Logo Types
As defined by the dictionary, a logo is “a name, symbol, or trademark designed for easy and definite recognition, especially one borne on a single printing plate or piece of type.” Accordingly, there are four main types of logos that create easy and definite recognition.
Iconic: An iconic logo is a single icon or design that usually lists the company name below or to the side of the icon in simple font. In this particular type of logo the icon conveys the message and feeling of the company. An example of this type of logo is pictured at the right. Wonder Works is an iconic logo because it has a single icon, the wizard, and then simple font at the side.
Iconic logos can be used by any company and are not limited to any industry.
Logotype: A logotype consists of the company name only. The name is usually highly creative and stylized. However, it can look as unique and simple as desired. As shown on the right Stronjea Day Spa and Salon uses stylized font with no extra icon. Although there used to be numerous companies who employed this type of logo, the trend is dying and we are seeing less of the logotypes as people are moving to iconic logos.
Illustrative: This category is self-explanatory, it consists of a unique design by the designer; usually depicting what the company does. These logos are often very catchy and impressive. However, they are also very expensive to be reproduced because of the detail and variety of color used. The Elegant Expeditions shows the complexity and beauty of an illustrative logo.
Integrated: An integrated logo is the combination of an illustrative and logotype logo. As seen in the Raincity Frog, there is a unique illustration and specialized font. These logos are even rarer than the illustrative logos because of their complexity.