Whether you’re just starting your business, or you’ve been in business for years, you understand the importance of your logo. As we’d explained before, a great logo design serves as an identifier for your company—a visual shortcut—and sets the proper tone for what it is like to work with your business.
But what if your logo was more of a set of elements, rather than one single item? That’s exactly what a lot of businesses are turning to in place of a single logo.
So what exactly is a logo system?
A logo system is exactly what it sounds like—a system of elements that make up the logo identifier for your company. It typically still includes a base logo form with several variations upon it, so as to create a much more dynamic effect that means the logo has the ability to change as needed across applications. Typically one element of the logo stays the same—usually the shape or the color palette—while another element is specifically designed to change within set parameters. It almost makes the logo system come alive.
When is a logo system a good idea?
A logo system could potentially be used in an logo design, however, if your brand has several arms or related product lines it could be an especially good fit. Before you consider choosing a logo system, it is also a good idea to consider how you intend to execute the brand collateral. If you had intended to do so in-house, it might be tougher to execute the strategy well, than if you intend to maintain a long-term relationship with your designer. Executing a logo system is slightly more complex and usually requires a professionally-trained design eye to make the best use of the system.
A few samples
The EPFL Alumni logo system, designed by Enigma, features a mark inspired by maps and pathways. It is created on a grid that enables dozens and dozens of pathway variations, and is designed with a broad color palette to create even more color variations.
The Mohawk paper logo system, designed by Pentagram, features a simple m-shaped mark that is formed by several interlocking pieces. The mark is designed to be used in different color variations, and can even be locked together to create a supporting pattern element.
The Reading Is Fundamental logo system, designed by Mother New York, focuses less on color variation, and more on the addition of several “characters” to add personality on call to the base logo. The result is a truly fun system designed to reflect all the surprise and character you find when reading.
