Even though a logo is a single visual representation of your company, it should and may take many different shapes. Logo variations enter the picture here. An alternative version of your main logo design is called a logo variant. The variance enables your brand to remain unified, dependable, and identifiable in a variety of contexts. You become more flexible as a result.

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Consider it this way: distinct logos in various forms and styles may be needed for a website, a business card, and a social network image. By creating many logo variations, your company may have flexibility instead of depending on just one to perform all the heavy lifting.

However, some businesses will require more logo variations than others. It depends on the demands and industry of your company, as well as the design of your logo. To assist you in determining which of the four major, stacked or secondary, submark, and favicon logo variations you require, we will go over them all.

The primary logo

Creating your core logo is the first step towards creating your logo variations. This is your most intricate and sophisticated logo. Additionally, you’ll utilize it the most frequently. The main logo will include the most information, including the business name, slogan, and establishment date. It’s your signature logo and the primary symbol of your company identity on everything from eye-catching signs to business t-shirts.

Primary logos are usually horizontal, however this might change based on the theme and style. For your main, you may occasionally receive a stacked logo similar to Strange Lane Homewares’ (see example on the left above). Remember to have a black-and-white variant of your logo on hand in case the main version has color.

Make sure your primary logo always has room to breathe and isn’t overshadowed by other design components to underline its significance. For the major logo to seem as stunning on a website header as it does in big print, it needs to be captivating, memorable, and flexible. Make it the focal point.

Most companies choose a single main logo to maintain continuity. Every now and again, there will be a singular exception, like Adidas, though. Depending on the collection, the brand’s three major logos can be utilized interchangeably. By utilizing the same typeface and sticking with their recognizable three stripes on each logo, they preserve coherence. This is an uncommon strategy that most businesses won’t be able to use, particularly if they are still expanding. Adidas, however, is exempt since it is the second-biggest producer of sportswear globally.

The secondary logo

It’s time to create a secondary logo once you’ve created your main one. A secondary logo’s major objective is to be arranged differently from the primary version. Your secondary logo can be stacked with a symbol above or below the words if your primary logo is horizontal and has a symbol close to the text.

Consider the secondary logo to be a mirror image of the main logo. To maintain your brand identity consistently, it must to have the same typefaces, line weight, and overall style. If you have limited space or your primary logo doesn’t fit the space, you can use a secondary logo.

varying locations demand varying amounts of space for logos; for instance, a horizontal logo can work better on a business card or letterhead design. Alternatively, a vertically stacked logo can work better for a social network profile photograph. Your secondary logo serves as backup and filler in these situations where your primary logo is ill-suited or doesn’t look its best.

Submark

Making your submark is crucial once you’ve decided on your major and secondary logos. This is the most streamlined and compact version of the logo, and it will be useful when you need to fit a brand into a tiny area for both digital and print media. Recall that not every major and secondary logo is intended to be reduced in size. A submark will be useful in that situation.

The two most popular kinds of submarks are circles with text and/or symbols inside of them, or a submark with just symbols. You might or might not require a submark, depending on the size and arrangement of your major and secondary logos, but it’s always a good idea to have one.

Submarks are just as popular in print as footers or watermarks, and they also work well as stickers. A submark works well in digital environments as a social media avatar or in other situations when you need to utilize your logo but want it to appear more professional.

Favicon

Developing logo variations includes, but is not limited to, the useful task of producing a favicon. An icon that appears little at the top of an internet browser is called a favicon. Usually merely a symbol, it can fit a few characters as well, depending on the style and design.

A favicon is meant to serve as a visual reminder of the brand identity. A favicon can also make it easier for users to discover your website when they have many tabs open. Consider it to be the best of both scenarios. By using a favicon, you may increase brand awareness and identification while making it easier for users to find your website.

A favicon may serve as both an app symbol and a logo for your brand, so while it may not always be required, it can be useful. Consider how certain app icons stick out more than others among the numerous apps on your phone. A well-crafted symbol will benefit you and give a favorable picture of your company overall.

Logo variations can be used to mix things up.

The most identifiable feature of your whole brand is your logo. It should be able to take on several shapes in addition to being lovely and unforgettable. Your brand will be ready to create a big impression anywhere and at any time by utilizing logo variations. The complete visual brand experience is created by a major logo, secondary logo, submark, and favicon.