When to Use a Symbol in Your Logo A brand design identity is a well planned, well chosen symbol that serves to represent a company and having a symbol that is attractive to the eye is only half the battle.

	If you have a small business or a corporation it is necessary to have a design identity that works: one that consumers and clients will easily recognize.  An identity logo design not only serves to identify ones business or organization, it can serve as an easy to remember advertisement for one’s business or group.  A brand design identity is a well planned, well chosen symbol that serves to represent a company and having a symbol that is attractive to the eye is only half the battle. Symbols vs. Wordmarks What are symbols?  What are wordmarks?  For that matter, how do you know if you should use symbols or wordmarks in your brand identity design or corporate identity logo design?  Symbols are objects or images that stand as an understood representation for something else.  For example, a picture of an owl is often a symbol associated with wisdom.  In contrast, Wordmarks are a company’s or organization’s name created into a graphic or a special logo that refers only to the company or organization in question.  In terms of effectiveness, which of the two latter terms are more effective when it comes to establishing an identity logo design? The answer to that question depends on a number of factors including the business or brand name and the remarkableness of the business name or brand. Brand Identity Design and Symbols Symbols are an eye-catching part of an identity logo design and a design identity that works will incorporate a symbol that is universal, easily recognizable and memorable.  There are a number of reasons why a company or an organization may decide to use a symbol when they are establishing a brand identity design – sometimes symbols prove far more convenient that the use of mottos and /or phrases and wordmarks.  If a business or brand name is too nonspecific and indistinct it may be wise to choose a symbol over using wordmarks in one’s logo.  Also, some businesses use symbols because they are universally understood in any language: this allows the business to reach a broader audience.  For more information about symbols, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbols When to Use Wordmarks Instead of Symbols If a company has a completely unique name, one that is easy to read and recognize, then using wordmarks on identity logo designs is appropriate.  A company’s name must be easy to remember and in the best-case scenarios, easy to spell.  It is far easier for a consumer to appreciate and remember a wordmark like ABCDesign than it is to remember a complicated word phrase or long and difficult company name. For more information about wordmarks, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wordmark

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