What’s the difference between a brand and a logo? Let’s first start out by asking, what’s the difference between car frame, and all the whole car itself? Or, a quarterback and the entire team? Simply put, a logo is a part, and the brand is the whole. A car frame can’t drive without its engine, and a quarterback can’t play without their teammate.
Branding is a broad term that includes many aspects of design. Branding can be the colors, patterns, typography, products, core values, and yes… a logo! All these elements must work together in harmony to produce a successful brand. Provoking the targeted emotions can be extremely powerful; and utilizing a consistent repetition of patterns, colors, typography, etc. can help a company define themselves and create brand recognition in a fierce world of competition.
For example, what are the first words that pop into your head when you hear the someone say Nike? Maybe, athletic, movement, bold, even “Just Do It”? Nike has designed its brand to produce a memorable brand image or reputation. This can also be thought of as the way you think or feel about a company and what kind of characteristics it holds in your mind. This feeling needs to be embodied through the choice of a color palette, the type of fonts being used, the style of logo, and much more.
A brands logo can be thought of as a metaphorical team mascot. It is the first thing you see and can often times be your first impression of a brand. The elements making up a logo should embody the vibe and values the brand is trying to portray. Logos are a way for companies to identify themselves.
Branding is so much more than just a logo, it’s the entire visual representation of a company’s values, ideas, and intentions. Taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture can help you grasp and bring clarity to all the key fundamentals that encompass a brand.
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