{"id":40199,"date":"2021-04-14T13:00:42","date_gmt":"2021-04-14T10:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/?p=40199"},"modified":"2021-11-04T15:17:23","modified_gmt":"2021-11-04T13:17:23","slug":"logotype-vs-logomark","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/logotype-vs-logomark\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Logotype vs Logomark vs Logo? (Plus, Where to Get One)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Logotype vs logomark – which one do you need, and what’s the difference in the first place?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whenever designers ask me this question, I always freeze. I need a few seconds to consider the differences. They say there’s nothing wrong with that. After all, when it comes to branding your business, you really need the right answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because the right answer gives you the centerpiece of your brand’s visual identity. It tells people who you are and what you offer. It guarantees that customers recognize, remember, and return to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, we’re going to look at the differences between a logotype vs logomark vs logo. We’ll even consider their strengths and weaknesses before sharing our recommendations for getting a professional business logo of your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a logotype vs logomark vs logo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If someone yelled “Logo!” you can bet we’d all think of something different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For me, it’s always the Coca-Cola text, but you might be an Apple person. And who can resist the Netflix ‘N’? Now, these might look very different but all qualify as great logos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If that’s true, then what is a logo exactly? Is it letters? Words? Could it be a peanut?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Yep. Strange as it sounds, a logo can be all of these things. In fact, any visual representation of an organization, product, or service qualifies as a logo<\/strong>. This includes everything from mascots through emblems to combination marks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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But logos can also be simple names or initials. We call those text logotypes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Then, any logo with pictures or symbols is a logomark<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Any text-based logo, whether it is full words or initials, is called a logotype. In contrast, logos that rely on pictures are known as logomarks.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a more in-depth look at the differences to consider before leaping in to make your logo:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a logotype?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We already know that a logotype is any logo that uses text. But they come in two forms: a wordmark using something like a company name, or a monogram using individual letters or initials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are two famous examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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While these examples became memorable over time, using a logotype can pay dividends for growing businesses too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a short, catchy name, then a well-designed logotype can enhance it further. A clever name written in a unique font and presented in a dazzling color scheme can help establish your business in a competitive market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A logotype is appealing partly because it can be a budget-friendly option. But, I’d still suggest putting a professionally designed logotype on your roadmap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, each font has a different personality that impacts how customers perceive your business. Values, culture, and personality can be assumed just from the font choice alone. For example, would you use a bank that had a font like Lego’s?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, logotypes can be difficult to scale across multiple marketing channels. In particular, it can be challenging to make them legible on business cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third, most commercially available fonts are too widely used to communicate your distinctiveness and personality. How’d you like to compete against these two logos, for example?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udc49 Need help creating a catchy business name? Try one of these business name generators<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a logomark?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Any logo which uses an image or symbol is a logomark<\/strong>. You can use any real-world symbol, like a tweeting blue bird, or something abstract, like a swoosh, in a logomark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You could even use an icon if you had to. Although, we wouldn’t recommend it. Because icons became generic from everyday use, you’d have limited opportunity to carve out your own identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can you acquire an abstract symbol? For this, we recommend using a professional designer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not because they’re guaranteed to deliver the perfect logo, but they know how to use color psychology effectively and evoke the appropriate emotions in your customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A professional designer can take advantage of the creative freedom to deliver a logo that captures your value proposition and unique selling point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have an established business with a history of recognition and generated associations, you’ll find it easier to develop an abstract logo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, a logo with a real-world symbol is probably best for a new or emerging business. They can benefit from the associations and recognition that exist in the minds of potential partners and customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The combination logo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What if you got all this way and you still don’t know which logo is for you? You’re not alone. If you look around, you will see that many organizations are going for a combination of logotype and logomark.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The PGN logo does a great job of communicating the business values and role with a combination of logotype vs logomark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only that, but any of the elements would be recognized if they were used separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you’re just getting started, a combination strategy can help you build recognition for your logomark. It can also be useful if you decide to change your logo. If you want to introduce a new logomark or logotype, then a combination can ease the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to get a professional business logo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you’ve decided on the best logo for your organization, you need to consider how you’re going to get one. Fortunately, you have three equally strong options depending on your budget and needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n