Enclosed logos can be categorized as several different kinds of corporate identity styles. Essentially enclosed logos consist of combined designs where all the element, text and graphics come together in one complete package. Anything from labels to signage to badges and seals would fall into this style. For many companies this type of design is a fantastic showcase what the brand is all about while at the same time are able to serve a practical purpose.

When it come to restaurants, an enclosed logo design style is an ideal choice. The structured  and compacted nature save on space needed for signage, while the distinct traditional appeal of the design convey a sense of experience and establishment. For our client The Tin Duck Tavern, this kind style seemed to perfectly fit with the traditional English pub theme they needed. Utilizing very traditional elements such as simple a banner and simple filigree, a distinctive duck icon was also created to sit a top the design. The overall design is successful in being able to carry across a hand made wood-cut look while maintaining a clean and professional appearance. Separating the text into different sections helps give the design sense of dimension while at the same time emphasizing on the most important wording.

Using the same of traditional style, Antonios Italian Bakery and Deli also came to us looking for design that could capture the old world feel but style portray modern design elements. Using different simple geometric shapes a kind of layered effect was created. Enclosed in the center is the text which brings the focus on the name Antonios. The addition of the chef’s hat and grains was also created to bring a sense of context to the image. The symmetry of the graphics, along with the geometric elements really capture the spirit of the company and create a successful design.

Often utilizing the shape and style of design from various points in history can really help to make and emotional connection to a companies market. By reinventing a classic design the brand itself will become distinctive from competitors who utilize the same cliched ideas. When the Africa Trading Company came to us, they were thinking about creating a modern style design to better match what they had seen as a trend in their industry. When we showed them what could be using the theme of 19th century labels it was clear that the identity would work very well. Using a style that reflected the kind of branding one would see in history books evokes images of steamships and steamer trunks loaded with exotic goods from around the world. Because the company was importing goods from Africa this was an ideal “hook” that would grab the intended market and create interest.

For Marquee films, the quest was to capture the same kind of emotional appeal and nostalgia while at the same time coming across a modern company. The name of the company alone invokes images of old theatre signs lit up, without needing any imagery at all. Buy playing on the signage theme and enclosed logo design was a perfect fit. Using references to various theatre Marques from the 1920s - 1940s a unique design was created. By keeping the elements simple and clean the overall design also showcases that the company is modern but recognizes the classic appeal of the golden age of film.

Besides creating enclosed logos that match sign and labels another very common use for the style is with circular logos. They can be called badges or seals by generally they follow a similar  structure, a centered iconic image with the text usually wrapped around. The biggest appeal from a practical standpoint is that circular designs are usually even in terms of height and width. Unlike the more common horizontal or vertical designs, a logo that can essential fit in a square shape is much more versatile as they create more design possibilities in areas like stationary and packaging.

When we created the concept for Paediatric we tried several different places for the text after we creates the unique building block graphic. The circular layout was an instant favorite because it really shows off the bright icon in the center while maintaining a professional and completed look. By utilizing the idea of splitting the circle in half and using two colors, the focus on the name could be maximized. It also enhances the visual impact of the design and adds a unique visual interest.

Circular “badge” logos can also act a way to convey the idea of being an authority or official without infringing on any legal issues. Often government agencies and departments will utilize circular designs or crests and as such the look of a circular enclosed logo can generate that same feeling. Solomon Kennel is a client that deals exclusively with pitbull breeding and training. Breeding that specific type of dog requires a lot of experience and know how. By utilizing a design that reflects the kind of professionalism and knowledge associated with the industry a sense of authority and experience is carried across to the viewer. The image itself is quite simple, using brush stroke style lines a dramatic icon of a pitbull face was created. The wide, bold font that wraps around the image and creates the enclosed design completes the design and enhances the impression of strength and stability. The overall design works well and is effective because all the elements perfectly match the kind of image that is associated with that industry while still keeping the design unique and original.

Enclosed logos are not always about creating a shape to fit around the text. For many enclosed designs the text is almost secondary to the imagery and is utilized in a way where the  name is fitted into an iconic image creating the enclosed design. A good example of this is the design for our client Fire Services Ltd.. The traditional fire-fighters shield and banner are the immediate focal point while the inclusion of the name completes the design. Using a combination of bold reds and blacks a sense of depth was created. The effectiveness of the design come from the ability to form and instant relation in the mind of the viewer. The classic symbol instantly brings forth ideas of fire safety which grabs the attention of the viewer and draws them into the name.

