8 Types of Logos Commonly Used

When it comes to branding your business, designing a logo is one of the most important steps. A visually appealing logo can help your business stand out from the competition. It conveys your brand message and creates a lasting impression on your customers.

That’s why it’s crucial to partner with the best logo design company or design firms to create a professional and visually appealing design. A logo that encapsulates your brand identity and leaves a lasting impression.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss eight types of logos commonly used by the best logo companies to help you choose the best logo for your business.

Whether you’re starting a new business or rebranding an existing one, this post will help you understand the different types of logos available and make an informed decision about your logo design. So let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of logo design!

1. Wordmark Logo

   A wordmark logo is a type of logo that uses text only, without any symbols or graphics. It relies on typography, font choice, color, and spacing to create a recognizable brand mark.

   They are ideal for businesses with short names and can effectively communicate a brand name and message to customers.

   A well-designed wordmark logo can be memorable and iconic. If you’re looking to create a wordmark logo for your business, consider using this logo maker app for iPhone.

   Popular brands using wordmark logos:

   • Coca-Cola
   • Google
   • IBM
   • FedEx
   • Visa
   • Microsoft
   • Disney
   • Netflix

   Wordmark logos have endured over time.
   And remain a popular choice for businesses looking to create a solid and memorable brand identity through their logo design.

   Advantages:

   • Effectively communicates a brand name and message to customers.
   • Can convey the personality and tone of the brand through font and color choices.
   • Memorable and iconic when well-designed.
   • Timeless and classic choice for businesses that want to establish a strong brand name.

   Disadvantages:

   • Not suitable for businesses with longer names or complex brand messages.
   • Poorly designed wordmark logos can be difficult to read and may not effectively communicate the brand message.
   • Not suitable for businesses with longer names or complex brand messages
   • Poorly designed wordmark logos can be

2. Lettermark Logo

   A lettermark logo is a type of logo that uses a company’s initials or acronyms as the primary element. This type of logo relies on typography, font choice, and color to create a distinct and recognizable brand mark.

   The main advantage of a lettermark logo is that it can effectively communicate a brand name and message to customers using just a few letters.

   Since the logo relies solely on typography, it can convey the personality and tone of the brand through font and color choices.

   A well-designed lettermark logo can be memorable and iconic.
   Creating a memorable and recognizable brand for customers.

   Overall, a lettermark logo is a great option for businesses looking to create a strong brand identity using their initials or acronym. A lettermark logo can effectively convey a brand’s personality and values to customers with the right font and color choices.

   Popular brands using lettermark logos:

   • IBM
   • NASA
   • CNN
   • HP
   • HBO
   • EA (Electronic Arts)
   • H&M
   • AT&T

   Lettermark logos are a great option for businesses with long names or those looking to create a strong brand identity using their initials or acronym.

   They can effectively convey a brand’s personality and values to customers when well-designed

   Advantages:

   • Effectively communicates a brand name and message to customers using just a few letters.
   • Memorable and iconic when well-designed
   • A great option for businesses with long names or those looking to create a strong brand identity using their initials or acronym

   Disadvantages:

   • May not effectively convey the brand message or values, especially for businesses with complex messages or multiple services.
   • Poorly designed lettermark logos can be difficult to read and may not effectively communicate the brand name.

3. Pictorial Logo

   A pictorial logo is a type of logo that uses a graphic or symbol to represent a brand. These logos rely on visual imagery rather than text to communicate a brand message and establish brand recognition.

   Businesses often use pictorial logos to convey a sense of creativity, innovation, and playfulness.

   They are a great choice for businesses that want to create a strong visual identity and recognition.

   Popular brands using pictorial logos:

   • Apple
   • Nike
   • Twitter
   • Target
   • Playboy
   • Shell
   • Lacoste
   • Ferrari

   Pictorial logos are a great option for businesses looking to create a strong visual identity and recognition through the use of visual imagery. When well-designed, they can effectively convey a brand’s personality and values to customers.

   Advantages:

   • Easily recognizable and memorable.
   • Can effectively convey a brand message and personality without the use of text.
   • Timeless and classic design.

   Disadvantages:

   • May not effectively communicate a brand name, especially for businesses with longer names or complex brand messages.
   • Poorly designed pictorial logos can be difficult to understand or may not accurately represent the brand message or values.

4. Abstract Logo

   An abstract logo is a type of logo that uses abstract shapes, forms, and colors to represent a brand. These logos rely on creative and artistic expression to convey a brand message and establish brand recognition.

   Abstract logos are often used by businesses that want to convey a sense of creativity, innovation, and originality.

   Unlike pictorial logos, abstract logos do not represent any specific object or image.

   Instead, they use shapes and colors to create a unique and memorable design that represents a brand’s personality and values.

   Popular brands using abstract logos:

   • Pepsi
   • Adidas
   • Olympics
   • NBC
   • Mitsubishi
   • BP
   • Nike (partial abstract)
   • Toyota (partial abstract)

   Advantages:

   • Unique and creative design
   • Easily recognizable and memorable
   • Can effectively convey a brand message and personality in a unique and creative way
   • Timeless and classic design

   Disadvantages:

   • May not effectively communicate a brand name or message, especially for businesses with longer names or complex brand messages.
   • Poorly designed abstract logos can be difficult to understand or may not accurately represent the brand message or values.

5. Mascot logo

   A mascot logo is a type of logo that uses an illustrated character, often an animal or person, to represent a brand.

   These logos are often used by sports teams, schools, and businesses that want to create a memorable and engaging brand identity.

