Summary
Regarding marks, I learned about the six different types: symbols, pictographs, letter marks, logos, combination marks, and trademarks. Symbols have no type used. Pictographs are public symbols used for language barriers. Lettermarks form the company name in type. Logos use words in type to identify a company. Combination marks are a symbol and logo used together. Finally, trademarks are all of the marks mentioned above. Symbols should be easy to read, identifiable, and simple. They should be easy to mass produce as well!
Symbol & Logo
Symbols do not have type used. An example would be the Dell symbol. Logos, on the other hand, use words in type. An example would be the Exxon logo. A logo and symbol put together is called a combination mark. Nike is an example of a combination mark.
Three Facts
1. Easy identification - The symbol should be easy to recognize and recall!
2. One color - The symbol should have just one color, unless it is needed for enhancement. One color is easy for distributing and printing.
3. Heavy weight - Heavy marks are usually simpler. They offer more contrast and stand out more than thinner-weighted marks.
Favorite?
The best fact I learned was to be simple. A logo, such as Nike or Adidas, is easy to recognize because it is only one color and has a heavy weight. It is not abstract. The simplicity of a logo is easier to mass produce and will save a company money, which, in the long run, makes you, the designer, more money. Crazy logos with tons of color do not stand the test of time. I will definitely implement this idea in to making logos for the future.
Conclusion
A symbol or mark is very critical to a company's success. Nike is so successful because their swoosh is so recognizable. Simplicity and cleanliness of a design is definitely something to keep in mind.
