Are a Logo Design and a Brand the Same Thing?
What’s the difference between a logo design and a brand? We get this question a lot. And even when we don’t, we know there are clients who use the different terms interchangeably.
Making things even more confusing is the fact that some creative gurus will call logos “branding” or “branding pieces.” Those terms aren’t inaccurate, but if you aren’t really sure about the context it can seem like your logo is all that goes into your brand.
We don’t want you to be confused by this concept because it speaks to what you’re trying to accomplish – and what you’ll get – when you hire someone to design a logo. So, let’s dig in and find the differences that matter to your business.
Brands and Logos are Related but Different
Your logo is a big part of your brand, but the brand is bigger. Really, it’s your identity in the market, and all of the things that make you different from the competition.
Some inexperienced business owners think branding doesn’t matter. If you’re one of them, consider this: is there a difference between the Yankees and the Red Sox? If you’re a baseball fan there sure is. Both are teams with a long history that are based on the East Coast. But most sports fans have a very strong preference between the two. Like Coke versus Pepsi, or Starbucks versus Dunkin’ Donuts, branding identity is all about preference.
Those branding choices are big and solid. They encompass lots of different ideas and experiences, and possibly a personal history for each customer. Someone who sees any of these logos is instantly reminded of their relationship with that brand.
A Logo is the Visual Representation of Your Brand
This bleeds over from the last point. Your logo is simply the visual representation of your brand. It’s the thing people can see and be reminded of why your business is like the Yankees or Dunkin’ Donuts of your market.
People don’t like teams and brands because of the logos they use, but they do identify with them in a quick and consistent way. That’s important because your logo has two important jobs. The first is to be identifiable, and second is to be distinctive. In other words, no one should confuse your logo with that of another company (particularly one as well-known or in the same business). And, a person seeing your logo for the first time should be able to guess certain things about the type of company you have and its personality.
Notice that all of these impressions flow naturally from your brand identity. Once you know who you are and what you want to do, finding the right design is a lot easier.
Branding is an Emotional Connection
It’s easy to talk about branding and logos in clinical terms, but they are really about emotion. The way you feel when you see the logo for your favorite team, coffee shop, or restaurant says something. It creates a reaction, not just in your mind but also in your gut.
You can do a lot to help your customers feel that connection by being consistent. Is your brand steady and reliable, or high-energy and innovative? Do you want to be the most reliable in your business, or the most fun? Is your brand all about color and motion, or are you conservative and rocksteady?
The more you can zero-in on these details, the easier it will be for your logo design team to express them visually. Remember, your goal isn’t to simply have “a good logo,” but one that’s a perfect match for your company and leaves you room to grow and expand in the future.
Need Help Getting Started on Your Logo?
The best way to get a great logo is to start with the right brand concepts and build from there. Luckily, we have a convenient and affordable service you can use at Logo Design NYC. Just click here to get started with our brand identifier questionnaire. Once we know all about your business and concept, we’ll start creating a handful of unique and affordable options for you to choose from or refine.
You can get the high-quality logo you’ve been waiting for. Get started today!