Logo Design

LOGOTYPES / INITIALS / SYMBOLS / COMBINATIONS

There are some different ways to approach designing effective logos. Each approach focuses on creating a unique image to represent the client.

1. Logotypes (wordmarks)

A logotype, or wordmark consists of the company or product name depicted in a unique style. Strategies for creating unique or original designs might include:

  • expressive typography—type forms which have been altered or manipulated to create visual interest or impact.
  • unique letterforms—hand-lettered or drawn characters.
  • accents—symbols or images incorporated in a logotype.


 

These letterforms have been redrawn to represent a circuit board.


 

The "R" has been manipulated to become part of a symbol.

The letterforms have been altered and given accents to symbolize pillars.

Letterforms have been redrawn and given accents to suggest "water".

This logo contains a symbol which illustrates the word..

LOGOTYPES / INITIALS / SYMBOLS / COMINATIONS / TOP

2. Symbols

A symbol logo is a strong, simple image which represents a company or product. For symbols to be effective as logos, they should:

  • be easily and quickly recognizable.
  • be memorable.
  • be designed in one color without tints.
  • remain clear when reproduced in small sizes.

Symbols can be pictorial: containing an image or images which represent objects, or abstract: non-representational images which represent the company or product.

 

This group of symbols are composed of simple, easily recognizable shapes.

 

 

 

This logo uses common symbols which universally recognizable.

LOGOTYPES / INITIALS / SYMBOLS / COMINATIONS / TOP

 

3. Initials

Logo designs based on company initials help the audience remember the company name. In order to be a memorable, initial logos are made distinct or unique by:

  • incorporating a symbol.
  • using a visual analogy.
  • being redrawn or altered in a meaningful way.

 

 

This logo incorporates a symbol which represents something about the business. Since it replaces a part of the letterform, it becomes a visual analogy.

 

 

 

In this logo, the letterform has been redrawn to represent a lowercse "g" as well as a cap "S".

LOGOTYPES / INITIALS / SYMBOLS / COMINATIONS / TOP

 

4. Combinations

Logos which combine the strategies listed above can contain more depth of meaning and be more memorable.

The "l"s have been replaced with a symbol in this unique logotype. Note how the baseline is cropped to suggest shallow water.