Top 5 Types of Logos (Beginner’s Guide & Real-examples)

Talking about what types of logo a brand can leverage to their niche, is not so easy task. Sometimes its not a cup of tea for all. May be there is some product justification or understanding whether a logo will suit or not. 

We see a logo as more than just a design; it’s a brand’s face, the initial connection with potential customers. But with so many types roaming around your sourroundings, how do you know which one will resonate best for your brand? Or which one will match to your niche?

In this guide, we’ll break down the types of logos. Moreover, we will endorse on these logotypes that will take you to the heights of what a logo is, how to go for it and case study on each types. 

5 types of logo in trending may be listed as–

1. Wordmark Logos (logotypes)
2. Lettermark Logo
3. Mascot Logo
4. Combination Mark Logo
5. Negative Space Logo

So, let’s dive.

Wordmark Logos (logotypes)

A wordmark is a type of logo that includes only the company’s name, without any icons or pictures. Wordmarks are also called “logotypes.” Sometimes, companies make short versions with initials to fit small spaces. These logos are simple, so the style of the letters and the spacing are very important.

Some famous examples of wordmark logo are Google, Coca-Cola, FedEx, Disney, Canon, Visa, eBay, Subway, and Vans etc.

Beginner Guide to Wordmark Logo Design

1. Choose a Font That Fits Your Logo and Logotype: Pick a font that matches your brand’s style and helps make your logotype memorable. A fancy font feels serious, while a simple one looks modern. Think about how you want people to feel when they see your logo, and choose a font that gives them that feeling.

2. Make the Letters Unique in Your Logo Variety: Add small changes to your letters. Use different AI tools. It makes your logo variety stand out. You could connect letters, change their size, or add a detail. These little touches help make your logo or logotype special and easier for people to remember.

3. Pick Colors Carefully for Your Logotype: Colors can show what your brand is like. Use one or two main colors that match how you want people to feel about your logo mark. For example, blue feels calm, and red feels bold. Simple color choices make your logo or logotype stronger and clearer.

4. Space Letters Well in Your Logo Mark: The space between letters, or kerning, makes your logotype easy to read. If letters are too close, they look crowded; too far, they look separate. Adjust the spacing to keep your logo mark balanced and easy to read.

5. Add Simple Shapes for a Unique Logo Variety: Adding small shapes or lines to your logotype can make it stand out. For example, you could underline a letter or use a longer line to connect letters. These tiny details give your logo variety and make it memorable without looking too busy.

Real-example on Coca-Cola Logo

The Coca-Cola logo is one of the world’s most famous and lasting logos. It was created in 1885 by Frank Robinson. That time he chose the unique Spencerian script that gives it a flowing look. Over time, the logo has changed very little.

The red color coca cola fonts originally came from painting Coca-Cola barrels red to show they were not alcohol. The logo’s style has also stayed nearly the same, which helps people recognize it instantly.

Through the years, Coca-Cola has added small updates, like a wave in 1969 called the “Dynamic Ribbon Device,” which still appears on the logo today. In 2021, Coca-Cola went through an evolution called the “Hug” logo, symbolizing togetherness.

The new logo has a fresh tagline: “Real Magic.” It adds extra captivation to the brand’s identity.

Lettermark Logo

A lettermark logo is a type of logo made from a brand’s initials. Instead of pictures or icons, lettermark logos rely on fonts and letter styles. With just a few letters, a lettermark logo can become a familiar look for a company, helps in branding your niche. This style works well for companies with long names.

Famous companies like IBM, HBO, CNN, and NASA use lettermark logos.

Beginner Guide to Lettermark Logo Design

1. Brainstorm and Conceptualize‍

Consider how you want to show your brand’s personality through a logo mark or logotype. This step makes your logo memorable and unique. A good brainstorming session helps you find the best logo variety that represents your brand and connects with people.

