You’ve probably seen thousands of logos in your lifetime, and if you’ve been following this blog, you’ve read about them, from the familiar swoosh of Nike to the iconic apple of Apple Inc. But have you ever stopped to think about the different types of logos and how they’re used?

Your logo is one of the most important aspects of your brand identity. It’s the first thing potential customers will see, and it can make a big difference in how they perceive your business. That’s why it’s important to choose the right type of logo for your business. A type of logo that is both visually appealing and effective at communicating your brand message.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the seven most common types of logos and how they can be used effectively to create a strong brand identity. We’ll also provide some examples of well-known logos that fall into each category.

Wordmark (or Logotype):
Wordmark logos, also known as logotypes, are text-based logos that use the company name as the main design element. Examples include Coca-Cola, Google, Visa, and Disney.
Wordmark logos are a good choice for businesses with short, memorable names. They are also versatile and can be used on a variety of marketing materials, from websites to business cards.

Lettermark (or Monogram):
Lettermark logos, also known as monogram logos, are text-based logos that use the company’s initials as the main design element. Examples include IBM, CNN, and ESPN
Lettermark logos are a good choice for businesses with long or complicated names. They are also a good choice for businesses that want to create a modern and sophisticated look.

Abstract logos:
An abstract logo is a non-representational logo that uses shapes, colors, and patterns to create a unique and memorable image. Abstract logos can be more difficult to understand than other types of logos, but they can also be more creative and distinctive. Examples include Nike, Spotify, and Adidas.
Abstract logos are a good choice for businesses that want to create a unique and distinctive brand identity. They are also a good choice for businesses that want to convey a sense of creativity or innovation.

Pictorial logos (or Symbol logos):
Pictorial logos, also known as brand marks or logo symbols, are logos that use an icon or graphic to represent the company, Pictorial logos are similar to Abstract logos except they simply represent something we can recognize and it’s not an abstract design. For instance the Twitter bird, Apple, and Shell.
Pictorial logos are a good choice for businesses that want to create a visually appealing and memorable logo. They are also a good choice for businesses that want to communicate their products or services in a simple and direct way.

Mascot logos:
Mascot logos are logos that use an illustrated character to represent the company. Mostly used by sports and food brands, they are often colorful and fun to look at. Best examples of mascot logos include KFC, Kool-Aid, and Mr. Peanut.
Mascot logos are a good choice for businesses that want to create a fun and friendly brand identity. They are also a good choice for businesses that want to appeal to children or families.

Combination logos:
Combination logos are logos that combine a text-based element with a graphic element. Examples include Burger King, Doritos, and Lacoste.
Combination logos are a good choice for businesses that want to combine the benefits of both wordmark and pictorial logos. They are versatile and can be used on a variety of marketing materials.

Emblem logos (or Badge logos):
 An emblem logo is a type of combination logo that uses a text element enclosed within a graphic element. Emblem logos are often used by universities and other organizations. Examples include Harvard University, Starbucks, and Harley-Davidson.
Emblem logos are a good choice for businesses that want to create a classic and traditional brand identity. They are also a good choice for businesses that want to communicate a sense of stability and security.

Now that you know about the different types of logos and how they can be used effectively, it’s time to start thinking about your own brand identity. What type of logo would best represent your business and its values? What kind of impression do you want to make on your customers?

Once you have a good understanding of your brand identity, you can start to brainstorm logo ideas. It’s important to be creative and come up with a logo that is both unique and memorable. But it’s also important to make sure that your logo is professional and appropriate for your target audience.

If you’re not sure where to start, you may want to consider working with a professional logo design agency like Nymy Media. We can help you to create a logo that is both visually appealing and effective at communicating your brand message.

Blog post by Isaac Odwako (On behalf of Nymy Media)