What is logo? How many type of logo?
This article is about the graphic mark or emblem.A logo is a graphic mark, emblem, or symbol used to aid and promote public identification and recognition. It may be of an abstract or figurative design or include the text of the name it represents as in a word mark.
In the days of hot metal typesetting, a logotype was one word cast as a single piece of type (e.g. "The" in ATF Garamond), as opposed to a ligature, which is two or more letters joined, but not forming a word.[5] By extension, the term was also used for a uniquely set and arranged typeface or colophon. At the level of mass communication and in common usage, a company's logo is today often synonymous with its trademark or brand.
There are 7 types of logo designs. But which type of logo is right for you?
Logos are a part of everyday life. You see them on your fridge when you make breakfast, on your car when you drive to work, on your computer when you sit down at your desk.Let’s look at each kind of logo out there to help determine what logo is the best fit for your brand
1. Emblems : Emblems are just about the oldest form of logo. Also known as seals or crests, people have been using them since at least the middle ages, if not before.An emblem is the type of logo that includes text inside of a symbol. It’s a classic look that gives your logo a traditional quality. That’s why you’ll often see them used by schools and government agencies — they make everything feel nice and official.
Why should you choose an emblem?
- Your brand wants to convey a sense of tradition and/or longevity.
- You are looking for your logo to convey a sense of gravitas
2. Logotypes : Also known as a “word mark,” logotypes are logos which are built entirely of the word or words that make up the company’s name. The main focus here is typography, obviously. This style of logo strongly ties a brand’s visual identity to the name of the company.
Why should you choose a logotype?
- You’re a new company that wants to get your name out there.
- Your brand has a short name that won’t feel overwhelming when plastered everywhere as a logo.
- Your name is your brand (e.g. you’re a photographer). Logotypes help reinforce the tie between visual memory and name recognition.
3. Monogram logos : Monograms aren’t just for towels anymore! Whether it’s because the initials make a cool word, like TASER, or the name is just ungainly, like Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (more commonly known as 3M), it’s easy to think of reasons why your company would go by its initialism or acronym.Again, the typography and font are key with monograms (also known as lettermarks). You can get even more creative with the styling of the letters, since legibility is less of an issue than with logotypes. The fewer letters there are, the less likely someone will read them incorrectly. Many fashion brands use the monogram logo (think Louis Vuitton, Chanel, or Gucci) and it is an immediately recognizable symbol of their brand.
Why should you choose a monogram?
- You want the tie between your name and visual identity, but have a really long name.
- You work in an industry where shortening your name to initials is common (looking at you, law firms!)

Why should you choose a pictorial mark?
- Your brand name lends itself to be being drawn literally. The Apple logo, for example, is a clear example of a brand name being drawn literally. It makes more sense for their brand to use a pictorial mark than a word mark or emblem.
- You want to create a sense of brand personality with an image that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to with just your name.

Why should you choose an abstract mark?
- You want a pictorial element to your logo, but want to create a more serious tone than most literal pictorial logos create.
- You want something truly unique.
6. Mascots : A mascot is different than the above pictures and symbols in that it’s a drawing of a particular person (or, at least, an anthropomorphize character). As human beings, we’re visually attracted to seeing another human face (again, even if it’s “really” the face of a cutesy cartoon character). A mascot ties that positive feeling to your logo and brand.
Why should you choose a mascot?
- You want to appeal to families or children.
- Your brand thrives on being fun, friendly and upbeat.
- You want something flexible that can grow with your company and be used in diverse ways.
7. Combination marks : Not everything in the world is black and white. You don’t have to choose just one type of logo. You can combine any or all of the above ideas.You can combine a mascot with a word mark, or embed your monogram into an abstract logo. A brand mark can be supported by a logotype, and both aspects of the brand can be separated and used for different scenarios.
- You want the best of several worlds.
- You want a future-proof logo that can adapt and change with your business.
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