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When a designer goes about creating a logo, the first thought that should always come up is the hope to create a logo at a high enough level that it could still be used decades from its creation. Despite that being the common hope, there are two different ways in which how a logo can transcend time and use. These two types being known as timeless and classic. Now logo designs that are fortunate enough to be qualified for either of these categories have many similarities, so much so that it is easy to confuse the two. Before going into the two highest level of acclaim a logo design can get, we first need to do a quick run through on the basics.
No matter how you design your logo, with whatever inspiration you can think of, it is going to be classified as one of these logo types. Having the knowledge of these different types improves the quality of your design by providing more direction into what your best route is for your logo when considering the company or group it represents.
An emblem type logo is one that incorporates the companies name within the design.
Examples:
In this type, the logo is created by using letterform design(a letter’s shape) to create a symbol.
Examples:
A text type logo only utilizes letters and in some instances typographic design is incorporated.
Examples:
In this type an image is used as a pictorial representation of the company. It can also be representing its reputation, perception, or attitude.
Examples:
Okay now that we have covered the basic logo design types and went over some of the important things to consider when designing a logo, we are now ready to take a look at what timeless and classic logo designs are and how you can achieve this acclaimed status.
A logo that has reached the status of being timeless means that it is able to maintain the same high level of acclaim long after its creation. However, logos in this category also need minor alterations occasionally to remain relevant as the years go by. These alterations could be anything as long as it makes a change, but the base structure is never altered in any way. For example, lets take a look at the logo of MTV.
Original MTV Logo
As you see above, this is a very well designed text type logo. It utilizes a great color scheme for the loud, brash, unruly, and whatever other youthful rebellious urge all teens and young adults have.
Current MTV Logo
Now take a look at the original logo of MTV, and then take a gander at the current one. The current one has a heavier font weight for the letters involved, the t and v are less playful, but the most noticeable and important change is the removing of the music television from the logo. As mentioned earlier, the most important thing a logo is responsible for is properly conveying the identity it represents. The music television tagline that was once at the bottom of the logo had to be removed, because MTV has become known more so for reality TV than actually playing music. That was the only mishap played by the original logo, assuming a company called Music Television would continue to have a network comprising of mostly music related content.
There isn’t that much difference between a classic logo and a timeless logo. The only differentiating factor here is that a classic logo will never come across the need for a change because it complies to one of the top important things to be considered when designing a logo. This being adaptability. The logos that are able to be apart of the classic group have designs that can adapt to any type of environment you can think of, and it still will be able to do well. Let’s take a look at the ABC logo, probably the most iconic classic logo.
ABC Logo
Everything that can be said about this logo, has already been covered for awhile now. This logo is simplicity at its best, and won’t be seeing any changes coming its way.
By now your probably wondering what is the best method to go about for achieving a logo design that can be categorized into one of these two categories. Well its a lot easier than it seems, and here are some tips to help you with that.
The difference between a timeless logo and a classic logo is all in the details, the little things if you will. A timeless logo design is one that is great in concept, but may need an alteration done to remain relevant. A classic logo design is fine the way it is, and probably will never see the drawing board again. Logo design is a very complex creative job that requires much to consider throughout the entire process. To achieve either one of these classifications is very possible, all it takes is to focus on the little things.
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Jamal is a young freelance web designer, web developer, writer, and blogger based in Atlanta, Ga. His work can be found at his online identity Five Alarm Interactive(FAI). He is a college student and philosophical poet by day, and passionate professional by night. You can keep up with him on Twitter @5alarmint.
Sunday, January 29th, 2012 22:53
All these logos seem very short and thus easy to remember even after one quick look. Don’t know what is better a text logo or just a simple image that finally represent the company so well that no one can use that same image in their logo like apple.
Monday, December 12th, 2011 17:01
Thanks, Jamal, for putting this together.
Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 05:21
Thanks for liking my article Tony :)! I’ve seen some of the ones in that article before. I am to this day have never been as shocked as when I found out about the fedex logo. I had no idea about the arrow before it was pointed out to me, and was quite in aww for a few minutes just amazed at how blind I was.
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 18:42
I don’t think the new MTV logo is using a heavier font weight. They just cut off the bottom third of the old logo and that makes it look heavier.
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 18:47
I stand corrected. After comparing both logos in Photoshop, the new one is a little thicker. Strange move on their part.
Saturday, October 29th, 2011 20:56
*thumbs up…love the ABC logo too!
Friday, October 28th, 2011 14:16
Nice post on differenting the logo design thanks for sharing it
:)
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Raj Mehta
Friday, October 28th, 2011 14:16
Nice post on differenting the logo design thanks for sharing it
:)
Jamal
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 04:13
Thanks for liking it! :)
Morgan
Saturday, October 29th, 2011 20:56
*thumbs up…love the ABC logo too!
Brad
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 18:42
I don’t think the new MTV logo is using a heavier font weight. They just cut off the bottom third of the old logo and that makes it look heavier.
Brad
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 18:47
I stand corrected. After comparing both logos in Photoshop, the new one is a little thicker. Strange move on their part.
Sam O
Sunday, January 29th, 2012 22:53
All these logos seem very short and thus easy to remember even after one quick look. Don’t know what is better a text logo or just a simple image that finally represent the company so well that no one can use that same image in their logo like apple.
Tony Kelsey
Monday, December 12th, 2011 17:01
Thanks, Jamal, for putting this together.
Jamal
Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 05:21
Thanks for liking my article Tony :)! I’ve seen some of the ones in that article before. I am to this day have never been as shocked as when I found out about the fedex logo. I had no idea about the arrow before it was pointed out to me, and was quite in aww for a few minutes just amazed at how blind I was.