Skip to main content
Logo Design

9 Different Types of Logos

By February 21, 2015July 28th, 2015No Comments3 min read

There are many different types of logos in the world of brandmarks. Likewise, there are plenty of styles and approaches to create a logo. Each kind of logo has its own strengths and weaknesses. The best approach to designing a logo, or choosing the most appropriate type of logo, will vary from one project and one business to the next.

Wordmark

In a wordmark or word mark, the brand name is set in a stylised font. A wordmark creates a clear and highly comprehensible identity which requires minimal sign reading. A wordmark by itself, has the ability to communicate its brand name.

different types of logos wordmark

Lettermark

In a lettermark or letter mark, the letters or initials from the brand name are used to create the logo. A lettermark is usually used when brand names are too long to be represented by a wordmark. Lettermarks do not concisely communicate their brand names.

different types of logos lettermark

Iconic Symbol

An iconic symbol is used to represent the brand. The logo does not explicitly communicate its brand name, but it has the highest memorability compared to the different logo types. A long-term branding plan can associate the symbol to the brand name.

different types of logos iconic symbol

Illustrative Symbol

An illustrative symbol is used to represent the brand. It has the same strengths and weaknesses as an iconic symbol logo. An illustrative symbol is visually more attractive and entertaining, but it is not as memorable, compared with an iconic symbol.

different types of logos illustrative symbol

Mascot

A character/mascot is used to represent the brand. The mascot could be a person, an animal or even a robot. A mascot logo is usually used when a brand wishes to associate certain qualities or connotations of the character/mascot to itself.

different types of logos mascot

Combination Mark

A combination mark has the best of both worlds. The brand name and symbol/mascot are used to create the logo. This makes it a good graphic device to communicate the brand name and draw association between the symbol/mascot and the brand name.

different types of logos combination mark

Emblem

The brand name and symbol/mascot are enveloped by a graphical element or shape. Being laden with an extra graphical element or shape, it is usually less memorable. On the other hand, this approach makes an emblem logo more prominent.

different types of logos emblem

Web 2.0

A web 2.0 logo inherits trends (e.g. gradients and rounded corners) from the internet. Web 2.0 represents World Wide Web sites that use technology beyond the static pages of earlier Web sites. A logo that follows trends will not withstand the test of time.

different types of logos web 2

Dynamic

A dynamic logo changes appearance (e.g. colour, shape or wording) based on the context it is to be used in. Though dynamic logos appear different in separate settings, they always maintain a concrete part of the brand’s DNA while populating the fluid nature of the identity.

different types of logos dynamic