When communicate with others, people like to use symbols with specific feelings or ideas, and so it is with logo design. To foster instantaneous customer recognition of a company or organization, symbols in logos count much. The main idea behind is that “a picture tells a thousand words.” A symbolic logo is a basic logo type that uses an image or graphic to explain an authentic or abstract representation of a business. This helps customers quickly identify the products or services, and sometimes, even pushes them to reach the products in the shortest time.

Some symbol logos are also designed without any text to explain the symbol, and which opens a broad interpretation of what the company is about. But such symbol-only logos are mostly used to distinguish brands that have a common sounding name, like the Nike logo. For some startups, symbols can be combined with texts effectively to exploit the best results.

Make a thorough research

Symbol logos are typically used by some companies with long or complex brand name, or brand name that doesn’t translate well globally. Some companies who wish to present a specific explanation of their business purpose to the customers also apply symbols in their logo designs. Therefore, before you begin your deign project, make a thorough research first. Make sure if the symbol logo is suited for your brand name, and find out what your competitors are doing.

Tell a clear story

Remember, your logo should be unique and stand out from the crowd without using a symbol that has negative connotations. Try to use this powerful communication device wisely, and let the symbol convey a clear and concise story.

Convey international perspectives

It is said that a symbol can have different meanings on different levels, and can also have various meanings based on cultures. When use symbols to explain a complex idea, you need to examine them from multiple perspectives.  Make sure the symbol in your logo design will be instantly recognized by the target audience.  Try not to use any symbols that express ambiguous message in different cultures, which is very important for companies seeking to create international identities.

Make good use of common symbols

There are numerous common symbols that can be used in logo designs. Such symbol can give a more recognizable meaning, and when people see it, they automatically associate it with a certain feeling. For the company whose brand name doesn’t make it distinctive, common symbols can also give a hint as to the essence of the business. For examples, shields and crests are incredibly popular for sports teams, while the globes are used to give the sense that a company covers international markets. However, using common symbols without thinking may drag the rear. Thus, the best way is to take a good advantage of the common symbols and deign them outside of the box to set your business apart from others in your industry.

Get inspired from 20 symbol logos

Here, I’ve compiled 20 examples with clever symbols in logos. Some of them are also negative space logos, but you still can get the message right away the first time you saw them. Enjoy and find out how these symbol logos are easily recognizable and evoke some positive feelings.

1.   Goodwill

2.   Hope for African Children Initiative

 3.   Ghost busters

4.   Ferrari

5.   Vodafone

6.   NFL

7.   Fire fox

8.   Puma

9.    Green one

10.   MOSLEEP

11.    Israel kids

12.   SwanSongs

13.    Cow World

14.   Octopus Caffe

15.    Conserve Rain Water

16.    forkever

17.   LocKey

18.  eBreakfast

19.   Golf

20.   Q-dance

Your turn to talk

Hope you find the above symbols logos are inspirational and get some idea to create your own symbolic logo. If you have any other good examples to share with us, please drop a line in the comment below.