Emblem logos are universal. You can find them in many places on school badges, sports teams, car brands, flags, and even your Starbucks cup. They usually have words and pictures inside one shape, which makes them look strong and official.

Once you recognize an emblem logo, you’ll start noticing them everywhere they stand out and leave a lasting impression.

What are the basic types of logos?

Before we dive into the details of this specific sort of logo, it is useful to start from getting an overview of the main types it is compared to. Below is a breakdown of the four major categories of logos in a very simplified manner.

1. Brandmark Logos

Brandmark logos are the simplest of the four types. They use just a graphic to convey your brand’s message and personality, often an abstract symbol. Also called a pictorial mark, there’s no text involved. The image has to be powerful enough to represent your entire business on its own.

This type of logo design is perfect for global companies, especially when the company name might not translate well across different languages.

A classic example of a brand mark logo is Apple’s iconic apple symbol.

2. Wordmark Logos

Wordmark logos are the complete opposite of brandmarks. They use your business’s name as the logo itself. Sometimes, this even includes a tagline explaining what your company does or when it was founded. Since there’s no imagery, these logos really depend on typography to make an impression.

This style is a great choice for start-ups because it’s cost-effective and there are fewer graphics involved. It’s also perfect for building name recognition.

A well-known example of a wordmark logo is Walmart.

3. Lettermark Logos

Lettermark logos take a simpler approach by using just the initials of a company’s name. Instead of the full name, it’s a few letters that represent the brand.

This style is great for businesses with long or complicated names. It’s clean and easy to scale, but the downside is that it might leave people confused if they don’t know the brand yet.

A classic example of a lettermark logo is IBM.

4. Combination Mark Logos

A combination mark logo is exactly what it sounds like—it’s a mix of both a brandmark and a wordmark. Essentially, it gives you the best of both worlds. You get the clear identity of the company name along with the visual punch of an image.

This type of logo design is great because it offers flexibility. Whether people remember your name or the symbol, both parts work together to make your brand stand out.

A familiar example of a combination mark logo is Mastercard.

So, what exactly is an emblem logo?

Like combination mark logos, emblem logos combine both images and text. But the big difference is that emblem logos place everything inside a frame or border, while combination logos don’t. Emblem logos also tend to avoid using mascots. Instead, the imagery is more symbolic and blends smoothly with the text.

What’s the difference between symbols and emblems?

Symbols:

• Simple images or characters.

• Represent something specific (e.g., a heart for love or a peace sign for peace).

• Direct and literal.

Emblems:

• Represent something bigger, like a person, group, or idea (e.g., a king, a sports team, or honesty).

• Often worn as badges or on clothing to show affiliation.

• More abstract than symbols.

Symbols are often used in emblems to convey meaning.

Emblem Logo Design Tips

Your logo is very critical in your business. It is what is seen by potential customers first. It tells them who you are and what you’re all about. Emblem logos, in particular, are great because they instantly convey a unique and clear message about your brand, helping you stand out right from the start. If you are ready to design your emblem logo, then you can use the following tips to start the process:

1. Choose the appropriate container shape

The form you put your emblem logo design into is basically what binds everything together. As a result, the container is equally crucial as the design itself.

• Circle-shaped emblem logos are a classic way to go. The stamps used on wax seals that inspired modern designs were round, and many emblem logos are round. Along similar lines, you may also go oval. (Just take a look at the Ford’s logo as an example of that.)

• Crest-shaped logos are another great option. These are inspired by old family shields and carry a sense of history and heritage. They often work well for businesses that want to communicate a sense of tradition or authority.

• Squares and rectangles are also excellent choices, expressing a feeling of solidity, efficiency, and expertise. However, you may  also think outside the box and experiment with an unusual form, such as a triangle.

Emblem logos can look really impressive with all their fine details, but those same details can cause trouble when the logo is used in smaller sizes. What looks bold and beautiful on a sign might become messy and unreadable on a website or business card.

That’s why, in any logo design, simplicity and scalability matter. Make sure your emblem still looks clear when it’s small, and always create it in vector format so it resizes cleanly. Test it on different mockups to see how it holds up. A strong logo should work anywhere—big or small.

2. Avoid Adding a Slogan

When designing an emblem logo, simplicity is key. The space within the logo’s shape is limited, so adding extra text or slogans can make it look cluttered. Small details like the “year established” can become unreadable when the logo is resized. A good example is state seals in the U.S.—they’re full of tiny text that’s almost impossible to read at smaller sizes. That’s why most major brands stick to just their company name or initials for a clean, clear design that works well at any size.

3. Choose Your Colors Carefully

While bright, eye-catching colors attract attention, they are rarely employed in emblem logos. A subtle color palette with muted or neutral tones complements the timeless refinement of this logo type. Emblem logos are also more detailed than others, so fewer colors means less risk of information overload. Instead, stick to a few simple shades to make sure your logo looks clean and easy to understand. This way, your message stands out without being lost in a clutter of colors.

4. Remember your Audience

Your logo may be perfect to your eyes but it must also make sense to your intended audience. A design that doesn’t match your brand or speak to your customers can easily be overlooked. It’s imperative to keep in mind what your audience will relate to- not just what you individually like.  In the end, a logo should feel right for the people it’s meant to attract.

Take yourself out of the design and think like your target customer. Look at what works for your competitors, the colors, fonts, and styles they use. Chances are, they’ve already done the research. Let that guide your choices.

When to choose an emblem logo

If you wish to create an image of your brand which is established and reputable, then the emblem logos are the way to go about it. They exude a strong, professional image that can help create trust – particularly new businesses that want to appear more established.

Choose an emblem logo if:

• You want your brand to feel connected to tradition or history.

• You want to show strength, trust, or authority — like how badges or seals work.

• You’re going for a classic, polished look that feels thoughtful and refined.

• You want your audience to feel like they’re part of a group or community.

Avoid emblem logos if:

• Your brand is all about being cutting-edge or futuristic.

• You prefer a clean, modern, or very simple style.

Emblem logos work best when you want to show reliability, tradition, and a strong sense of identity.

Conclusion

Emblem logos are a very good means of establishing a great and memorable brand image. They are a combination of tradition and a specific style that can make your business unique. If you desire a logo that gives a kind of professional, timeless feel, an emblem is just what you need.

Ready to create your own? Let VareWeb help you design an emblem logo that truly reflects your brand’s values and personality.