Logos: Text, Icons or both?

Discussion in 'Graphics & Multimedia' started by 8everything, Jun 19, 2007.

  1. #1
    What do you prefer in a logo design? Text only, icon or both? When it comes to branding and marketing the logo, which would be the easiest/best way to go that would benefit the image of your business?
     
    8everything, Jun 19, 2007 IP
  2. Skinny

    Skinny Peon

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    #2
    As a designer myself I think it would really depends on the product/service you provide.

    Sometimes, if you are very large and do a bunch of things it's probably better to just use a text based logo (think Sony, Microsoft, Google etc).

    But if you are limited or niched in your service or product than a text + icon would do well (think digitalpoint)

    I would stray away from just an icon. Unless that icon is normally used with your logo to the point where you can split it like Nike for example.

    There are no hard and fast rules of course . . .just my thoughts.

    Skinny
     
    Skinny, Jun 19, 2007 IP
  3. Lever

    Lever Deep Thought

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    #3
    Personally I'd go for text and Icon unless the icon is descriptive enough in itself to get the message across... I was taught once by someone who was a student of Saul Bass many years ago that the logo needs to be really clear and strong to identify who you are and what you do.

    Once the brand is strong enough then the icon may be able to stand up to being on its own without text...

    I think it ultimately depends on the product and your target audience.
     
    Lever, Jun 19, 2007 IP
  4. 8everything

    8everything Peon

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    #4
    The niche is a clothing line :) and it will be printed on the tags along with each shirt.. and perhaps on the shirts itself too!

    What about those companies who use icons that don't relate to the company at all?
    EX) APPLE ? What would be the pros and cons? IT does make it more memorable I believe.
     
    8everything, Jun 19, 2007 IP
  5. LegendaryPosting

    LegendaryPosting Peon

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    #5
    a "LOGO" has them all short text and and an icon its just when it comes to advertising it you may see one or the other depending on if you want to pay for there text ads, or there image ads..thats why most company's create both
     
    LegendaryPosting, Jun 19, 2007 IP
  6. ansi

    ansi Well-Known Member

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    #6
    usually myself i just do logo type. though if a client wants an icon i am happy to do so.
     
    ansi, Jun 19, 2007 IP
  7. Katy

    Katy Moderator Staff

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    #7
    Why didn't you create a poll, buddy? :D I like both, although I believe it depends on the site and its content. :)
     
    Katy, Jun 19, 2007 IP
  8. mitcharr

    mitcharr Notable Member

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    #8
    I think you need some sort of graphic or icon that ties in with the text, maybe not just a separate image.
     
    mitcharr, Jun 19, 2007 IP