2. Choose the Right Typography‍

The font, or typography, in a logo sets the tone. Pick a font that matches the brand’s personality, whether it’s serious, fun, or bold. The right font makes your logo mark clear and easy to read. Simple fonts work best to ensure your logo variety looks good everywhere it’s used.

3. Arrange and Customize the Letters‍

Carefully arrange the letters in your logo mark for balance. Keep the spaces between letters consistent so the logotype is easy to read. Small tweaks to letter placement can make it unique. Simple tools help you fine-tune each part, making the logo mark or logotype look organized and special.

4. Select a Color Palette‍

Colors are important in any logo because they create mood. Choose colors that fit your brand’s style and add emotion to your logo mark. Test your color palette on different backgrounds to make sure it looks good. A strong color choice helps make your logo or logotype more effective.

5. Test, Refine, and Finalize‍

Share your logo mark with others for feedback. Listen to their suggestions and make changes to improve it. Ensure the logo is versatile, meaning it can be used in different places. Save it in different formats, so it looks good on business cards, websites, and any other material for your final logotype.

Real-example on NASA Logo

NASA’s logos have changed over time. The first one coming from NACA, stands for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics in 1915. Later, when NASA was officially created in the 1950s, they introduced a new logo mark.

This well-known logo, nicknamed the “meatball,” was designed by James Modarelli and quickly became a favorite. The meatball logo variety featured a large blue circle to represent the sky and had scattered white stars. In the center of the circle was a bold white wordmark, spelling “NASA.”

A unique red V-shaped ribbon symbolized aeronautics, which is related to flight. Moreover, a thin white orbit line swooped around the letters to add a sense of movement. This logo mark was used until 1975 but was brought back in 1992 because many people preferred it.

NASA also has a second logo, the seal, which is used for official ceremonies. The seal is also a blue circle but looks more formal and is used only for special events. Each logo and logotype serves a unique purpose. In addition, meatball being more recognizable and fun.

Mascot Logo

"Mascot" comes from the French word "mascotte," which means lucky charm. Eventually, it was used for people, animals, or things thought to give good luck to others.

A mascot is a character that represents a business. It acts as a brand ambassador or spokesperson. Unlike other logos, mascots are “living” characters that give personality to a brand. Enable it feel friendly and relatable. Mascot logos are designed with animal, bird or other natural sign in a simple way so people can recognize them easily. They are popular with sports teams, food companies, and brands aimed at kids because they create a fun image.

Famous mascots include KFC’s Colonel and Pringles’ Mr. Pringle. They can appear in logos, ads, or even live at events, bringing energy to the brand.

Beginner Guide to Mascot Logo Design

1. Get Inspiration from Other Mascots‍

Explore mascot ideas from other teams, brands, and businesses use. Check out famous mascots to see what makes them special. This can help you come up with good mascot ideas to make your brand unique. Great mascot ideas stand out, just like iconic mascots from famous brands.

2. Pick a Character with Personality‍

Choose a character that fits your brand’s personality and appeals to your audience. For example, strong animals like lions or eagles make cool mascot ideas for sports teams.

On the contrary, cute animals like pandas are good for kids’ brands. Think about mascot ideas that bring out the personality of your brand and make people remember it.

3. Add Special Details to Make It Unique‍

Make your mascot stand out by adding special touches. Famous brand characters often have unique features, like hats or glasses, that make them easy to recognize. Great mascot ideas include adding a twist to the character, like a superhero cape or a cool hairstyle, to make it memorable.

4. Think About Where Your Mascot Will Be Used‍

Plan where you’ll use your mascot, like on social media, in ads, or even at events. Business mascots should look good in different places, whether on a business card or a billboard. Cool mascot ideas should work well in all sizes, so people recognize it everywhere it appears.

5. Keep Your Mascot Fresh and Fun‍

Over time, update your mascot to keep it exciting. Famous brand mascots sometimes get new colors or accessories to stay modern, but they keep their main look. Team mascots and business mascots can stay fun and engaging. You can add small changes, keeping them interesting and familiar to the audience.

