A logo is one of the most important elements of a brand’s identity. It serves as the first impression and represents the values, mission, and personality of a business. However, only knowing the definition of a logo is not enough. You need to know the types as well.
Different brands require different logo styles to best reflect their unique qualities.
In this blog, we’ll explore the various types of logos and help you decide which style best fits your brand. Keep reading!
Types of Logo
Depending on the vision, value, and ideology of different brands, there are various logo types available. Here are all the common types of logos you can consider.
-
Wordmark
-
Lettermark
-
Brandmark
-
Combination
-
Abstract
-
Negative Space
-
Emblem
-
Mascot
-
Letterform
-
Dynamic
1. Wordmark Logos
If you want to make your brand name unforgettable, a wordmark logo is just what you need! This logo style focuses solely on your company name. It’s great for businesses aiming to spread their name widely, like Coca-Cola or Google.
A wordmark logo is all about visibility. To make this type of logo, you can start by writing out the brand name and experimenting with different fonts, colors, and spacing until it feels just right. It’s a simple yet powerful way to boost brand recognition.
However, you have to make sure not to make the font too complicated so that it is hard to pronounce the name.
When to Use It?
A wordmark logo is very common and can be especially used when,
-
The company has a catchy or unique name that stands out.
-
The brand is new and needs strong recognition to build familiarity.
-
The company wants a clean, straightforward logo that puts its name front and center.
-
The goal is to make the brand name memorable without adding any extra symbols or icons.
2. Lettermark Logos
Lettermark Logos which are also known as monogram logos, focus on a brand’s initials rather than the full name. By using just one or a few letters, this logo style offers simplicity and makes it perfect for minimalist branding.
Well-known examples of lettermark logos include IBM, HBO, and NASA, where the initials alone represent the brand powerfully.
When to Use It?
You can use a lettermark logo in the following situations.
-
If your brand name is lengthy or challenging to pronounce, initials make it easier for people to remember and recognize.
-
For brands reaching global audiences, initials can help avoid language barriers and simplify the logo for universal appeal.
-
Lettermark logos have a clean, polished appearance which makes them ideal for businesses that want to convey professionalism and sophistication, like law firms.
-
If you already have a wordmark logo but need a compact version for smaller spaces, a lettermark logo is a practical option for consistency across platforms.
If you have a start-up company, you need to be very cautious while using this logo.
3. Brandmark Logos
Brandmark logos, also known as symbol or icon logos, rely on a graphic or visual symbol to represent the brand without using any text. These logos are often simple yet powerful and convey a brand’s identity through an image that captures its essence.
This symbol can be a real object, like the logo of Apple. It can also be a particular shape like the swoosh logo of Nike.
When to Use It?
The brand mark logo can be used in the following situations.
-
For companies that have already built a strong brand presence, a brand mark logo can serve as a concise representation of the brand.
-
For international brands, a symbol can transcend language barriers and communicate to a global audience without words.
-
If your brand has a distinctive visual element that can easily be recognized, a brand mark logo is a great way to create an instantly recognizable image. For example, Apple Inc.
It may not be an ideal choice for start-ups or new brands as people can’t recognize it and can’t remember the brand name.
4. Combination Logos
Combination logos are designs that combine text and an image or symbol to represent your brand. These logos are popular because they effectively communicate both the brand's name and its identity in a single, memorable design.
For example, a combination logo might include a company's name written in a unique font along with a related image, like Pizza Hut or Burger King. This type of logo helps make a brand instantly recognizable.
When to Use It?
The combination logo is a versatile logo that works for almost all brands. Here are some situations when it suits the best.
-
For start-ups or new brands, a combination logo is the best choice. It will help customers to remember both the name of the brand and the icon.
-
For brands that target customers who struggle to remember icons separately, for example elderly, a combination logo can be a good choice to help them remember.
-
For companies in industries with lots of competition, combination logos make it easier to stand out.
Combination logos can be split into just the icon or the text for different uses, giving you flexibility in branding across different media.
5. Abstract Logos
An abstract logo is a design that uses shapes, symbols, or forms rather than literal images to represent a brand. Those shapes and designs do not necessarily mean a literal thing, unlike traditional logos, which might show a recognizable object like a tree or house.
Abstract logos use unique shapes or patterns to evoke ideas, emotions, or qualities associated with the brand. For example, the two overlapping circles in the Mastercard create a simple, abstract logo that symbolizes cooperation and unity.
When to Use It?
Here are the best situations to use an abstract logo.
-
For well-established companies looking to refine their image or add a modern, iconic element.
-
When the brand has a complicated or long name, and a simpler visual symbol aids recognition
-
When the company needs flexible branding to accommodate multiple products or services under one identity.
-
To convey ideas or emotions (e.g., innovation, unity, strength) without a literal representation.
-
For international brands where language barriers exist, the logo needs to communicate universally across diverse markets.
6. Negative Space Logos
A negative space logo is a design that cleverly uses the empty space around and within an image to create a hidden shape or meaning.
For example, the FedEx logo has an arrow hidden in the negative space between the "E" and "X," symbolizing speed and precision.
When to Use It?
This creative logo design can be used for the following situations.
-
Use for creativity and clever design elements.
-
Ideal for a minimalist and impactful look.
-
Perfect for hiding meaningful symbols subtly.
-
Helps your logo stand out and be memorable.
