Everyone knows you need a logo – but what kind? There are at least six different types of logos.
Wordmark Logos
The company or product name, stylized in a certain color, font, etc. (Coca-Cola, Disney, Tide)
Emblem Logos
Company or product name as part of a unique graphic representation (Starbucks, Harley-Davidson)
Pictorial/Brand Mark Logos
A stylized image that becomes recognizable as a representation of the company, product or service.
A subset of Pictorial Marks are Illustrated/Photo Realistic Marks
Logos like these usually adorn consumer goods usually found on the inner shelves of grocery stores and sports teams.
Abstract/Symbolic Logos
At most loosely based on anything real (Nike, Mercedes-Benz).
Letterform Logos
One or more letters represented in a unique graphical form to stand for the company, product or service (Unilever, GM)
Pictorial/Brand Marks, Abstract and Letterform Logos are largely interchangable in name and description.