Other times, the main imagery can be used to create the illusion of perspective. By carefully  adapting the text to fit that perspective a high visual impact can be created which enhance the interest of the design. When ever text is skewed and adjusted to fit into a shape the most important issue is the legibility. Often times trying to retain a 100% accuracy with regard to perspective will have to sacrificed in order to improve on the overall legibility of the logo. When creating a 3D logo reminiscent of and old neon motel sign for our client of Rockin Fares it was important the a balance between accuracy and legibility was especially important because the design was going to be reproduces at a smaller scale on the internet. The overall theme of the design reflected a 1950’s rock ‘n roll feeling and utilizing a 3D shape helped greatly to create a unique design in an other wise heavily populated style. The company itself was in the travel industry and this is reflect with distinctive arrow shape of the image. The starburst shapes that surround the logo further enhance then theme and keep with the nostalgic style of the design.

The decision to rename Williams Gateway Airport to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport effective October 15, 2007 prompted authorities to create a new logo to complete the re-branding initiative. The outcome is what East Valley Tribune describes as a stylized, orange-red letter “G” with “PhxMesa Gateway Airport” spelled underneath, the word “Gateway” emphasized in bold letters.

Although the sharp “G” symbolizes the forward vision and aggressiveness, community leaders and other stakeholders are quite satisfied with the outcome of this new logo design.

Mesa Mayor said it is too futuristic and a board member commented it failed to associate the logo with culture and heritage. Also, a resident was quick to point out that using “PHX” in the logo is very confusing because it is already associated with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

After all these negative comments, the authorities decided to go ahead with the new logo because they don’t want to waste their time.

There are many companies, big and small, facing this same problem about logo design. This is commonly caused by lack of knowledge about logo design projects and poor logo design process.

That’s why here in Logo Design Works we pay strict attention to our process right from the very start. Our painstaking effort to come up with the right logo is a product of strong collaboration between our logo designers and customers.

When the time comes that you need to get a new logo, make sure you check the process first to save your time and resources.

Can you identify the brands just by reading the phrases below?

Just Do It
Connecting People
Think Different
The Free Encyclopedia
A Diamond is Forever

Most of us can easily tell these are Nike, Nokia, Apple, Wikipedia, and De Beers. If you want to win the branding game, it is not enough that you have an appealing logo design. You should also create a catchy phrase that your customers can associate with your brand.

Whether you’re creating a new tagline or changing it to be more effective, you might want to use the following tips:

1. Highlight your key benefits. In most situations, a tagline is just a creative and concise way of conveying to customers your key benefits. Capture the unique experience and emotions you want your customers to feel.
2. Add your company or product name. Established brands have the right not to use this approach. However, this is very crucial for small businesses to increase the customer recall rate quickly.
3. Maintain it. You should not use numerous taglines for different marketing campaigns because it will definitely confuse your target consumers. Success of a tagline is also dependent on your consistency and willingness to use it for a long period of time. Also, don’t forget to protect your tagline with a trademark.

You can also check the Lonely Marketer and Living Light for examples of worst taglines in market today.

Everyone who owns a logo should follow the vigilance displayed by the famous football team, Dallas Cowboys.

According to ClarionLedger.com, the legal counselor of the five-time Super Bowl champion team Dallas Cowboys has contacted the campaign staff of Republican attorney general candidate Al Hopkins to remove the star in his official Website. (See photo below).

The star logo is used to highlight Hopkins’ military experience as a retired major general with the Mississippi National Guard. However, the military star is colored white with a black background.

According Hopkins’ campaign manager Michael Luethy, they changed the color of the military star to blue and white because they are in a political campaign.

Although Dallas Cowboys did not file a formal legal complaint, the camp of Al Hopkins believes they are not infringing any copyright but later on voluntarily removed the star “in a good faith effort.” However, the star logo will stay in their offline campaign materials like yard signs.

Since this happened in the middle of a political campaign, the opposing side has seized this opportunity to slur Hopkins.

“It’s truly baffling that Al Hopkins, who clams to have so much legal experience, does not recognize he’s infringing upon one of the most recognizable sports symbols in the world,” said Jonathan Compretta, campaign manager of Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood.

There are many reasons why a company or any organization should have a logo makeover. Some do it to ride the current Web 2.0 trendy designs while others are simply bored with their current logo and needed to create an excitement.

If you want to have a more significant logo makeover, you should put more meaning to it and share it with your target market and other stakeholders. You can associate it with new goals or another direction to take.

Take for instance the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), one of the largest national medical organizations determined to ensure high-quality, cost-effective health care for patients of all ages.

Last week, it unveiled a new logo featuring a “variation on the staff of Aesculapius commonly used to symbolize the practice and profession of medicine. Where the traditional symbol features a serpent-entwined staff, referring to the ancient Greco-Roman god of medicine, the new AAFP logo replaces the staff with a torch. The torch is symbolic of life, knowledge, principle and leadership and represents the AAFP as the progressive, forward-thinking organization it is.”

To make this new logo design more significant and powerful to the eyes of the general public, this organization also set new strategic initiatives captured in their new tagline, “Strong Medicine for America.” These initiatives tackle advocating family medicine issues and emphasizing importance of family medicine in national health care debate.