Table of contents
- What is a logo design?
- History of Logo designs
- Significance of a Logo design
- Types of Logos
- How to get logo design ideas type for your brand?
- How to design a logo?
- Beginner-friendly logo designing websites
Have you seen a symbol and your mind directly goes into connecting it with something? Like a brand or a team or anything of the sort? This is because the symbol has been associated with the connection you made. In simpler words, the brand’s logo is the symbol. So, whenever anybody sees the symbol, it will be recognized as the logo of the brand.
What is a logo design?
A symbol or emblem or graphic which is used for identification or recognition can be called a logo or logotype. The logo can be anything and not necessarily have any meaning. Some of the most famous logos are the “six rings” for Olympics, and the “tick” for the Nike brand.
History of Logo designs
Emblems and signature marks were the earliest forms of logos before these iconic images. The main purpose of logos was to communicate one’s identity visually (Visual Identity). If we go to the roots of the logos, we will reach ancient family crests, symbolism, and hieroglyphs.
It was during the 1300s that the use of a logo was initiated. Tiny symbols were hung in front of shops and bars to show what work they did. But with the developments in the printing sector, logos also evolved alongside. By the 1900s, modern logo designs began seeing the light of the day.
Significance of a Logo design
Since a logo represents something like a brand, having a unique and aesthetic logo became a priority. That is when logo designing came into the scene. Designing a logo comes under Graphic Design. In the modern world, it plays high significance as having something more distinctive to represent oneself is what we all look for. A perfectly designed logo would create the best impression for your brand. Logos are also very important in familiarizing your brand to the public.
Types of Logos
1. Monograms
The logos contain letters, like brand initials in their design are called monogram logos or letter marks. Some examples of monogram logos are IBM, CNN, and HBO. The initial letters of the long names of companies are given in the logo. This helps easier identification of the company since people could just look at the logo and say it belongs to a so and so company or brand. This type of logo is entirely based on typographs. The fonts should speak for what the company or brand is about. They are simpler and more effective.
2. Wordmarks
The logos which include the name of the company or brand the logo represents are called wordmarks or logotypes. The logos are similar to the monograms for using letters in their logo design, but the difference is that while the monograms use initials in their logo wordmarks use the entire company or brand name in the logo design.
This type of logo also depends mostly on the font type design of their logo. These kinds of logos are normally used by companies with distinct or succinct names. Companies like Google, and Coca-Cola have adopted this kind of logo design as their name itself is very catchy and therefore, there is no need of giving any other unique elements in their logo.
3. Pictorial marks
The logos which use graphics to create emblems or pictographs in their logo designs are called pictorial marks or logo symbols. In this case, whenever you see the emblem, your mind directly goes to the brand associated with it. Like the bitten apple emblem is associated with Apple Inc., the ghost symbol is associated with Snapchat, and so on. Established companies find it easier with this kind of logo design as there is no need for further identification because they are already familiar with the audience. While choosing an emblem, make sure to select one which reciprocates with what your company does. Try to select something more appealing.
4. Abstract logo marks
The logos which use abstract emblems or unfamiliar symbols as their logo design are called abstract logo marks. This is partly similar to pictorial logos in terms that pictorial logos also uses emblems or symbols in their logos. But in abstract logo marks, the emblems used are not familiar to the audience. It is not something recognizable like the ghost symbol or the tick mark. It is specifically created for the company or brand and can be tailored according to the company’s purpose and aesthetics. Some of the brands that use abstract geometric forms in their logos are Pepsi, Mitsubishi, Chanel, and so on.
Like pictorial logos, this is also easier for established companies to create a brand identification, but in the case of lesser-known, the effectiveness of this logo is insignificant. The Adidas brand had its logo as three vertical lines arranges in the order of their ascending heights. When the brand decided to modify it to a three petals symbol with three horizontal stripes on it, it was easier for them to do so since the brand is very popular among the crowd.
5. Mascot logos
The logos which include an illustrated or a cartoonish character in their logo design are called mascot logos. These types of logos are normally very colorful and can attract children and families easily towards it. Some of the famous logos in this category are the Colonel in KFC’s logo, the Modesh mascot in Dubai Summer Surprises’ logo, and the face in Pringles’ logo. Most fast-food chains have mascot logos. This is to appeal to the families and children who are the main target group of these companies. These logos also add some dynamics and life to the logos.
6. Combination Mark
The logo which combines both the lettering and symbols in their logo designs is called combination mark logos. They are the combination of wordmarks or monograms and pictorial logos, mascots, or abstract logos. Some of the famous logos in this type are Burger King, Doritos, and Converse. Since there is both name and icon on the logo, people would not misinterpret the brand and is a versatile choice. When people get used to your logo, even if you take out your brand names from the logos, they would be able to recognize it with the pictorial designs alone.
