Are you trying to capture your audience’s attention as a new venture? Or do you feel that your visual branding needs redesigning as an established brand? In either of these cases, this blog is your handbook to learn about different logo designs and mistakes to dodge.
Your company’s logo is not just a small design detail. It is a consequential asset. It shows up everywhere, like your website, social media handles, packaging, invoices, proposals, or even badges and t-shirts.
Therefore, you must choose the right logo type to present your organization as a credible authority and boost your brand identity.
Different Types of Logos and Their Messages
When it comes to selecting the best logo design Singapore, you should look for agencies that have the expertise and talent to design. But first, you need to assess various types of logos and which one would be the perfect choice for you:
Wordmark Logos
If your brand name is short and you want it to have its own identity, then wordmark logos are for you. This design is the classiest yet cleanest form of logo types.
It typically incorporates your business name, along with a suitable typeface and color palette. Only one color remains throughout the design, so you need to pick a color carefully that represents your brand in the long run.
All businesses can benefit from this design, including serious sectors like finance as well as emerging ones like entertainment.
Think of Facebook, Disney, FedEx, etc. When you think of these companies, your brain already forms their logos in your head.
Letter Mark Logos
Some companies prefer to use their initials in their logo designs. With the mix of initials, typography, and colors, this is another easy way to make your brand name memorable.
This design is suitable for businesses with lengthy or complicated names. For instance, think of Louis Vuitton, HP, Chanel, and more. Besides high-end fashion and tech companies, law firms and governmental organizations can also use these logos.
Symbol Logos
A symbol logo, also known as the pictorial logo, refers to using an icon, symbol, or unique imagery in your logo. The image could be a defined or abstract shape.
Think of big companies like Apple, Nike, McDonald’s, Toyota, and others. What is common in all of them? These are highly popular and established companies that need no introduction.
So, if you are running a business that already has a name in the market, then you could go with this type. As for small businesses or lesser-known brands, this option may not be suitable.
Combination Logos
Combination logos, as the name suggests, merge two types of logos, which are letter mark and pictorial logos. This is a common way of designing your logo and is befitting for both large and small organizations.
For this type, you could use your brand’s initials alongside an icon that complements them. Famous examples include Burger King, Adidas, Pepsi, and others. This design is also a perfect choice for businesses with simple names to elevate their appeal to the audience.
Emblem Logos
This is a traditional way of designing your logo. In this design, you can insert the initials or name of your business within a shape, such as a circle, square, or triangle. Then, you can use different design elements to create an emblem look for the logo.
The most memorable examples include WARNER BROS, NASA, Harvard, and many more. If your company is from a traditional industry such as manufacturing, education, agriculture, energy, mining, or transportation, then this is the ideal logo type for you.
Your Industry Influences Your Logo Choice
Although you have creative freedom when it comes to your logo or business cards designs, there could be some limitations. Not every logo type is appropriate for the industry the company belongs to.
For instance, if you own a law firm, then a cartoonish pictorial logo would not fit into the industry standards. It is one thing to play with colors and designs. Your design should represent your company and its industry together, not deviate from it.
However, if your organization belongs to a high-spirited industry such as technology, e-commerce, or fashion, that gives you more room for experimentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Logo Type
Many new and old businesses make mistakes when they design their logo. The most common error is hopping on a trend too quickly.
Your audience can always tell the difference between building, redesigning, or differing from your brand identity. In 2010, Gap, a well-known clothing and accessories brand, redesigned its iconic dark-blue, square-shaped logo into a smaller, plain box with Gap written in Helvetica.
The consumers felt distant from this branding, and the company received immense backlash for its new logo. This forced Gap to change its logo back to the original one.
So yes, you can follow trends to stay relevant, but those trends should align with your brand values. Hence, do not just jump on the bandwagon for the sake of it.
Another common mistake many brands make is overcomplicating their designs. If there are too many elements or if the logo is too vague for your business, then that is not the logo for you.
Strategically play with colors, fonts, and designs. Test different logo types to see which one fits with your business. It should be memorable, easy to read, and showcase who you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which logo type is best for a new business?
Combination and wordmark logos work best for new businesses since they help establish brand recognition while offering visual appeal.
Can a business change its logo later?
Yes, but instead of implementing complete changes, businesses should gradually adapt them.
Should my logo work in black and white?
Yes, a black and white logo will still be effective while providing versatility.
Choosing a Logo Type That Supports Brand Growth
It is easy to get distracted by beautifully designed logos and utilize them for your business. But if you want your logo to be versatile, sustainable, and recognizable, then plan your logo design carefully.
You can hire a designer or make one yourself through free templates available on various platforms. So what are you waiting for? Start building your brand now!
