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Get Professional Logo Designs
That Capture the Essence of Your Business
Stand Out From the Competition
Become Iconic and Memorable
Get Professional Logo Designs
That Capture the Essence of Your Business
Stand Out From the Competition
Become Iconic and Memorable
Want to get started? Email or schedule a call
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Custom Logos Designed for Real Clients
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7 Common Logo Types
#1 Abstract Mark
An Abstract Logo, is a design that doesn’t attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality, but uses forms, shapes, colors, and even gestural marks to achieve its effect and to represent your business.
Unlike other logos that feature recognizable elements, such as apples, birds, foxes, and etc, an Abstract Logos leaves room for you to give it meaning. Nike, Pepsi, Adidas, Chase Bank, and the Mercedes-Benz logos are all examples of Abstract logos. The benefits of an abstract mark is that it gives you the freedom to create a unique symbol, that’s not bogged down by pre-existing definitions that may vary depending on cultural values and interpretation. Consider how the Nike swoosh conveys motion and energy.
Abstract marks are a great way to create a unique symbol that’s not cliché or generic. It’s also a great way to stand out from every other dental practice who uses a tooth in their logo design. These sorts of designs are best handled by a professional designer who understands how shapes, colors, and forms can create a certain effect.
#2 Pictorial Mark
A Pictorial Mark or Symbol (also called a brand mark) incorporates recognizable and often iconic elements that already have meaning. Such as Apple’s apple graphic, Twitter’s bird, and Instagram’s camera graphics.
Pictorial logos are best for businesses who have the leverage and resources to redefine something that is already recognized as something else and even iconic, into something that is associated almost exclusively with your company. Apple for example, has so much leverage that people think more about smartphones and computers at the mention of apples, than they do of fruit. It takes a lot of resources and time to do that.
Pictorial logos can be great for instantly associating a feeling or idea with your business. However, before deciding to go with a Pictorial Logo, consider whether the image you choose will translate the same way to a broad audience. For example, camels are held in high regard in some cultures. Presenting the camel in a humorous way could be offensive. If you are planning on building an international brand, consider the cultural implications of the image you choose. Also, if your image is a depiction of what your company actually does, consider the impact if you decide to focus on a different market. What happens when your smoothie shop, with a smoothie in the logo starts selling sandwiches. With that said, choose your image wisely, and pick an image that still fits even if your business changes in the next five or ten years.
#3 Word Mark
Similar to a Letter Mark, a wordmark or logotype is a font-based logo that focuses on a business’ name alone. Think Visa and Coca-Cola. These work 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 Letter Mark 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.
- A is a good decision if you’re a new business and need to get your name out there, just make sure that name is short enough to take advantage of the design. Anything too long can look too cluttered.
- A wordmark logo is a good idea if you have a distinct business name that will stick in customers’ minds. Having your name in a great, designed font will make your brand all the stickier.
- Wordmark logos are easy to replicate across marketing materials and branding thus making them highly adaptable options for a new, and developing, business.
#4 Letter Mark
A Letter Mark (also known as a monogram) is a typography-based logo that’s comprised of a few letters, usually a company’s initials. The Letter Mark is a great way to simplify brands with long names.
For example, it’s much easier to say and remember “NASA” versus the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- Consider a Letter Mark logo if your business happens to have a long name. Condensing the business name into initials will help simplify your design and likewise customers will have an easier time recalling your business and your logo.
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- A Letter Mark is easy to replicate across marketing material and branding thus making it highly adaptable for a new, and developing, business.
#5 Combination Mark
A combination mark is a logo comprised of a combined Word Mark or Letter Mark and a pictorial mark, abstract mark, or mascot. The picture and text can be 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 create a distinct image together, these logos are usually easier to trademark than a pictorial mark alone.
A combination mark is a great choice for pretty much any business out there. It’s versatile, usually highly unique, and the most popular choice of logo among prominent companies.
#6 Mascot Logo
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 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!
Remember that a mascot is only one part of a successful logo and brand, and you may not be able to use it across all your marketing material. For example, a highly detailed illustration may not print well on a business card. So put some consideration in the next type of logo design below, the combination mark.
#7 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 a logo designs fit for the 21st century (think of Starbucks’ iconic mermaid emblem, or Harley-Davidson’s famous crest).
An emblem’s traditional look might be favored by lots of public agencies and schools but it can also serve any up-and-coming private business quite well, especially those in the food and beverage industry: think beer labels and coffee cups (Starbucks!). But remember to play it safe when it comes to detail. You still want a design you’ll be able to print neatly across all of your marketing material.