7. Emblem logos
The logo which uses a font to write the brand name inside a symbol is called an emblem. This type of logo is normally used by schools, and organizations since it has got a traditional look to it. Some automobile brands have adopted these classically styled logos to give their brand logo a unique look. Some of the iconic emblem logos of this age are Starbucks, Harley Davidson, and so on. Emblem logos are very intricate and have complex designs in their logo and is difficult to copy them onto small cards or letterheads.
How to get logo design ideas type for your brand?
Lettermarks and wordmark logos
If you choose to have just letters or words on your logo it is better to go by letter marks or wordmark logos as they do not include any icon or symbol in their logo design. Now confused about when to choose a lettermark or a wordmark logo?
When your brand name is long enough, say, more than a word use lettermarks. This type of logo makes use of initials and therefore will be easier for people to recall your logo and brand. If Cable News Network Inc. used its full name in the logo people would find it difficult to remember the name. Since the company used its initials, CNN, in its logo it is easier for its audience to recall its logo and company whenever they come across it.
Your business got a unique name? Go by wordmark logos. The catchy name will make it easier to stick to the memory of people. Shorter brand names can also make use of this type of logo design. Since the name is short, the font type could be made intricate and customized as necessary.
If you are new to the business and want people to get familiarized with the brand name, use wordmark logos. Try to bring uniqueness in the name and font type so as to make it easier for people to recall the brand.
Pictographs and symbols
Pictorial marks and symbol logos are a wise option to choose if you do not want to include your brand name on the logo. These types of logos could be used to create an emotion inside the audience using symbols or icons. They are also an easy way of conveying what your brand or company does. For example, the Instagram logo which is the camera icon gives us an idea about what the application is about.
If your brand is an established one, you could definitely go for pictorial marks. In this manner, you could create something symbolic to which people will relate your company with. The Twitter bird is always referred to as Twitter even if there is no font written around it. When Snapchat was launched in 2011, it introduced the ghost icon as its logo. People found it exclusive and became fond of it soon. Now when you see a yellow ghost icon, without doubt, it could be said that our minds would go to think of Snapchat.
With globalization, companies have become multinational. For brands with regional names, it would be easier to opt for this type of logo so as to easily create an internationally known identity for your brand. Using abstract symbols in your logo designs is a great way of showing out your professionalism and talent but the responsibility of creating the design should be given to a professional who is aware of the company’s business as well as color, graphics, and designs.
Mascots are an easier way if you want to attract families and children to your brand. By inculcating mascots in your brand, you are bringing liveliness into the logo and henceforth attracting children. Many fast-food chains such as Popeyes, KFC, and Wendy’s make use of this to attract people and appealing them to buy from them. This makes use of the same theory where the kids’ toothpaste with superheroes’ pictures will be the first choice of every kid.
Combination marks and emblems
Combination marks could go with most of the brands. It is mostly the number one choice of the companies out there. They are unique and versatile in design.
Use emblems when you want to give a vintage touch to your brand. For example, most of the wine companies opt for this type of logo. Some automobile brands also choose emblems as their logotypes. Schools and organizations are most likely to choose emblems for their logos.
How to design a logo?
It is easier to create a logo if you have all the ingredients. Purpose, and creativity. Follow the simple guidelines given below to create the perfect logo that could define your company or brand.
Step 1: Identify the purpose of the logo: Firstly, have an idea about why you need a logo. Is it to attract the audience? Or create a brand identity? Or something else? This step is very important. If you do this properly it would be easier for you to select the logotype.
Step 2: List your brand values: List out the values your brand stands for. By adding these values to your logo, it could also create a specific brand identity for your company or brand. The logo should be able to reciprocate what your company stands for.
Step 3: Look out for inspiration: This step does not mean copying from your competitors. Just have a look at how they have designed their logos. This is to draw inspirations from and to get an understanding of what people are familiar with.
Step 4: Try different logo designs: You may not get everything right at the first moment. Keep trying out every logotype and experiment with different logotypes to get that perfect logo design.
Step 5: Set a mood board: It is important to have a color scheme chosen while designing a logo. Select the colors that match those of your brand’s identity.
Step 6: Choose the perfect font: Never go out of the box to choose a font that does not match the company’s identity. Design the font according to what your business is. Go over the board only if necessary.
Step 7: Finally design the logo: Arrange the logo elements accordingly to create the perfect design on the basis of the logo type you have chosen.
Your logo is good to go!
Beginner-friendly logo designing websites
Though there are many software applications like Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop where you can design logos, for beginners it is easier to do it on websites that are user-friendly. Below are some of the websites where you can design logos easily.
www.desinghill.com
Good Luck creating that appealing logo for your brand. If you have any doubts about designing a logo, feel free to comment down below.
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