What is a logo?

A logo is a symbol that lets people know this service, product, or any output is yours. It can include images, text, shapes, or a combination of all three.

But that doesn’t mean any combination of shapes or letters is a professional logo design.

For this reason, BluCactus knows the difference between having a logo and having a unique one. A good logo can enhance your company and build a relationship with your customers, while a bad one can break and spoil your brand image.

If you are starting a new business, maybe you think about location, the services you intend to offer, and your budget. You don’t allocate more time to create a good logo. You say to yourself, “What’s a logo!? It doesn’t matter,” but it should!

What is a logo?

Consequently, in BluCactus, we appreciate your time. We know all these critical factors keep you up all night and haunt your mind. We will go through them, from coffee logo design, fashion logo design, and car showroom logo design. So, keep your head up. You are in the right place. BluCactus will create a stunning, memorable business logo for you.

Whether you are in Amsterdam, Dallas, or somewhere else in the world, we will help you appeal to the entire market and meet all its requirements. Our digital marketing agency can translate your objectives into visuals and create a reflection of your character and features that sticks in your customers’ minds.

At BluCactus, we understand “What’s a logo?” with our professional team, and you shouldn’t hire just any designer. Your business logo is not a random mark. It will stand with you throughout time. We will help your brand have an innovative logo, which can’t happen without asking the right questions about your customer’s needs. So, our reputable design agency is savvy enough to realize the market needs because of our extensive experience in this area.

How do you define a logo?

It is a symbol that connects people to the business without searching for the brand name.

We intuitively recognize that this shape is for this brand. Your logo is a constant form of communication with your customers that embodies your ideas, values, and mission.

A distinct business logo design may require an extra budget to hire a designer or contact a graphic design agency. But it’s worth it. Why?

• Convey your identity and show your story.
• Help customers recognize your brand at a glance.
• Make your brand memorable and attention-grabbing.
• Create an impressive first impression of your business.
• Help you find your loyal customers. (For example, people now feel loyalty to the logo of Starbucks and Costa more than to the taste of the coffee they serve.
• Help you stand out in the competitive market.
• Translate all your mission and values into a visual objective.

What are the 7 types of logos?

We can divide it into seven types. BluCactus can do all of these and help you decide which is good enough for your business.

1. Monogram

The monogram consists of letters only, such as CNN, ZARA, and IBM. These logos are, even if simple, memorable and effective.

It doesn’t mean you should go straight for a monogram for simplicity, but BluCactus will work best with it.

When we can use: if your business name is too long and you need everyone to remember it, consider using an abbreviation

(for example, referring to the first letters of all words in the company name) to make your brand name easier.

2. What is a logo? Wordmark

Perfect examples of wordmark logos are Google, VISA, and Coca-Cola. It works best when you have a unique, succinct name.

When the company name integrates with distinct typography, the mark becomes a notable landmark.

It’s imperative to choose the right typography. For example, a fashion wordmark uses elegant and cozy fonts, while an official body always adheres to a traditional font.

When we can use it: If your business name is short enough to use it all in the logo, or if your brand already has a renowned name, it can be an exceptional idea to make your brand stick in customers’ minds.

3. Pictorial mark

It’s the most common one we think of when we hear “what is a logo,” as it depends on an icon graphic such:

Apple, Twitter, Volkswagen.

Behind this sample model, a symbolic meaning resides. They want to establish the core of their business, and they win it.

When we can use: Use it when you want deep meaning and want to think beyond your business’s stereotypical image.

4. Abstract logo

It’s similar to a pictorial logo, but the main component is an abstract geometric figure or shape.

Pepsi and Adidas are excellent examples.

When we can use: if you want to use outlined colors with a catchy shape without mentioning a complicated notion, the abstract figure will be our choice.

5. Mascot

A mascot logo is inspired by a funny character, and it is a great way to create a spokesperson for your business.

The best application to this idea is Michelin and KFC’s Colonel.

When we can use it: It works for a company that wants to appeal to families and children.

However, consider that this type of logo cannot be used in all your marketing forms, such as business cards.

6. What is a logo? Combination

A combination logo brings together at least two of all the above. The icon and the letters come side by side to create a finalized image.

Here are examples of this combination: Doritos, Burger King, and Lacoste. Indeed, the tremendous benefit of this logo is that your audience starts to link your business name and your visual identity.

When we can use: We always suggest this combination, especially when you’re entering a new industry. Your business needs to stick in your customers’ minds.

7. Emblem logo

An emblem logo usually consists of a traditional icon that will leave an impressive impact.

