The reason why professional logos stand out is that professional logo designers are aware of the various parts of a logo that should be considered when designing. A logo is an essential part of every brand therefore, understanding the various components that make up the whole logo is crucial to its success.
Successful brands stand out because they successfully utilize every part of their logo during the design and branding process, and they use that as an edge against their competitors’ brands.
For your trademark to be appealing to viewers or customers and to blend with your brand identity, it must have these essential parts:
Parts Of a Logo
LogoType (brand name)
Sony
CocaCola
Logotype
Logotype is one of the important log components in the logo design process because it clearly describes the name of the brand even without the other logo components in place. It is a strategically crafted part that functions effectively based on carefully selected typography that is legible and also matches the brand personality.
At first glance, this part of logo design may look simple, but there’s a lot that has been put in so it matches the brand’s vision and mission. The logotype embodies everything that the brand stands for in a textual form, it could also represent the logomark when its usage isn’t necessary or unavailable.
As a matter of preference, most brands are shifting from the traditional usage of the pictorial logo style to using the logotype identity as the entire logo of their brand. We can can witness this with big brands such as Cocacola, Sony, Samsung Toshiba and so many others.
I guess the reason brand fancy this style is becasue of its minimalist, no drama and straight-to-the-point nature of the logotype type of logo design. Besides, we all know how everyone is shifting from the too much drama type of logo design to the minimalist concept of design.
Just like they always say “Less is more”. When you choose a simple logotype, it fits easily into so many areas of application, has a lower printing cost, and, most importantly, viewers easily memorize it.
Moreover, the logotype could be further tweaked, the text could be professionally transformed to whichever style or curvature your brand desires, and it could be further customized with various elements like color, textures, and shapes.
Adding graphic design elements makes it more bespoke and also ties in with the tangible and intangible areas of your brand
We can find this logotype choice with various big brands in the world today: Coca-Cola, Sony, Google, FedEx, Virgin, eBay, Canon, and LinkedIn. In fact, there is an endless list of brands on this bandwagon.
It’s quite hard to separate your logotype from the main logomark because they are firmly tied together and function simultaneously to give a complete representation of what your brand is all about.
The logotype on its own plays an essential role in the universal look of your logo when every part of it is put together. The effectiveness of a logo on the customers should be easy recognition and memorability.
Logomark
target logomark
Nike logomark
The logomark is the most popular and widely used part of a brand identity mark because it carries so much visual importance. It fulfills its importance as the single but most powerful part of a logo through color theory, shapes, elements, and design principles.
Designing the logomark requires a carefully planned and strategic application of the various design elements that help tell a story about your brand.
Your brand’s story should be embedded into your logomark so that it effectively conveys the intended message that customers can easily relate to.
Doing this will make your customers share your brand value, trust your brand, and also become brand preachers.
Inasmuch as it’s just a single component of a logo, It’s equally valuable to understand that it’s the most commonly used type of logo design type that brands use as a stand-alone trademark that works even without the presence of other components of a logo.
Amongst all the various parts of a logo, this is one logo component that shouldn’t be done arbitrarily for yourself to talk less of a client. Instead of making this random choice when designing a logo, you can make use of the Midjourney free logo generator prompts to create a professional logo for yourself or for a client.
Tagline
popular brand tagline
A tagline or slogan is an essential part of a logo that concisely describes the nature of a brand or what it does. A tagline is a clever way brands convey their mission and vision statements to customers in condensed sentences or phrases.
Especially when a prospect gets in contact with your brand for the first time, the tagline could give a clue to what your brand does. From that point on, the prospect becomes eager to know more.
The tagline is the second part of a logo that comes after the logotype, and it has to contrast visually with the logotype to enhance hierarchy, which identifies how various parts of a logo carry a certain level of importance.
Most logo taglines are placed right below the main logo to complement the hierarchy while some brands may choose to place their tagline in an arch or curved form right above the main logo. It all depends on the choice of the designer or the brand in question.
Your tagline must contrast with the logotype in terms of size; the font you choose must be smaller in size or a thinner font variation to allow a sufficient level of contrast that promotes legibility and appeals to the readers as well.
