go back to a time when they used its goods or services. Because of this, logos are designed with particular care to leave an impact and communicate a brand message. They pay close attention to the kind of logo that can most accurately capture the character and identity of a brand.
Design can improve a brand’s visual appeal as well as its mental image in our minds when we recall it. This fosters value and trust in the brand. We are surrounded by logos, but only some of them are successful enough to endure over time and establish themselves as iconic representations of their respective brands.
Kinds of Logos
Although there are many distinct logo forms used in branding, there are five major categories. Each form of logo provides a company a distinctive touch, despite the fact that they are all made up of both typographic and visual elements. Additionally, one would want to make sure that the logo is perfect because it will be the first thing that potential buyers see.
The five basic categories of logo styles are as follows:
1. Wordmark/Logotype Logo
These are distinctively designed logotypes that spell out the name of the business or brand. Sony, Disney, and Facebook are a few examples.
2. Lettermark / Monogram Logo
Lettermarks are only typographic in nature. By using the company’s initials or the brand’s first letter, they create a symbol that stands in for the business. Hewlett-Packard, Chanel, and General Electric are a few businesses and organizations that use lettermarks.
3. Symbol / Icon or Brandmark Logo
This kind of logo gives the business a straightforward yet powerful representation. The image is typically stylized and abstract to provide aesthetic interest. A simple form is far simpler for the human memory to recall than a complex one. Symbolic emblems for brands like Apple, Shell, and Mercedes-Benz are certainly familiar to you.
4. Combination Mark Logo
The combination of a wordmark and a symbol or icon in these logos allows for the flexible usage of any or both components across a range of applications. Some combination brands, including Hawaiian Airlines, Adidas, and Sprint, may be familiar to you.
5. Emblem Logo
The firm name is enclosed within the design of an emblem logo. Starbucks, the NFL, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles are a few examples.
Wordmark Logo
Wordmarks, also referred to as “logotypes,” are entirely letter-based and solely contain the name of a company. Custom typefaces are frequently made just for brands to use throughout all of their marketing and branding materials. Wordmark logos are simplified, often even reduced to initials with 1-3 letters; we’re not talking about graphics, icons, or even emblems. But being simple doesn’t have to be dull! Instead, because they are timeless and adaptable, these logos contribute in raising brand identification and frequently remain in fashion. The wordmark logos for Google, Coca-Cola, and Calvin Klein are illustrative examples of why your company’s logo must be distinctive and memorable even if it is a typography logo. In many instances, the words have evolved into the brand identity’s defining visual cue.
When to Use a Wordmark Logo
- If you’re a new company and need to spread the word about yourself, using a wordmark is a smart move. It’s not a bad idea to use your logo to simply state the obvious while you’re first getting started in the world. Beginning with a wordmark enables you to establish brand identification as your audience will grow accustomed to your company’s colors and typefaces. You might think about shortening the wordmark to a monogram logo using the same colors and typeface as you get more notoriety. You can learn more on how to make your company logo familiar here.
- If your company name is memorable and distinct, using a wordmark logo is a smart move, too. Your brand will become much more memorable if it is written in a beautiful, well-designed font. Logos highlight what makes your company special, but without any supporting visuals, it might be more difficult to convey this. However, a unique company name will help you stand out from rivals, and a wordmark will make it more memorable. You can read more on why should your logo stand out here.
- If your company has a short name, take advantage of a wordmark logo because when a wordmark becomes excessively long, the layout appears congested and it becomes difficult to apply your brand on smaller surfaces or screens. In other words, the versatility of a wordmark might be impacted by long company names.
Wordmark logos are popular throughout sectors for a reason: they’re simple and straightforward, they increase brand recognition, and they’re simple to utilize across media. In particular, they are timeless. However, if you’re not a pro, they’re not necessarily simple to design. To create these logos correctly, temperance and a keen eye for detail are required. You have to make sure every character is flawless because there are fewer supporting cast members. There are several ways to be distinguished and look amazing across channels using a wordmark logo. But exercise moderation while adorning your logo; simplicity wins out over intricacy in logo design and will leave your target market with the best lasting impression.