7. Emblem Logos
An emblem logo is a design where text, symbols, or icons are enclosed within a shape, like a shield, badge, or circle. This style of logo is classic, often evoking a sense of tradition, authority, or heritage.
It is frequently used by universities, sports teams, government organizations, and brands that want a distinguished, established look.
The most popular example of an emblem logo is the Starbucks logo. Also, the Warner Bros. logo is an emblem featuring a shield design with the iconic "WB" letters inside.
When to Use It?
Here are the things you should remember when you want to use an emblem logo for your brand.
-
Use an emblem logo if you want to convey a sense of tradition, longevity, or heritage.
-
Choose an emblem when your brand name and design elements can be seamlessly combined into a unified shape.
-
Emblem logos work well for brands in formal, traditional, or prestigious industries.
-
Consider an emblem if your logo needs to tell a story or include symbolic details, as emblems provide space for unique imagery.
-
Be cautious with emblem logos for smaller applications, as intricate designs may lose clarity when scaled down.
-
Avoid emblems if your brand’s style is more modern and minimalist, as they may appear out of place.
-
Keep in mind that emblem logos often require professional design expertise and a larger budget due to their complexity.
8. Mascot Logos
If you want to present your brand in a fun and playful way, a mascot logo can be a good choice. A mascot logo features a character or mascot that represents the brand. This logo style often includes a cartoon-like character. It creates a friendly and approachable brand image.
Mascot logos are ideal for businesses wanting a fun connection with their audience. They make the brand feel more personal and relatable.
One of the most iconic examples of a mascot logo is the logo of KFC. The Colonel Sanders mascot represents the brand’s innovation and dedication to quality fried chicken.
When to Use It?
Here’s when to use a mascot logo.
-
When you want a friendly and approachable brand image.
-
If you want to create a strong, personal connection with your audience.
-
If your brand wants to target families, children, or young audiences.
-
When you want a memorable, unique character as the "face" of your brand.
-
If your brand values fun, warmth, or playfulness.
-
For businesses with a focus on storytelling, mascots can appear in different settings or poses.
-
When you want versatile marketing, mascots work well across ads, social media, and packaging.
9. Letterform Logo
A letterform logo uses a single letter from the brand’s name as the main design, like McDonald’s "M" or Honda’s "H."
People often confuse it with a lettermark logo. The main difference between these two is that a lettermark logo uses several letters, often initials, to represent the brand, like IBM, NASA, or CNN, where the letterform uses only one letter.
When to Use It?
Letterform logos can be used in different situations, as given below.
-
When your brand name is long, a single letter can represent it simply.
-
For brands aiming for a clean, minimalist look that’s easy to remember.
-
If you need a logo that scales well on small platforms, like app icons.
-
When you want a strong, bold icon that stands out in various uses.
-
Ideal for companies seeking a timeless design that’s instantly recognizable.
10. Dynamic Logo
A dynamic logo is a flexible logo that changes its appearance depending on context, platform, or time. It can alter colors, shapes, or other elements while maintaining brand identity.
This flexibility allows the logo to stay fresh and adaptable and capture different audiences and situations. For example, the Google logo changes for holidays or special events but still retains its recognizable elements.
Dynamic logos are ideal for brands that want to show creativity and engage with their audience in a unique way.
When to Use It?
You can use a dynamic logo in the following situations.
-
You want your brand to appear fresh and adaptable across different platforms or seasons.
-
Your brand targets a younger, more engaged audience that values creativity and innovation.
-
You need flexibility in your logo design for special events, promotions, or holidays.
-
Your brand thrives on staying relevant and reflecting changing trends or emotions.
-
You want to create an interactive experience and make the logo more engaging for viewers.
Things To Keep In Mind While Designing A Logo
The logo is an important part of your brand as it helps customers to recognize you. You have to be very careful while designing the logo of your brand. Here is what you should keep in mind.
Here are key things to keep in mind while designing a logo.
-
Keep the design clean and easily recognizable. Avoid clutter.
-
Create a design that’s easy to remember and stands out.
-
Ensure the logo reflects your brand’s values, industry, and target audience.
-
Design a logo that looks great at any size, from billboards to social media icons.
-
Make sure the logo works in black and white, color, and various media.
-
Aim for a design that remains relevant and doesn’t follow fleeting trends.
-
Ensure your logo is distinct and not easily confused with others in your industry.
Can You Make Your Own Logo?
Yes, you can make your own logo. Making your own brand logo is a great way to create a unique and personal brand identity that reflects your business. It allows you to have full control over the design process and ensures your logo aligns with your brand’s values, style, and target audience. Plus, for a new business or start-up, it's a great cost-saving option.
There are many AI logo generators that will help you create your own logo without any difficulties. Dorik’s AI Image Generator is one of them. It simplifies the design process. With Dorik’s AI Image Generator, you can easily create logos in various shapes, such as square, portrait, or landscape formats.
Before you start designing, it’s important to think about your industry, brand message, and target audience. This will help guide your design choices. Once you have a clear vision, you can provide a prompt to the AI tool with detailed preferences like color, style, and tone.
After inputting your preferences, Dorik will generate several logo options based on your input. You can then review and refine these options and select the design that best represents your brand.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for a wordmark, emblem, mascot, or abstract design, the logo you select should reflect your brand’s values, personality, and industry. Take the time to carefully consider your brand’s goals and the message you want to convey.
A well-designed logo can make a lasting impression and set your business apart from the competition.
