A logo is a key part of your brand’s identity—it’s often the first thing people notice and one of the main reasons they’ll remember you. We have gathered 7 types of logos every new brand should know to find the right fit and make a strong visual impact from day one.
Key Takeaways
There are 7 different types of logos you should know to keep your brand standing out in a competitive market. Here they are.
Emblem logos combine text and imagery inside a defined shape like a badge, shield, or crest. They often have a classic, formal look that suggests tradition, authority, and heritage. Well-known examples include the NFL, Superman, Warner Bros., and Stella Artois.
However, keep in mind that their intricate design can become hard to read or recognise when scaled down. If your brand relies heavily on digital platforms, social media, or mobile-friendly design, this type is worth considering.
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There are various types of logo, and logotype is one of the most famous. A wordmark logo, also known as a logotype, is a simple yet effective logo style that uses only the company’s name as its design. It’s a popular choice for brands with short, memorable names, and it can be arranged in a single line or stacked.
This type of logo is especially effective in today’s digital world, where clean and adaptable designs are key. Brands like Coca-Cola, Disney, eBay, L’Oréal, FedEx, and Sony use this logotype to create a strong and recognizable identity.
A lettermark or monogram logo is a type of logo that uses only typography, but just for their initials, acronyms, or abbreviations, not the brand name. This style is ideal for brands with long or multi-word names, offering a clean, compact way to represent the business. Famous examples include IBM, NASA, Netflix, and HBO.
Lettermarks are great when you want a simple, versatile logo. However, if your brand isn’t well known yet, using only initials might make it harder for people to recognise or remember you. In those cases, it’s often better to pair the initials with your full name in a combination logo until your brand becomes more established.
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A pictorial mark—also known as a brand mark or logo symbol—is a graphic-based logo made up of a single icon or image. The famous brands that use this logotype are Twitter bird (now X), and the Target bullseye. These brands are so well-known that the image alone instantly identifies them.
Choosing the right image is key, as it will represent your brand long-term. You might reflect your brand name directly, like John Deere with its deer icon, or use a symbol that tells a story, like Snapchat’s ghost.
An abstract logo mark is a type of image-based logo that uses geometric or symbolic shapes rather than literal representations. Unlike pictorial marks, which show recognisable objects (like Apple’s apple), abstract logos are more conceptual and open to interpretation, such as Pepsi.
Abstract logo marks are best for brands that want to stand out and aren’t limited by a literal image. They’re especially useful for global companies, as they don’t rely on language. However, because abstract designs can feel vague, they work best when paired with a strong brand identity and story.
Also Read: 7 Professional Logo Design Tips That Will Make Your Business Stand Out
A mascot logo features an illustrated character that acts as the “face” of your brand—think of it as your company’s playful ambassador. These logos usually use a cartoonish style and are colorful to define the personality. Well-known examples include the Kool-Aid Man, KFC’s Colonel Sanders, and Mr. Peanut from Planters.
Mascot logos work well for brands that want to feel friendly, approachable, and fun. They’re ideal for businesses in food, entertainment, or education—especially those that cater to younger audiences. However, due to their detailed nature, mascots may not always be practical for small-scale use, like business cards or minimalist branding.
A combination mark blends both text and visuals—like a brand name paired with an icon, symbol, or even a mascot—into a single cohesive logo design. For instance, Lacoste uses its full logo online, but often features just the green crocodile on its products.
Combination marks are ideal for new or growing brands, as they help build recognition by linking a name with a visual. Over time, once your audience becomes familiar with your logo, you can confidently use just the icon or just the text. The key is to keep the design balanced and avoid clutter.
Also Read: Unlocking Brand Identity: Canva Logo Creator Guide for Beauty and Skincare Brands
A strong logo is one of the most powerful tools for making your brand stick in people’s minds. These 7 types of logos don’t just look good—they help customers recognise and remember you. That’s why investing in a well-designed logo is essential if you want your brand to stay relevant and stand out in a crowded market.If you’re just starting out, a logotype or wordmark is a smart choice. It puts your brand name front and centre, making it easier for people to connect with and recall. That’s where Salamah Type comes in—offering a curated collection of exclusive fonts designed to give your brand a distinctive edge.