Real-example on McDonald's Logo

McDonald’s logo has evolved as the brand grew from a small local restaurant to a global fast-food giant. In 1948, they introduced their first mascot, "Speedee". This denotes a cheerful chef character symbolizing quick service.

This early business mascot was one of the first cool mascot ideas, setting McDonald’s apart. In 1953, McDonald’s rebranded to focus on a simple menu of burgers, fries, and shakes. Architect Stanley Meston designed the famous Golden Arches. By 1961, the Golden Arches became the main logo, forming the iconic “M” we know today.

Over the years, the logo has become simpler and more modern, adapting to new design trends and digital platforms. Iconic mascots like Speedee and the famous clown Ronald McDonald, introduced in 1965. became well-known mascots that kids and families could relate to. McDonald’s Golden Arches and mascots are symbols of quick, friendly service. Its now some of the most recognized brand characters worldwide.

Combination Mark Logo

A combination mark logo combines both a word or letter with an image to make a brand stand out. The logo’s text and picture can work together or be used separately, which makes it very flexible. Some logos are designed with the text and image separated, while others keep them closely connected to create a unified look.

Well-known brands like Adidas, Lacoste, and Burger King use this style.

Beginner Guide to Combination Mark Logo Design

1. Pick the Right Layout‍

You can stack the text and symbol, put them side by side, or even blend them closely together. In a combo logo, both parts should feel balanced and look good together. The layout should make it easy for people to recognize your brand quickly and clearly.

2. Choose a Good Font

The font you use in your combination mark logo, or combined logo, shows a lot about your brand. Pick a font that’s easy to read and fits your brand’s personality. In a brand combination, the font should match the symbol to create a strong look. Choose a font that looks good in different places, like on signs, social media, or business cards.

3. Select a Strong Symbol‍

The symbol you pick for your combined logo should represent your brand well. It could be something simple that shows what your brand is about, like a sports team using an animal. In a brand combination logo, the symbol and font should go together. The symbol should be strong enough to stand alone, like a social media icon or badge.

4. Pick Colors Carefully‍

Colors in your combination logo make a big difference. Choose colors that match your brand’s style and message. For example, bright colors can be fun, while darker colors might feel serious. Your combined logo should have colors that stand out and look good on different backgrounds. Test your colors to make sure they fit well together and make your logo pop.

5. Test and Improve Your Design‍

Before finishing your combo logo, try it out on different things, like T-shirts, websites, or signs. Ask for feedback from others and make changes if needed. A combination mark logo should look clear in different sizes, from tiny icons to large signs.

This final step helps make sure your brand combination works well and is easy for people to recognize.

Real-example on Burger King's Logo

Burger King’s logo history shows how the brand has adapted and grown over time. It began as “Insta-Burger King” in 1953 with a simple combined logo. When the name changed to “Burger King” in 1954, the logo became bolder and more focused. In 1969, Burger King introduced the famous "Bun Logo". Its a combination mark with the words “Burger King” placed between two bun shapes, making it look like a burger.

This iconic combo logo highlighted their main product in a fun and memorable way. In 1999, they added a blue swoosh around the text for a more modern style, creating a brand combination that felt fresh.

Finally, in 2021, Burger King returned to a retro look. They simplify the logo and focus on classic colors like red and yellow, with a soft cream background. This combined logo reflects Burger King’s dedication to staying relevant while celebrating its roots.

Negative Space Logo

Negative space in logo design is the empty space around the main parts of a logo, like shapes or letters. This space helps show off the main design and keeps the logo from looking too crowded. Negative space can also create hidden pictures or messages that make the logo more interesting.

For example, the FedEx logo has an arrow between the “E” and “X” that shows speed. Logos like Coca-Cola and WWF use negative space to add depth and meaning, making their logos fun and memorable. This “empty” space is important to keep designs clear and easy to understand.