But never make the design mistake of using a custom or decorative font to create your tagline. Using a busy font to write your tagline causes illegibility. Poor attention to this part of the logo could cause your design to lose its effectiveness.
I see these logo design mistakes all over the internet. Using a decorative font for your tagline is catastrophic. Your logo design will appear unprofessional and might even turn off the audience.
Only use a simple San serif font that could be stylized in italics, this way, you make the text legible and it will also be adaptable as the tagline will change with the business strategy over time.
Establishment date and location
Establishment date and location are important components of a logo that help to describe the date a business or brand was created. This gives the customer or target audience an idea of how long a brand has existed
This is true because your brand’s age also influences how customers perceive your brand in terms of experience and trust. The older your brand, the more trust and experience it possesses.
However, the establishment part of a logo which comprises the date and location of a logo isn’t commonly used in modern-day logo design.
This trend can mostly be found in old vintage logo styles, emblems, or modern logos that are deliberately made with the vintage aesthetics of the past.
Nowadays, every brand wants to go lightweight with their logo design, they want to cut down unnecessary elements that aren’t adding much to the design.
Ornament
Ornaments are simply for embellishment or decoration purposes; they also help give a logo design a certain look that subtly enhances the relevance of the logo. Ornaments can be used to make a design look more interesting or attractive to the audience.
Mostly, ornaments as one of the components of a logo can be used to depict royalty, beauty, and luxury. You can use ornaments in your design only when you really need them or when your clients include them in the design brief.
If a logo design doesn’t require any ornament, then you exclude it from the design. Using ornament irrelevantly will make the design look too busy and might even turn off the viewers.
Background
The background is commonly neglected at the beginning of the logo design process. Designers later the mistake of not considering the background on which the logo will be placed after the final design stage or when they have successfully sent the logo to the clients.
The background is one of the important parts of a logo design. despite its small size, it holds great significance and plays a high level of importance in the appearance of a logo design. Without a proper background choice, the logo won’t perform well in terms of contrast, legibility, and its environment – I mean areas where it will be used in the real world (digitally and physically).
Your background color or texture should be considered in terms of how it will perform well with the foreground logo elements. A good background will allow other parts of the logo to be visible, legible, and visually balanced.
Subliminal message/Easter eggs
Some brands have a clever way of making their trademarks look interesting and smart and also leave a long-lasting impression in the minds of their customers.
Sometimes you need a third eye to be able to read in-between the lines or detect within the negative space before you can capture the secret message or easter egg that they have hidden in their brandmark.
They cleverly embed these interesting secret messages in logos because of the message or story behind the brand and its history, or they simply want to create an impression that carries the value of their brand. Designers do this by using various design elements e.g. shapes, illustrations, or colors.
We can see this clever component of a logo being showcased in brands such as Amazon, Toblerone, Nike, Toyota, Tour de France, MBC, Tostitos, etc.
What Are The Essential Components Of A Logo
- Logo Brand: The logo brand or trademark is the visual symbol or icon that represents a company or brand. It’s a unique and memorable design that serves as the primary visual identifier. A logo brand is typically simple, yet it encapsulates the essence and values of the brand it represents.
- Style: The style of a logo refers to the overall visual aesthetics and design elements used to create the logo. It encompasses the choice of design elements, such as minimalistic, vintage, modern, or illustrative, and the design principles applied, such as symmetry, balance, and proportion.
- Color: Color is a crucial aspect of a logo. The choice of colors can evoke specific emotions and create a certain brand identity. Different colors can symbolize various qualities or characteristics associated with the brand. The color palette used in a logo plays a significant role in brand recognition and can influence consumer perceptions.
- Font: The font, or typeface, used in a logo is also a vital component. It involves the selection of the lettering style that spells out the brand name or any accompanying text. The choice of font can convey the brand’s personality, whether it’s formal, playful, bold, or elegant. The way the text is styled and integrated into the logo design is essential for a cohesive and memorable look.
Other Frequently Asked Logo Design Questions
What Makes A Logo Successful
Simplicity: A simple logo is easier to recognize and remember. Avoid clutter and excessive details.
Memorability: A memorable logo creates a lasting impression. It should be unique and distinct, making it easy for people to recall.