Testimonials
"Simon designed a large display for us that we use at events. It was a high print cost item, so it was important to get the design perfect Read More
Raymond SelgKnights of Columbus Insurance Practice
"We've worked with Simon on several projects over the course of five years. He's an excellent animator and graphic designer who also has excellent Read More
Ashley Zahorian Owner | Something Like Real Pictures
"I will definitely keep you in mind for any other projects, or any referrals I might come across. As for our project, I was very happy, and we had very good results Read More
John ReidOwner | Accel Pest and Termite Control
“Simon was extremely thorough and efficient to work with. He created promotional pieces for us that were extremely effective. Highly recommended.”
Dr. James MaggioPro Adjuster Chiropractic
“Simon and his team have been working with our daughter Abby Robertson who is in the music industry. Simon has worked diligently with us on every aspect of her social media Read More
Clay RobertsonManager | Songbird, LLC
“Open Door has provided me excellent service both in quality, but even more important in advice and counsel. The first project they produced for Catalyst Cohorts Read More
Tom NoonCEO | Catalyst Cohorts
“This company is amazing. They have helped me so much! I have loved working with them over the past few months and totally recommend working with them!”
Abby RobertsonSinger-Songwriter
"Simon helped us with our website. Everything from the color scheme to making the site call out to people is fantastic. Read More
Cathleen NicholsOwner | Harmony Health Life and Fitness
“Simon has done a fantastic job with our project. He is diligent, creative, helpful. He has an understanding of the social media marketplace and how it relates to your business. Read More
Andrea E. RobertsonSongbird, LLC
"I would like to personally THANK Simon Matthews and his team for helping me and my company 4.0 Inventions with achieving our digital commercial/prototyping goals.Read More
“I contacted Simon and his team to create an opening logo animation for my video production company. They worked with me over multiple sessions to develop the idea, Read More
Blake CortrightFounder | Arche Productions
“Great work, fair prices, and awesome results! Highly recommend Open Door for your next marketing campaign!”
Brian LindbergRegional Manager | ADT
“We enjoyed working with Simon and the Open Door team to design long-form animations for Faithful Beginnings! They did a wonderful job Read More
Laura KrausFaithful Beginnings
“The staff at Open Door Media took my animation ideas and made them a reality! They showed me each step of the process Read More
Jonathan SlaytonIndie Film Project
"Simon did amazing work on our logo for our company Pro Pulse, Inc. He also did the 3D animation for our video gaming enhancement product. Great Company! Read More
John MatthewsOwner | Pro Pulse, Inc.
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Testimonials
"Simon designed a large display for us that we use at events. It was a high print cost item, so it was important to get the design perfect Read More
Raymond SelgKnights of Columbus Insurance Practice
"We've worked with Simon on several projects over the course of five years. He's an excellent animator and graphic designer who also has excellent Read More
Ashley Zahorian Owner | Something Like Real Pictures
"I will definitely keep you in mind for any other projects, or any referrals I might come across. As for our project, I was very happy, and we had very good results Read More
John ReidOwner | Accel Pest and Termite Control
“Simon was extremely thorough and efficient to work with. He created promotional pieces for us that were extremely effective. Highly recommended.”
Dr. James MaggioPro Adjuster Chiropractic
“Simon and his team have been working with our daughter Abby Robertson who is in the music industry. Simon has worked diligently with us on every aspect of her social media Read More
Clay RobertsonManager | Songbird, LLC
“Open Door has provided me excellent service both in quality, but even more important in advice and counsel. The first project they produced for Catalyst Cohorts Read More
Tom NoonCEO | Catalyst Cohorts
“This company is amazing. They have helped me so much! I have loved working with them over the past few months and totally recommend working with them!”
Abby RobertsonSinger-Songwriter
"Simon helped us with our website. Everything from the color scheme to making the site call out to people is fantastic. Read More
Cathleen NicholsOwner | Harmony Health Life and Fitness
“Simon has done a fantastic job with our project. He is diligent, creative, helpful. He has an understanding of the social media marketplace and how it relates to your business. Read More
Andrea E. RobertsonSongbird, LLC"I would like to personally THANK Simon Matthews and his team for helping me and my company 4.0 Inventions with achieving our digital commercial/prototyping goals.Read More
“I contacted Simon and his team to create an opening logo animation for my video production company. They worked with me over multiple sessions to develop the idea, Read More
Blake CortrightFounder | Arche Productions
“Great work, fair prices, and awesome results! Highly recommend Open Door for your next marketing campaign!”
Brian LindbergRegional Manager | ADT
“We enjoyed working with Simon and the Open Door team to design long-form animations for Faithful Beginnings! They did a wonderful job Read More
Laura KrausFaithful Beginnings
“The staff at Open Door Media took my animation ideas and made them a reality! They showed me each step of the process Read More
Jonathan SlaytonIndie Film Project
"Simon did amazing work on our logo for our company Pro Pulse, Inc. He also did the 3D animation for our video gaming enhancement product. Great Company! Read More
John MatthewsOwner | Pro Pulse, Inc.
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