Logo and Pictograms: Visual Communication

Lebanese University
Faculty if fine Arts and Architecture

Branche III
Logo and Pictograms
Visual Communication
Prof: Dr. Amal Ghaleb
Presented by: Aya Wannous
Architecture AL6 (2021-2022)

There is 7 types of logos:
1. Abstract logo marks

2. Pictorial marks (or logo symbols)
3. Mascots
4. Monogram logos (or lettermarks)
5. The emblem
6. Wordmarks (or logotypes)
7. The combination mark
Aya Wannous
Abstract logo marks
An abstract mark is a specific type of pictorial logo.

Instead of being a recognizable image—like an apple or
a bird—it’s an abstract geometric form that represents
your business. A few famous examples include the BP
starburst-y logo, the Pepsi divided circle and the strip-y
Adidas flower. Like all logo symbols, abstract marks work
really well because they condense your brand into a
single image. However, instead of being restricted to a
picture of something recognizable, abstract logos allow
you to create something truly unique to represent your
brand.
The benefit of an abstract mark is that you’re able to
convey what your company does symbolically, without
relying on the cultural implications of a specific image.
Through color and form, you can attribute meaning and
cultivate emotion around your brand. (As an example,
think about how the Nike swoosh implies movement
and freedom).
Pictorial marks
(or logo symbols)
A pictorial mark (sometimes called brand mark or logo symbol) is an icon—
or graphic-based logo. It’s probably the image that comes to mind when
you think “logo”: the iconic Apple logo, the Twitter bird, the Target
bullseye. Each of these companies’ logos is so emblematic, and each brand
so established, that the mark alone is instantly recognizable. A true brand
mark is only an image. Because of this, it can be a tricky logo type for new
companies, or those without strong brand recognition, to use.
The biggest thing to consider when deciding to go with a pictorial mark is

what image to choose. This is something that will stick with your company
its entire existence. You need to think about the broader implications of
the image you choose: do you want to play on your name (like John Deere
does with their deer logo)? Or are you looking to create deeper meaning
(think how the Snapchat ghost tells us what the product does)? Or do you
want to evoke an emotion (as the World Wildlife foundation does with
their stylized image of a panda—an adorable and endangered species)?
Mascots
Mascot logos are logos that involve an

illustrated character. Often colorful, sometimes
cartoonish, and most always fun, the mascot
logo is a great way to create your very own
brand spokesperson—er, spokes-character(?).
A mascot is simply an illustrated character
that represents your company. Think of them
as the ambassador for your business. Famous
mascots include the Kool-Aid Man, KFC’s
Colonel and Planter’s Mr. Peanut. Mascots are
great for companies that want to create a
wholesome atmosphere by appealing to
families and children. Think of all those
mascots at sporting events and the great
dynamic they create by getting involved with
the audience!
Monogram logos
(or lettermarks)
Monogram logos or lettermarks are logos that consist of letters,
usually brand initials. IBM, CNN, HP, HBO… Noticing a pattern,
yes? They’re the initialisms of a few famous businesses with
rather lengthy names. With 2 or 3 words to remember, they’ve
each turned to using their initials for brand-identification
purposes. So it makes perfect sense for them to use monograms—
sometimes called lettermark logos—to represent their
organizations.
A lettermark is a typography-based logo that’s comprised of a few

letters, usually a company’s initials. The lettermark is all about
simplicity. By utilizing just a few letters lettermark logos are
effective at streamlining any company brand if they have a long
name. For example, how much easier is it to say—and remember—
NASA versus the National Aeronautics and Space Administration?
Because the focus is on initials, the font you choose (or create) is
very important to make sure your logo is not only on-theme with
what your company does, but also legible when you print on
business cards. Also, if you’re not an established business already
you may want to add your full business name below the logo so
people can begin to learn who you are right away.
The emblem
An emblem logo consists of font inside a symbol or
an icon; think badges, seals and crests. These logos
tend to have a traditional appearance about them
that can make a striking impact, thus they are often
the go-to choice for many schools, organizations or
government agencies. The auto industry is also very
fond of emblem logos. While they have a classic style,
some companies have effectively modernized the
traditional emblem look with logo designs fit for the
21st century (think of Starbucks’ iconic mermaid
emblem, or Harley- Davidson’s famous crest).
But because of their lean towards higher detail, and
the fact that the name and symbol are rigidly
entwined, they can be less versatile than the
aforementioned types of logos. An intricate emblem
design won’t be easy to replicate across all branding.
For business cards, a busy emblem may shrink so
small before it becomes too difficult to read. Also, if
you plan on embroidering this type of logo on hats or
shirts, then you’ll really have to create a design that
is on the simple side or it just won’t be possible. So
as a rule keep your design uncomplicated and you’ll
walk away with a strong, bold look that’ll make you
look like the consummate professional.
Wordmarks (or
logotypes)
Similar to a lettermark, a wordmark or logotype
is a font-based logo that focuses on a business’
name alone. Think Visa and Coca-Cola.
Wordmark logos work really well when a
company has a succinct and distinct name.
Google’s logo is a great example of this. The name
itself is catchy and memorable so, when
combined with strong typography, the logo helps
create strong brand recognition.
Also, like with a lettermark logo, typography will
be an important decision. Since the focus will be
on your name, you’ll want to pick a font—or
create a font—that captures the essence of what
your business does. For example, fashion labels
tend to use clean, elegant fonts that feel high-end,
while legal or government agencies almost always
stick to traditional, “heavier” text that feels
secure.
The combination
mark
A combination mark is a logo comprised of a
combined wordmark or lettermark and a
pictorial mark, abstract mark, or mascot. The
picture and text can be laid out side- by-side,
stacked on top of each other, or integrated
together to create an image. Some well-known
combination mark logos include Doritos,
Burger King and Lacoste.
Because a name is associated with the image, a
combination mark is a versatile choice, with
both the text and icon or mascot working
together to reinforce your brand. With a
combination mark, people will also begin to
associate your name with your pictorial mark or
mascot right away! In the future, you may be
able to rely exclusively on a logo symbol, and
not have to always include your name. Also,
because the combination of a symbol and text
creates a distinct image together, this type of
logo is usually easier to trademark than a
pictorial mark alone.
Wordmark/ abstract
The embelm
combination combination
PROCESS
CHOSEN LOGO
RESTAURANT
Museum Exhibition
Parking Entrance
Cafeteria
WC Class Office
Landscape
CHOSEN PICTOGRAMS
RESTAURANT EXHIBITION CAFETERIA
ENTRANCE PARKING LANDSCAPE

Logo and Pictograms: Visual Communication

Uploaded by

Logo and Pictograms: Visual Communication

Uploaded by

Lebanese University

Faculty if fine Arts and Architecture

Logo and Pictograms

Prof: Dr. Amal Ghaleb

Presented by: Aya Wannous

Architecture AL6 (2021-2022)

1. Abstract logo marks

An abstract mark is a specific type of pictorial logo.

The biggest thing to consider when deciding to go with a pictorial mark is

Mascot logos are logos that involve an

A lettermark is a typography-based logo that’s comprised of a few

ENTRANCE PARKING LANDSCAPE

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