Logo Basics and Types

Why logos are important

A logo is a symbol or design that represents a company or organization. Logos are important for several reasons:

1. Brand recognition: A well-designed logo is easily recognizable and helps to establish a strong brand identity.

2. Professional image: A professional-looking logo can give a company or organization a sense of credibility and trustworthiness.

3. Marketing: Logos are often used in marketing and advertising materials, including websites, business cards, and brochures, to help build brand awareness and attract customers.

4. Memorability: A simple and unique logo can help people remember a company or organization more easily.

5. Uniqueness: A logo helps to differentiate a business or organization from its competitors.

Overall, a logo is a visual representation of a company or organization and it helps to establish a strong brand identity, building trust, and recognition amongst customers.

Types of Logos

There are several different types of logos, each with their own characteristics and uses. Some common types of logos include:

1. Symbol/Iconic: This type of logo uses a symbol or icon to represent a company or organization. Examples include the apple for Apple Inc, or the golden arches of McDonald's.

2. Wordmark/logotype: This type of logo uses the company or organization's name in a unique or stylized font to create a recognizable design. Examples include Coca-Cola and Google.

3. Combination mark: This type of logo combines a symbol or icon with the company or organization's name. Examples include Pepsi and Adidas.

4. Monogram: This type of logo uses a company or organization's initials to create a recognizable design. Examples include HBO and NASA.

5. Emblems: This type of logo uses a symbol or icon inside a shape like a badge or seal. Examples include Harley-Davidson and National Basketball Association (NBA)

6. Abstract marks: This type of logo uses an abstract shape or symbol to represent the company or organization. Examples include BP and Shell

7. Pictorial marks: This type of logo uses an illustration or image to represent the company or organization. Examples include Twitter's bird, and LinkedIn's In

It's worth noting that many logos can be a combination of different types, and the best logos are often those that are simple, unique, and easily recognizable.

Suggested Logo Suite

For best branding practice, we suggest considering the following, when ordering a logo:

1. Main logo: for use in any design application, especially large design applications
2. Logo seal: for use in smaller design applications, such as social media posts, or where your brand mark does not need to be as conspicuous
3. Multiple colors: At least two color versions of each of the above, providing versatility for applications with dark or light backgrounds

Overall, a logo can give a company a competitive edge by creating a strong, recognizable brand identity that sets it apart from its competitors and helps to attract and retain customers.