This symbol is a go-to choice for historical universities, authoritative firms, and car companies, as it adds prestige and reputation to the business.

When we can use it: Although it seems epic and mysterious, you can still use it for your cutting-edge startup.

Especially in the food and beverage industry, like Starbucks, an emblem logo works well. Don’tmiss out and look at our favorite logos from our catalog.

10 Vital tips we follow to get a perfect logo

BluCactus doesn’t do anything without a specific strategy; we know what a logo is and how visual identity can strengthen your authority. We have a track record of creating successful logos.

Here are some of our power rules.

1. Sketches are a must

Maybe it seems old-fashioned, but we believe in the power of putting pen to paper for any productive designer. Some designers prefer using a vector program, such as Illustrator.

These messy drafts would help to get an effective logo eventually and have an answer to “what is a logo?”

But be careful. It will help if you think deeper. If you want to create a coffee logo design, you don’t need to outline just a cup of coffee. What makes Starbucks Starbucks is its striking logo.

Accordingly, we don’t get stuck on one idea; we outline more than 30 sketches and decide what to keep and what to skip. BluCactus appreciates this inspiration phase and spends more time in this initial step before completing the design process.

2. Bring balance

Designing is all about balancing different elements. Our eyes are great at catching balance in these combinations and noticing when something is in the correct position, usually at first glance.

Therefore, we keep balance by realizing the weight of different components, such as graphics and colors. Balance is the core of designing. If you break it, you will do something, but I assure you it’s not design work.

3. Consider the size

It’s essential to make sure your logo works well across all marketing materials, from flyers, posters, brochure advertising, and billboards to electronic formats.

Our approach is testing it ourselves to land the best one that can adjust to all sizes.

4. What is a logo? Take advantage of color

It’s about using optimal colors. Color has deep research and complex theory behind it. Our designers can apply these theories to help you achieve your goals.  

For example, if you search for a fashion logo design for your men’s clothing store, your logo might be black or beige. You will never go for the answer to “what is a logo” “without interpreting the color benefits of your design.

Maybe you know the basic rules of using colors, like choosing colors near each other on the color wheel and making sure they look good on a black-and-white background.

But BluCactus is Okay with breaking the rules to get a creative spot, as long as it still looks stunning. We can provoke such a polarizing effect to catch eyes. Besides, we mix and generate compounding colors to inspire a new color model.

5. Design tone is appropriate to your industry

BluCactus believes that there’s a time and a place for everything. We can’t follow a set process without understanding your industry and what you want your customers to know about you.

First, wewill gather all the information you are eager to share about your brand. Then, we will develop a strategy to meet your expectations.

Most importantly, make your logo look persuasive and appealing.

6. Typography does matter

The logo graphic is significant. Nevertheless, finding and choosing the right font type and size is more effective than you think, especially when the letters are the masterpiece.

BluCactus doesn’t rely on familiar fonts, as the most common ones can make the design feel clumsy.

We also stick to only one font. Considering a custom font is one of our mindsets, as it helps your identity come off as superior.

7. Recognition is our goal for a logo

As we mentioned, the logo is a powerful tool for introducing you to the market.

So, we are aware not to deviate from this goal. Making you distinguished from your competitors is our mission. We aim to create a logo that answers the question, “What is a logo?”

We want your customers to quickly associate your logo with the services you provide and your company. A logo could be seen from different angles, so consider whether it works from all angles.

Conclusion

Now that you have an answer to the question of ¨what is a logo?¨ why it is crucial to have a good business logo design, and how BluCactus can help you. You can now contact our team. Creating a logo is a part of our dedicated work. We have a competent team that will make time to meet your needs.

How does it work in BluCactus?

1. Good communication

Our staff will communicate with you and let you introduce your business.

We listen carefully to your needs and start aligning a strategy that suits your project.

Then, we keep all communication channels open and share updates with you.

2. Exploit all research tools and collect data

After studying your brand information, we define your market segment. Market research is one of our approaches to determining how to present your project to the market. Then, start the first part of the design.

3. Preliminary logo design

We offer the client what we can deliver now so they can evaluate our work and decide which one they like best.

4. Taking feedback into consideration

Based on customer satisfaction, we keep working on the project after taking notes and considering your suggestions. After that, we start designing the second one.

5. Final Touch

Eventually, you choose the one you like. Subsequently, our team will deliver all the material you need for your corporate identity, including the vector version.

We will never leave you without the feeling of comfort and fulfillment. Likewise, we will listen to your aspirations carefully regardless of your location, whether in  New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, or even Amsterdam.

Still feeling confused about a logo? Okay, contact us now. We love to hear from you!

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