Creating a logo for your brand is a crucial step in establishing your identity. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the different types of logos and choose the one that best represents your brand’s voice and values. In this article, we’ll explore the seven types of logos and their pros and cons, helping you make the right decision for your business.

What are the 7 types of logo designs?

Logos can be categorized into seven main types: Emblems, pictorial marks, wordmarks, lettermarks, abstract logos, mascot logos, and combination logos. Each type has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

1. Emblem logos

Emblem logos have a timeless appeal, often found in seals, crests, and prestigious school logos. They combine symbols, images, or text within a geometric shape, giving your brand a traditional and sophisticated look. Emblem logos like DC’s Superman and Harley Davidson’s Bar and Shield are instantly recognizable worldwide.

Pros:

• Memorable and professional
• Gives your brand a sense of tradition and power
• Less chance of similarity with other brands

Cons:

• Less scalable and may lose legibility when scaled down

2. Pictorial mark logos

Pictorial mark logos use symbolic images to represent your brand. They are highly versatile and can convey a meaningful idea without any text. However, when starting a new business, it’s advisable to combine the pictorial mark with your brand name for initial recognition. Starbucks is a good example, as they transitioned from an emblem to a symbol as their brand became established.

Pros:

• Establishes brand identity using a simple image or symbol
• Conveys a message without using words
• Instant recognition once associated with your brand

Cons:

• May not work well for new brands without an established audience
• The image may be difficult for some audiences to interpret

3. Logotypes or Wordmarks

Logotypes or wordmarks rely solely on the company’s name for their design. They exclude symbols, emblems, or graphic patterns and emphasize typography. Creating a unique font for your brand’s name gives it a powerful and recognizable identity. Logotypes are excellent for new businesses seeking rapid recognition.

Pros:

• Simple yet effective way to establish brand identity
• Customizable with different elements for variations
• Helps new businesses gain faster recognition

Cons:

• Not suitable for brands with long names
• May require font changes to keep up with design trends

4. Lettermark logos

Lettermark logos are acronyms formed by taking the initials of a brand’s name. They use a few letters to create a unique symbol, which is paired with an eye-catching font. This logo type is ideal for brands with long names, providing a professional look without visual symbols. Companies like HBO and NASA effectively utilize lettermarks in their logos.

Pros:

• Ideal for brands with long names
• Gives a professional and clean look without visual symbols

Cons:

• Not recommended for new brands seeking immediate brand awareness
• May require the full name alongside the acronym during initial stages

5. Abstract logos

Abstract logos represent emotions or moods without resembling any specific object. They can be risky for new brands, as interpretation may vary among audiences. However, with a well-planned strategy, an abstract logo can set your brand apart from competitors. Nike’s famous swoosh and Airbnb’s simplistic yet recognizable symbol are popular examples of abstract logos.

Pros:

• Unique and instantly recognizable
• Versatile for use in multiple advertising campaigns

Cons:

• Requires effort to help audiences understand the logo’s message
• Advisable to include brand name alongside the abstract logo for clarity

6. Mascot logos

Mascot logos feature illustrated characters or non-human entities, creating a positive and friendly connection with the target audience. They are commonly used by sports teams, food brands, and service companies. Mascot logos are an excellent choice for brands targeting families and children, as they establish a fun and approachable vibe.

Pros:

• Establishes a fun and friendly brand image
• Appeals to families and children

Cons:

• Unsuitable for serious and professional brands
• Limited to brands with a fun and creative identity

7. Combination logo marks

Combination logo marks are a fusion of multiple logo types. They allow you to mix and match symbols, lettering, and abstract forms to create a unique logo that suits your brand. This type gives you the flexibility to change and adapt your logo over time. The key is to maintain a clear message while combining different elements.

Pros:

• Adaptable to change and future logo variations
• Provides flexibility for different marketing scenarios

Cons:

• May appear cluttered if not well-designed
• Requires careful attention to maintain a clean and minimalist look

Conclusion

Your company logo is the face of your brand, representing your mission, vision, and core values. Understanding the different types of logos and their characteristics allows you to make an informed decision that aligns with your brand identity. Glorify is an excellent tool to start designing your logo, providing a simple process and thousands of templates to choose from. With Glorify, you can create a logo that will catch the eye and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Remember, the logo creation process involves exploring multiple options and gathering feedback from others. Evaluating your design and its impact will lead you to the perfect logo for your brand. Get started with Glorify and create a logo that truly inspires!

FAQs: 7 Types of Logo Designs

1. What are some of the most famous logos?
   Starbucks, McDonald’s, Apple, Mercedes, Pepsi, Nike, and Coca-Cola are among the most popular logos today.

2. How many logo variations should you have?
   A professionally designed brand should have up to four logo variations, each suitable for different print and digital use cases.

3. Can a company have two logos?
   It is not advisable to have multiple logos, as this can confuse your audience and weaken your branding efforts.

4. What are the five characteristics of a logo?
   A logo should be simple, relevant, memorable, timeless, and versatile.

5. What are the types of logos?
   The seven types of logos are emblem logos, pictorial mark logos, logotypes or wordmarks, lettermark logos, abstract logos, mascot logos, and combination logo marks.