A great logo is essential for a successful brand.

There are many design styles to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll explore 8 types of logos, providing expert advice to help you select the ideal design for your business. From classic emblems to modern abstract marks, we’ll cover it all.

The ideal logo type for a business depends on several key factors:

• Brand Identity: What does your brand stand for? Is it playful, serious, traditional, or modern?
• Target Audience: Who are you trying to reach? What are their preferences and expectations?
• Overall Messaging: What message do you want to convey? What are your core values and benefits?

Here are some additional considerations:

• Versatility: The logo should be adaptable to various sizes and formats without losing its impact.
• Memorability: It should be easy to remember and recognize.
• Timelessness: A classic design can stand the test of time.
• Relevance: The logo should be relevant to your industry and business.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a logo that effectively represents your brand and resonates with your target audience.

Here are 8 types of logos:

Monogram (or Lettermark)

These logos consist of the initials or first letters of a company’s name, often in a stylized or interconnected form. Examples include EA (Electronic Arts Inc., IBM (International Business Machines Corporation), HP (Hewlett-Packard), and New York Yankees (NY).

Wordmark (or Logotype)

This type of logo focuses solely on the company’s name, using typography to create a unique and memorable design. Examples include Coca-Cola, Google, Intel, and Disney.

Pictorial Mark (or Brand Mark)

This logo is a graphic or symbol that represents the company or its products. Most easily-recognized pictorial logos started out in a “lockup” with a wordmark company name. Over time, through repeated exposure, the symbol itself became associated with the brand. The symbol can now be used on its own, separated from the company name. Examples include Apple (the apple), McDonald’s (the golden “M” arches), Nike (the swoosh), and Girl Scouts (the 3 girls).

Abstract Mark

These logos are abstract shapes or designs that evoke certain feelings or ideas associated with the company. Examples include Mastercard (2 overlapping circles), Mercedes-Benz (the three-pointed star), Spotify (3 curved lines in a circle) and Target (one red dot surrounded by a circle.

Mascot

A mascot logo features a cartoon character or animal that represents the company or its products. Examples include Buccee’s (Beaver), Mickey Mouse (Disney). Smokey the Bear (US Dept of Agriculture Forest Service), and the Siren, (Starbucks).

Combination Mark

This type of logo combines a wordmark with a pictorial mark, creating a balanced and memorable design. Examples include Adidas (three stripes mountain and the word), KFC (Colonel Sanders and the lettermark), Target (the target symbol and word), and Wendy’s (the young red-headed girl in pig tails and the word).

Emblem

An emblem logo is enclosed within a shape, often a shield or a circle. Examples include Ford (word in an oval shield), Harley-Davidson (words within a shield), NFL (lettermark, football, and stars withing shield) and Warner Bros. Studios (Lettermark in a shield and words on an ribbon).

Dynamic Mark

These logos are designed to move or change, responsive (scale down), animated or interactive. Examples include the Disney logo on a website that changes logos according to width of an electronic device, Nike from specific product to a swoosh, and Chanel logo that makes a large presence to a smaller logo for small items.

Which type of logo is best for your business depends on your brand identity, target audience, and overall messaging.

Need help identifying the perfect logo for your business? Our blog post breaks down the eight most common logo design types, offering insights to help you choose the ideal style. From classic emblems to modern abstract marks, at Lightning Bilt we’ve got you covered.

Written by Ben Raigoza at Lightning Bilt.

Ready to start your design journey? Contact us today for a consultation.