Relevance: The logo should reflect the nature of the business or organization it represents. It should align with the company’s values, products, or services.
Versatility: A logo should be adaptable and work well across different mediums, such as websites, business cards, signage, and social media platforms.
Scalability: The logo should maintain its visual integrity and legibility when resized, whether it’s displayed on a small mobile screen or a large billboard.
Color choice: Colors evoke emotions and convey messages. Select colors that align with the brand’s personality and target audience, considering the psychological impact of different hues.
Typography: The choice of fonts and typography style should complement the logo’s overall design. Fonts can convey different tones and moods, so it’s important to choose wisely.
Originality: A unique logo stands out from competitors and helps to establish brand identity. Avoid imitating or copying existing logos.
Timelessness: Aim for a logo design that can withstand the test of time. Avoid trendy elements that may become outdated quickly.
Target audience: Understand the demographics, preferences, and expectations of the target audience. Tailor the logo design to resonate with the intended viewers
Does A Logo Need A Slogan
Although the idea of having a slogan might appear appealing, it should have a clear and meaningful purpose. If your brand name lacks specificity and you wish to convey your core message or purpose more distinctly, integrating a slogan into your logo is a sensible approach.
Here are several reason why slogans are pivotal components of a logo design:
Clarity and Communication: A logo is a visual representation of a brand, and while it can convey a lot of information, it may not always express the brand’s message or purpose clearly. A slogan can succinctly convey what the brand stands for, its values, or its unique selling proposition. It helps communicate the brand’s essence to the audience.
Memorability: A well-crafted slogan can be catchy and memorable. When combined with a logo, it can create a stronger and longer-lasting impression in the minds of consumers. People may forget a logo, but a memorable slogan can help them recall the brand.
Differentiation: In a competitive market, it’s important for a brand to stand out. A slogan can differentiate a brand from its competitors and highlight what makes it unique. This can be especially useful when a logo alone may not effectively convey the brand’s distinct qualities.
Emotional Connection: Slogans can evoke emotions and connect with customers on a deeper level. While a logo can be aesthetically pleasing, a slogan can add an emotional element that resonates with the target audience.
Storytelling: A slogan can tell a brief story or summarize the brand’s history, mission, or vision. This storytelling aspect can add depth to the brand and make it more relatable.
Versatility: Slogans are versatile and can adapt to various marketing materials and campaigns. They can be used in advertisements, social media posts, and other marketing collateral to reinforce the brand message.
SEO and Online Visibility: Including a slogan on a website or in online content can improve search engine optimization (SEO). This can help potential customers find your brand more easily online.
How Do You Attract Pople With A Logo
Simplicity: Keep your logo design simple and uncluttered. A clean and straightforward design is more likely to catch the eye and be memorable.
Relevance: Ensure that your logo is relevant to your brand and its industry. It should convey a message or identity that resonates with your target audience.
Distinctiveness: Your logo should stand out from the competition. It should be unique and not easily confused with other logos in the same field.
Color Psychology: Choose colors that evoke the right emotions and feelings associated with your brand. Different colors have different psychological associations, so select them carefully.
Typography: If your logo includes text, select a font that reflects your brand’s personality and is easy to read. Typography can convey a lot about your brand’s style.
Versatility: Make sure your logo looks good in various contexts, from digital platforms to printed materials. It should be scalable and adaptable.
Consistency: Use your logo consistently across all marketing materials and platforms. This helps build brand recognition.
Storytelling: Consider incorporating elements in your logo that tell a story or convey the essence of your brand’s story or mission.
Target Audience: Keep your target audience in mind during the design process. The logo should resonate with the preferences and interests of your ideal customers.
Testing and Feedback: Don’t be afraid to seek feedback on your logo from your target audience or peers. Honest feedback can help you refine your design.
Timelessness: Aim for a logo that won’t quickly become outdated. While it’s essential to stay current, a logo that stands the test of time is a valuable asset.
Professional Design: If you’re not a professional designer, consider hiring one. An experienced designer can ensure that your logo is visually appealing and well-executed.
Memorability: Strive to create a logo that is easy to remember. A memorable logo can help people recall your brand when they need your product or service.