What’s the difference between logos & emblems?

Every brand needs a logo but does every brand need an emblem?

And what’s the difference between those and a symbol?

Which one do I need?

It’s been a struggle since the beginning of advertising knowing what you need and where you should put it. How do you describe everything about your business in one pixelated image?

Here is where a digital marketing and branding strategist comes in handy. Someone who has studied communications and design will know what your brand should look and feel like. They will be able to study your target audience and portray an image that attracts your clientele. If you are looking to brand yourself or revamp your brand, reach out for an evaluation.

So what is the difference between a logo and an emblem?

You can have both.

A logo is defined as ‘a symbol or other design adopted by an organization to identify its products, uniform, vehicles.’ Logos are placed anywhere and everywhere online and in person. They are on business cards, websites, products, deliverables, packaging and paid advertising platforms. They wrap up commercials and help the consumer identify a product or feeling with that brand when they see something that relates to the logo.

The text of an item might also be referred to as the logotype.

Examples of some famous logos are:An emblem is defined as ‘a heraldic device or symbolic object as a distinctive badge of a nation, organization, or family.’ It’s a symbolic representation of a concept or quality. An example would be the bald eagle representing America or the seals and emblems from the military and government offices.
An emblem does not include text (full words or names) and can be described as just the photo. Look at the above logos. The Nike swoosh, the golden arched M of McDonald’s or the Target bullseye can be used by itself without the logotype and you would still know what brand is being portrayed. Louis Vuitton can use LV and be instantly recognized.
Emblems are popular with makeup brands, automotive industry and for those looking to minimize or simplify their image on a product. Emblems can be more abstract, modern and you can get away with something more discreet to compliment the brand; not define it.
You don’t have to be a large brand to be considered for use of one or another. Consider your product, your brand and anything that would be delivered. Should your logo go on a majority of materials but you add the emblem to the products that will be kept by the consumer? If there is a smaller space your emblem might appear better than a minimized logo would.

When creating logos, I also present them with an emblem that can be taken apart or something that might appear better on a printed material than what you can get away with online.

Icons, symbols, logos, emblems…I can see why this overwhelms many people. The wrong answer is to say “Well I do ___ so I don’t care about ___.” That’s being an irresponsible business owner and, with over 80% of consumers buying something solely based on appearance, it’s a critical part of your company’s success. When you create a brand you’re creating a lasting impression and community to welcome your customers in to. Make it something they want to return to…and bring their friends with.

Have more questions? I’ve got answers!

 

Cheers!

Marin

PS: Stop wondering, start doing. The first thing I hear from every client is “I’ve been meaning to…” or “I’ve been thinking…” Let’s get those ideas into action. Schedule a FREE call now!

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the photo or logos featured in this article’s example.