You have seen them everywhere before; lettermark logos. It basically shortens long brand names into symbols.
Today we’ll dive into what they actually are, and why you would want to choose a lettermaker logo for your business. From typography and color psychology to design pitfalls, get ready to learn how to create a logo that fits your brand and leaves a proper impression.
Quick Summary
- Lettermark logos using company initials are a slick and memorable option for companies with long names or wanting a modern identity.
- For a lettermark logo to be effective you have to be careful in your choice of typography and colors.
- Designing a lettermark logo involves a process of research, sketching and refining with focus on simplicity and avoiding common mistakes like overcomplication and inconsistent branding.
What are Lettermark Logos?
Well, the name already reveals it, lettermark logos are logos which are made up of a bunch of letters, or initials. Think about CNN, HBO and many more. Your biggest win when choosing a lettermark logo is immediately the most obvious; your audience does not have to guess which company is behind your logo since they can most likely read it.
This, however, is also a danger. If your business is not yet very well known, or has a long and tricky name; lettermark logos might not be for you. You can then maybe rather opt for a negative space logo or get cute with a dog logo.
In the world of logo types, lettermark logos sit alongside other designs like pictorial marks, highlighting the importance of choosing the right logo type to send out your company’s message.
Some places online might also call lettermark logos monogram logos! This is basically the same thing, so don’t worry if you get confused.
The meaning behind these logos is determined by the typeface or font used, which should match the message you are trying to send. Are you a more serious or traditional business, a stern logo like CNN has would work for you. If you are a little bit more playful, you can choose a font that is slightly more rounded or creative.
Popular examples
Like mentioned before, famous examples of lettermark logos are CNN, HBO, IBM and many more. What we as innocent consumers almost forget is that these bunch of letters are actually just acronyms for a much bigger name. I’d like to think this much bigger name simply did not fit the logo ‘space’, so they opted to shorten it and squeeze in the initials only. ‘The British Broadcasting Company’ is a whole mouthful to try and squeeze onto everybody’s television screen corner!
For instance, NASA’s logo is a perfect example of how an acronym can evolve into a globally recognized emblem, so much so that many people might not even use their full name anymore when speaking of NASA -or can even remember it…
Key Elements of a Great Lettermark Logo Designs
Designing a new logo is not something that;s done in just a few clicks. You need to first come up with a clear brand story, something that your business does differently than your competitors and that speaks to your target audience.
Your choice of fonts and shapes in your logo designs is therefore very important.
A great lettermark logo is not just the visual representation of your company, it can also be the way people refer to you – like NASAs example above. So in one glance people know your name and your business, that’s the power of an excellent lettermark logo.
Typography and fonts
Choosing the right typography, or font, is of course very important when designing logo templates. The classic elegance of Serif or the more modern San Serif fonts – basically if the letters have little feet or not- can all tell a story. To customize your chosen font into an icon that really conveys your message, that is the power of a good logo design.
Color psychology
We all know the basic color ‘rules’; blue is cooler, red can be seen as passionate and yellow is more mellow. Choosing your colors will highlight your business logo and hopefully get your idea across.
For example Facebook blue, we can all recognize that by now.
Balance and whitespace
The collaboration of balance and whitespace in lettermark logos is a subtle art. A well-arranged lettermark with strategic whitespace and negative spaces can really enhance your logo design.
Keep in mind here that your logo will likely be published across several channels, from websites to printed letterheads and maybe even billboards.
How to Design your own Lettermark logo
Designing your own lettermark logo may seem daunting, but with the right help, you will be able to create a stunning logo design.
Rabbit works only with the best graphic designers who can help you create your style and with professional design elements absolutely will design you some logo designs.
Research and inspiration
Starting with the design of your own lettermark logo begins with research and inspiration. Here are some steps to follow:
- Delve into existing logo symbols and draw inspiration from successful designs.
- Choose a simple and recognizable font that your target audience will easily recognize as yours.
- Set the stage for a logo that not only looks good but tells a compelling story.
Sketching and initial concepts
The creative process of designing a lettermark logo is easy, it starts with a pen and paper. Here are the steps to follow:
- Mock up several logo templates to ‘feel’ which one works best
- Don’t become too attached to the first idea; try new things, use a logo maker online, test several fonts. Play around!
- Test shapes and fonts that match your brand’s identity.
Refining and finalizing your logo design
Finally you have come up with the perfect lettermark logo, now it is time to test the waters. Distribute your new logo amongst a select group of your target audience and ask honestly if it works for them’. Does it resonate with them? Do they feel this matches the message you are trying to send out? Market research!
Common Mistakes in Lettermark Logo Design
Like any logo design, creating the perfect lettermark logo has its challenges. Knowing these common mistakes in logo designs – overcomplication and inconsistent branding can help make sure that your custom lettermark logo stands out for all the right reasons.
Overcomplicating the design
In the quest for uniqueness, there’s a temptation to overcomplicate logo designs. However, complexity can be the enemy of recognition. Find a balance between being easily recognizable, and unique.
Inconsistent branding
Consistency in branding solidifies your company’s identity and builds trust with your audience. An inconsistent lettermark logo within your brand kit, with different fonts and colors across different platforms, can confuse and even chase away potential customers.
Lettermark Logos That Work
If we haven’t convinced you yet on why you should get a lettermark logo for your business, here are some examples of companies who got it exactly right.
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram is widely recognized on luggage, bags, and all kinds of fashion items. Their LV icon is a true example of a successful lettermark logo.
Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts, known widely by its initials EA, show you can easily simplify your business name into simple initials and stay true to your brand identity.
Summary
As we have seen in our deep-dive into lettermark logo design we see that lettermark logos can be the ultimate choice for your brand identity and business. Several logo designs have passed in this article, and we hope you have the right tools to customize your logo into a true icon of style and simplicity. Whether it is for print or for your website, a lettermark logo might the perfect logo design for your brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a lettermark logo?
A lettermark logo is a typographic symbol that uses a company’s initials or letters to represent the brand in a visually attractive way, perfect for simplifying long company names.
Can I design a lettermark logo even if I’m not a professional designer?
Yes, you can definitely design a lettermark logo even if you’re not a professional designer. There are free logo makers available to help you create a custom logo design that reflects your brand. But even better, use Rabbit Logo Design to create a lettermark logo for you!
How do I choose the right colors for my lettermark logo?
To choose the right colors for your lettermark logo, consider color psychology and choose colors that match your company’s desired emotions.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when designing a lettermark logo?
When designing a lettermark logo, it’s important to avoid overcomplicating the design and inconsistent branding to make sure your message is loud and clear.
