Marks and Symbols

Marks and Symbols

     Marks and Symbols are very important to Graphic Designers. It is very important for Graphic Designers to know the diverse spectrum of marks that are available to help them solve visual  problems. The basic knowledge of marks will also help the graphic designer know how to put multiple "positive" marks together without creating confusion for the public eye. It is very important to note that even if two marks have positive features, when putting them together does not always look right. There are six basic ways to classify marks;  Pictographs, letter marks, logos, combination marks, trade marks, and symbols. Pictographs are seen everyday were ever you go, they are symbols used to replace words. Anyone, can understand a well designed pictograph like the sign for the bathroom, which is an international sign. However, Pictographs can cause cultural confusion with the use of corporate marks. Letter marks are used to identify a company. These marks are abbreviated company names and are easier to read. Logos are like letter marks but they are not abbreviated. Logos are used to identify  brands, projects, a group, and companies. Logos can be legally protected.  A combination mark, or a signature, is a logo and a symbol put together. Combination marks are good for labeling effectively, as well as being unique. However, combination marks can be very complex and redundant. Trademarks are legal names for unique marks, they protect the marks from getting stolen or copied. Trademarks are protected by the law and can be sold if the creator wants to sell it. Symbols a  type of mark that does not use type to identify a corporation, brand, an institution, or an agency. Using a symbol in a design creates an unique, quick, and simple impact. The downside to using symbols is that it can be costly to promote and can sometimes cause confusion.             







 Pictograph Examples:                                                         
                                                                                                       corporate marks
                                                        

Letter marks example:










Logos:     

What is the difference between a symbol and a logo? What is it called when these two things are used together?

     Logos use type and words to establish a brand, company, or group. However, symbols do not use any words or type. Logos can use two or three colors.  symbols usually use only one color. When you put a symbol and a logo together it is a combination mark that is also called a signature.     


Combanation mark:

Three key facts and why they are important? 

     The first key fact is that negative spaces are necessary when you are designing a symbol. Having negative spaces or white spaces. The second key fact that I think is very importent is metering and color is good. Less is more is very importent to keep in mind when designing symboles because when you limit vocabulary and unnessesary lines you can get a nice clean simple design, having only one color can help with this too. The last key fact has to be combanation marks. When using a combanation of a logo and a symbole, it creates an effective, unique lable. 

What was your favorite thing you learned and why will it be valuable in the future?

     My favorite thing I learned has to be the combination marks, the combining of logos and symbols together.This will help me,when I have any future branding projects.    

General thoughts & conclusions.

     I cannot wait to apply this new found knowledge over marks and symbols, to future projects. I will use the tips to making "good symbols". The tip that involves using negative spaces will be helpful with future branding projects.