Logo Design 101 · Logo Design 102 · Logo Design 103
Logo design basics
Your logo will convey your brand message everywhere, so it’s important to get it right.
What are the basics you need to know to start your logo design process?
Whether you design a logo yourself or hire a logo designer, the first steps are understanding:
- What are the basic elements of a logo
- The types of logo design and which one is suitable for your brand identity
What are the basic elements of a logo?
A properly designed logo should include:
The logo itself
- a graphic, text, or a combination thereof
A logomark
- an abbreviated element of your logo which is used, for example:
- in your website’s favicon (icon in the browser bar)
- as a social media avatar
- on marketing promotional material such as apparel, bags, mugs, water bottles, and the like.
What are different types of logo styles, and which should you consider?
It’s important to identify exactly what type of logo style is best suited to your brand. As outlined by Marketsplash, there are various types of logo styles and designs:
Wordmark logo
A Wordmark logo design incorporates the business name as the dominant element. For example:
- Microsoft
- AT&T
- Amazon
- Walmart
Pictorial logo
A Pictorial logo uses a creative image or symbol with which your customer base can easily identify. For example:
- Shell
- McDonald’s
- Apple
- Motorola
- Sony Vaio
Lettermark logo
A Lettermark logo (or also referred to as a Monogram logo) is represented by an abbreviated version of a company’s name. For example:
- IBM
- Hewlett-Packard
- Proctor & Gamble
- Volkswagon
- New York Yankees
Abstract logo
Similar to the Pictorial logo, Abstract logo design also uses an image. For example:
- Mitsubishi
- Pepsi
- MasterCard
- Wikipedia
Wrapping Up
Together, an effective logo and logomark serve as graphical symbols by which your audience can quickly and easily identify your business, products, services, and brand. Created successfully, they fulfill they communicate your brand for any marketing strategy whether it be online (web, social media) or offline (print, apparel, signage).
Get a Free Review of Your Logo
If you’re struggling with your logo, your business brand, or not converting potential customers into sales, Fat Cat Design can provide you with a complimentary 30-minute logo review and audit.
Free Logo Review