Different Types of Logo Design Explained

When it comes to logo design services, we consider several types of logo design. A logo uses a symbol, lettering or a combination of elements to identify a company. Despite the fact that they might seem very trivial in nature, these are arguably one of the most powerful marketing tools. As a matter of fact, some logos are so well made that they can even become more famous than the brand they belong to. One of the best examples is Apple, as its symbol, the bitten apple, is one of the first things to come to people’s minds when they think about the company. But what are the different types of logos, and why do they vary from one firm to another?

Symbol or pictorial mark

This type of logo design is one of the most popular in our modern era. It is just a picture or symbol that is meant to characterise the company as much as possible. Some good specimens are Apple’s mark as well as Twitter’s former bird logo and Nike’s Swoosh. These are some of the biggest companies in the world and their logos have one thing in common: they are visually simple. When beginners are creating an emblem, they more often than not fall into the trap of opting for overly complex designs. The reason why such huge corporations opt for simplicity is that they are easier to remember, and this is the main point of a logo.

Wordmarks

This is also a relatively widespread concept nowadays. It simply involves turning the company’s name into a logo. This is done by using specific fonts, colours and typographic features. Google’s familiar wordmark provides a clear example of how this approach works. The logo is simply the corporation’s name written with a minimalist font and letters arranged in a distinctive sequence of blue, red, yellow and green. This approach can work well for companies that have a concise and catchy name. The technique might seem simple at first sight, but it is way more difficult than one might expect. The reason is that simple details, such as the font and the colour, can easily make or break the emblem. Google’s explanation of its 2015 identity redesign shows how type, spacing and small-screen legibility shaped the result. Its wordmark also works alongside a compact G symbol within the wider identity.

Lettermarks

Lettermarks use initials to represent a business. They follow a similar principle to wordmarks except that this one is used by companies having long names. Therefore, they choose to rather use the name’s initials to make a logo. Some examples that perfectly apply the concept are HBO and IBM.

Mascot logos

Mascot logos use an illustrated character to give a brand a recognisable face and personality. The character should suit the audience and remain clear at smaller sizes. It gives them more flexibility in their marketing campaigns as the characters can be adapted to suit different events and periods of the year. The logos that illustrate this better are those of KFC and Mr. Clean. If well done, they can be as powerful as any type of emblem.

Contact Dreamkatcha today to discuss a start-up business, web design or logo design project.

For practical selection criteria, see our guide to what makes a good logo.