Can Font Based Logo Design Be Effective?

Font based logo design, like that of Facebook, have 2 essential elements – color and typography. They can be sophisticated and they can also be down market. But how effective are they? Do they appeal to the targeted audiences? Do they have any effect at all? In this post, I will try to find these things out.

Taking A Closer Look At Font Based Logos

Just because a company logo is font-based, doesn’t mean it needs to be dull. The magic lies in the hands of the maker. Logotypes like those of Facebook or Google can remove visual noise and help the viewer concentrate on the company. They are pleasing to the eye and at the same time establish a style statement.

When the logo of Facebook was undergoing the design process, there was a trend for ‘Web 2.0 look’ which meant flamboyant typography and numerous layers of transparency. Nonetheless the company created a type-only logo and showed that if executed well, these kinds of logos can outshine even the most beautiful symbol-based ones. Afterwards, countless companies have been inspired by this type-only format.

Companies which have a very unique name, can stand out with logotype because it can convey their identity in a very attractive and strong manner. However, if your company has a simple name, you can make it stand out by using an intriguing symbol along with the typography or fusing something in the logotype itself such as an arrow or a ribbon or a smiley or whatever it is that best expresses your business in the most concise manner. Take a look at the Dolce and Gabbana insignia. It is as simple as can be, still the little “&” in the middle makes it distinctive and exclusive.

At the End of the Day

It all comes down to the main goal of a logo – establishing your brand in the market and tap into the psyche of your target audience. It needs research and it calls for your undivided attention. If the end-product of these two meets the aforementioned objective, your job is done. I personally think that font based logo design can be very effective and so can image-based ones.

Can effective and creative logo design be done with typography only? What is your opinion. Would you like to share it?