Beginner Guide to Use Negative Space in Logo Design

1. Using Negative Space in Typography‍

Negative space in typography means using the empty space around letters . Spaces logo makers often play with the space around each letter. This style makes logos simple but eye-catching, as people can spot fun hidden shapes around the letters.

2. Try Overlapping Elements‍

Logos using negative space can also overlap shapes or letters to form new designs. By making one part positive (filled) and the other negative (empty), you can combine images or symbols. This technique is popular in logos with negative space, blending two ideas into one cool symbol that stands out.

3. Experiment with Logo White Space‍

Negative space doesn’t have to be plain white. it can use shadows or colors to add dimension. Spaces logo makers sometimes use shadows as negative space, adding depth and making the logo pop. This effect makes logos more unique and visually interesting across different backgrounds.

4. Plan for Negative Space Early‍

It’s helpful to think about negative space early in the design. Planning clear spaces around the main elements helps the logo feel balanced and easy to read. Logos that use negative space look more organized and can make a strong impression, even with simple designs.

Real-example on FedEx's Logo

The FedEx logo is famous for its clever design and hidden details. When the company first started in 1973, it was called “Federal Express” and used bold colors like blue and red. In 1991, the company shortened its name to “FedEx” to feel more modern.

Then, in 1994, designer Lindon Leader created the current logo. He used the FedEx font and added a secret arrow between the letters “E” and “X.” This arrow, hidden in the white space, represents speed and accuracy—two important qualities for the FedEx brand.

The logo’s colors, purple and orange, make it easy to recognize, while the white space keeps it clean and simple. FedEx brand guidelines help keep the logo looking the same everywhere, whether in FedEx black, white, or color versions. The FedEx logo has won many awards because it’s both creative and clear, making it a strong example of a logo that tells a brand’s story perfectly.

How to Choose the Right Type of Logo

When its the time for your niche, to incorporate suitable logo, you have to go through some idea or ask experts. Otherwise you will choose the wrong one that may result in vain. 

Here we will cover up the whole process that may match to your niche.

Understand the Purpose of Your Logo

Firstly, you have to explore the whole market. How different brands use their logo, how they generate leads through it or other feasibility study on this through. May be there a brand uses its logo, get more sales but never go for it if its not match to your niche.

Use a Color that Makes Your Logo Stand Out

Secondly a better color choice is a must for your logo. Different color represents different thoughts. Such as- blue represents Professionalism, Trust, Authority, Power and Loyalty where red is the strong color represents Passion, Love, Anger, Hunger, Health, Excitement and Life. So, match your insights with proper color grading.

Get Familiar with Different types of Logos

After completing the first and second section, you have to study hard. Do research on different logo types. There may be several design will appear in front but be clever on choosing your logo. You can craft several design through different design tool and get educated with it.

Balance your Design Elements

One of the major drawback that a designer face that is imbalance. This creates a great issue for them; sometimes in depression. Take a breathe. Do more research. Go through your design, identify the small bugs and fix it instantly.

Make your Logo Versatile

Keep focus on “Responsive design”. It means the alignment of your design whether it is on desktop or mobile screen. Your design will adjust with your device, that is the basic idea of a responsive design. This can convert your design into a versatile one.

Get Help from an Expert

Finally, share your thoughts so far with an design expert. Consult with him whether you may choose the wrong one. You can go for a online course session or a podcast that may enrich your insights on choosing your right logo design.

Conclusion

Choosing the right logo for your brand helps people remember and trust your business. Start by picking a style that shows what your brand is all about.

Moreover, logos play a big role in branding. They show what a brand is all about and are like the “soul” of the brand. A well-designed logo can make people feel happy and interested, but a poorly designed logo might make them look away.

Remember one thing. Your logo can change over time as your brand grows. Enjoy creating a design that shows off what makes your brand special!