   Mascot logos are designed to convey a sense of fun, energy, and enthusiasm. They often feature bright colors, bold lines, and exaggerated features to create a memorable and engaging character.

   Popular brands using mascot logos:

   • KFC’s Colonel Sanders
   • Planters’ Mr. Peanut
   • Michelin’s Michelin Man
   • Pillsbury’s Poppin’ Fresh Doughboy
   • Geico’s Gecko
   • Energizer’s Bunny
   • Jolly Green Giant
   • McDonald’s Ronald McDonald
   • Pringles’ Julius Pringles
   • Tony the Tiger for Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes
   • Kool-Aid Man for Kool-Aid

   Mascot logos are a fantastic way for businesses to establish a memorable and inviting brand image by using an animated figure.

   When crafted skillfully, these logos can accurately communicate the spirit and beliefs of a company to its customers.

   Advantages:

   • Easily recognizable and memorable
   • Can create an emotional connection with customers
   • Versatile and can be used for a variety of branded products and merchandise
   • Can successfully communicate a company’s identity and ideals.
   • Can be utilized to draw in a particular intended audience.

   Disadvantages:

   • May not effectively communicate a brand name or message, especially for businesses with longer names or complex brand messages
   • Poorly designed mascot logos can be difficult to understand or may not accurately represent the brand message or values
   • Can be expensive to create and maintain
   • May not be suitable for all types of businesses or industries, as some may require a more professional or serious brand image.

6. Combination Logo

   A combination logo, as the name suggests, is a logo that combines two or more design elements, such as text and an image or icon.

   These logos often use a wordmark or lettermark logo combined with a pictorial or abstract logo to create a unique and memorable brand identity.

   Combination logos are commonly used by businesses to establish a strong brand identity that incorporates both the company name and a visual representation of the brand.

   Popular brands using combination logos:

   • Adidas
   • FedEx
   • Mastercard
   • Pepsi
   • Toyota

   By combining text and imagery, combination logos can effectively communicate the brand message and values, while also creating a visually appealing and memorable design.

   Advantages:

   • Combination logos can effectively communicate a brand’s name and message while also creating a visually appealing and memorable design.
   • They can create a unique and recognizable brand identity that sets them apart from the competition.
   • The combination of text and imagery allows for more flexibility in terms of how the logo can be used across different mediums and platforms.
   • They can help to establish a sense of professionalism and legitimacy for the brand.

   Disadvantages:

   • Combination logos can be more complex and difficult to design than simpler logo types like wordmarks or lettermarks.
   • The inclusion of both text and imagery can make the logo harder to read or recognize in smaller sizes.
   • If not executed properly, the combination of text and imagery can clash or become confusing.
   • Combination logos can be more expensive to produce and implement than simpler logo types.

7. Emblem Logo

   An emblem logo is a type of logo that incorporates text and imagery into a single design, typically in the form of a badge or seal.

   Unlike combination logos, the text and imagery in an emblem logo are often contained within a single shape or symbol, creating a unified and cohesive design.

   Emblem logos are historically associated with traditional and prestigious institutions, including universities, government agencies, and sports teams.

   These logos can create a sense of heritage and history for a brand, thanks to the badge or seal design.

   Emblem logos can also convey the impression of an established and reputable company.
   One notable characteristic of emblem logos is that they often feature intricate details and ornamental elements, which can make them more visually appealing and interesting to look at.

   Popular brands using emblem logos:

   • Starbucks
   • Harley-Davidson
   • NFL
   • BMW
   • Ferrari

   Advantages:

   • Emblem logos can convey a sense of tradition, prestige, and history.
   • These logos often have a classic, timeless feel that can be appealing to customers.
   • The badge or seal design of an emblem logo can help to create a strong and recognizable brand identity.

   Disadvantages:

   • The detailed design of an emblem logo can make it difficult to reproduce at smaller sizes or in certain media, such as embroidery or screen printing.
   • Emblem logos can sometimes feel too formal or old-fashioned for modern brands that want to convey a more innovative or playful image.
   • These logos may not be as versatile as simpler logo designs, making it harder to adapt to different marketing materials or brand extensions.

8. Dynamic Logo

   A dynamic logo is a type of logo that is designed to change and evolve, based on certain parameters or inputs.

   This type of logo can be used to create a more engaging and interactive brand identity, as the logo changes in response to user actions, environmental factors, or other variables.

   Dynamic logos can take on a variety of forms, depending on the specific parameters that are used to drive their behavior.

   Some examples of dynamic logos include:

   • Animated logos that change their appearance over time or in response to user interactions
   • Logos that change color based on the time of day or the weather conditions
   • Logos that adapt to different screen sizes and orientations, such as responsive logos that resize or reposition elements to fit different devices
   • Logos that incorporate user-generated content, such as social media posts or customer feedback.

   Dynamic logos can be a powerful tool for creating a more engaging and interactive brand experience, as they allow brands to connect with their audiences in new and innovative ways.

   However, they also require a significant investment of time and resources to develop and maintain, and may not be suitable for all types of brands or industries.

   Popular brands using dynamic logos:

   • Google
   • Airbnb
   • Coca-Cola
   • Nike
   • MTV

   These brands use dynamic logos to create more engaging and interactive experiences for their audiences and to stay relevant and fresh in an ever-changing marketplace.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right type of logo for your business is crucial in building brand recognition and loyalty.

Each type of logo has its unique advantages and disadvantages, and businesses should carefully consider their options before making a decision.

Wordmark, lettermark, pictorial, abstract, mascot, combination, emblem, and dynamic logos each have specific use cases and can effectively communicate a brand’s identity.

The key is to select a logo that aligns with your brand’s values, goals, and target audience.