The Visual Identity Guide: Logotypes, Isotypes, and Beyond
In the professional design world, a «logo» is much more than just a drawing. It is a strategic tool that defines how your company is perceived at first glance. Depending on the composition and elements used, these symbols are classified into four main categories. Understanding these will help you choose the right visual path for your brand’s future.
Logotype (wordmark)
Graphic image composed solely of text, the typography seeks to represent the values and essence of the company in a more minimalist way.
Isotype (brandmark)
A graphic image composed solely of symbols, the symbol seeks to represent in a more detailed and unique way the values and essence of the company.
Imagotype (combination mark)
A graphic image composed of text and symbols, presented independently but in relation to one another. Both the typography and the symbols aim to represent the values and essence of the company.
Isologo (emblem)
A graphic image composed of text and symbol as a whole; all and each of the elements are intimately related.
Beyond the Icon: The Brand Manual
A great brand identity is only effective if it remains consistent. This is where the Brand Manual (Identity Guide) comes in.
At Grafiktone, we don’t just deliver a file; we deliver a blueprint for your success.
Manual
A design manual or corporate identity manual is a style guide, a document that establishes the correct and incorrect use of the company’s or business’s visual identity guidelines in order to standardize the conceptualization of its core elements.
Its purpose is to ensure that all visual elements are presented uniformly and accurately reflect the message.
Logotype
Specify the use of the logo, including its dimensions, proportions, color, black and white versions, and the safety areas that must be maintained around the logo.
Color palette
The selection of the specific colors that represent the brand. This includes Pantone, RGB, and CMYK color codes.
Typography
The typefaces used in different contexts, such as headings, main text, etc.
Graphic elements
Guidelines on the use of graphics, illustrations, patterns, and other visual elements that are part of the identity.
Applications
It indicates how the visual identity should be applied in different media such as physical prints, digital media, social networks, etc.
Considerations
Rules regarding the use of photography, illustrations, graphics, and other visual elements may be included.
Files
In addition to translating the text message into a visual format, the logo and its variations must be delivered in a way that is compatible with other physical and digital media to ensure that all the company’s short- and long-term needs are met.
These files range from the logo in photographic format to editable files that can be read by specialized software.
Images
These are all the files developed in bitmap format (.png and .jpg) that are high-resolution versions of the logo and its applications for use in digital and printed media.
Vectors
Vector files based on lossless code that allow you to scale the logo (.ai, .eps, .svg) for suppliers, websites, vinyl or acrylic cutting, among others.
Documents
Files adapted with the logo and other elements for different channels in order to print them physically or digitally.
All this elements are included at the Premium Branding Kit.