7 Types of Logos & How to Use Different Logo Styles with Examples

To understand how important the role of logo design is in representing and promoting a business, it is enough to mention that 75% of people recognize a brand by its logo. This key element of visual identity helps attract an audience, shape the company’s image, differentiate it from competitors, improve customer loyalty, and more. Today, it is impossible to imagine a successful brand without an effective logo.

What makes a logo design great?

Well, a logo isn’t just a nice-looking image, but an embodiment of a brand’s identity and values. An effective logo has five qualities:

• Simple: Simple logos are easy to recognize and concisely highlight a brand’s personality without all the extra fluff.
• Memorable: A great logo creates a connection with its audience from the moment someone sees it.
• Timeless: The best logos are those that are timeless because they remain relevant over time.
• Versatile: Logo variations ensure your brand can be easily recognized when scaled or shrunk down.
• Relevant: Logos need to be relevant so that they create a connection with their target audience.

In this article, we’ll look at the most popular types of logos and share tips on how to choose the best option for your business.

7 Different Types of Logos Used in Brand Design

1. Text logos or wordmarks

Wordmarks contain lettering (most often brand names) designed using corporate fonts and colors. Examples of wordmark logos include Google, Facebook, and Coca-Cola. The undoubted advantage of this type of logo design is its clarity and recognizability. They work great for brands that want to build a name that is recognizable, particularly for brands with short names.

2. Letterforms or Monogram logos

Letterform logos are quite similar to wordmark logos, only they use one letter or a few letters to symbolize your brand. This type of logo is also based on typography, but it’s a shortened version — an abbreviation or a monogram representing a company’s name (for example, HBO or IBM). Letterform logos work best for a brand that needs to build a distinctive, striking mark.

3. Pictorial mark (Brandmarks)

A pictorial mark, also called a brandmark, is a graphics-based logo design. When you think "logo," it's likely what comes to mind. For instance, without seeing the name "Apple," you could see the pictorial logo of an Apple and know it's an Apple computer product. Brandmarks are simple but strong logos that tie a specific icon that's relevant to your brand name.

4. Abstract logos

Abstract logos are similar to brandmarks; however, instead of using a literal icon or object relevant to your brand, abstract logos use a unique symbol created exclusively for the brand. Great inspirations for successful abstract logos include OpenAI, Spotify and Airbnb. They are ideal for brands that want to establish a distinctive and memorable visual identity.

5. Mascot logos

A mascot logo is a character or creature that represents the brand. These logos often feature a soft, friendlier feeling. Mascot logos examples are: Tony the Tiger (Frosted Flakes), the Kool-Aid Man (Kool-Aid), and the Aflac Duck (Aflac). Mascots logos are ideal for brands looking to foster a playful, friendly perception.

6. Combination mark logos

A combination mark logo is one that combines a symbol or icon with text. These logos represent the best of both worlds, where brands have the liberty to deliver their message with the help of both imagery and letters. Examples include Burger King, Pepsi, and Domino's Pizza. These are more versatile and suit brands looking to strengthen their branding.

7. Emblem logos

Emblem logos include a meaning or icon surrounded by text. An emblem logo tends to look most traditional, resembling a stamp, badge, or seal. Examples of emblem logos include Starbucks, Harley-Davidson, and the NFL. If you want your brand to have a sense of history and heritage, an emblem logo might be a good choice.

Summary Table of Logo Types and Examples

Choosing a brand design that works best for your business can seem overwhelming, but a well-designed logo is the best thing that can help you shape a strong brand. Modern graphic designers have dozens of ways to update or create unique logos taking into account current trends, such as minimalistic design and digital adaptability.