When deciding on the type of logo design you need, there are many options to consider. Think about factors like the layout, the color, the kind of font you want, or where you plan to use it. One often overlooked option is illustration, which can add a unique touch to your logo and help it stand out.
In this article I’ll go over exactly what an illustration logo design is, and what benefits it could bring your small business.
What’s the difference between an illustration logo and a non-illustration logo?
An illustration logo design is a logo which includes detailed illustration. A non-illustrated logo design might include a drawing, but it will be much more of an outline or shape – the term illustration details the added time it takes to add depth and detail to a character design.
non-illustration logo design example: Maid 2 Perfection
illustration logo design example: Eco Clean Queen
Why should you have an illustrated logo design?
An illustrated logo design focuses on highlighting your company’s personality and brand values. By using a strong illustration to represent your brand, you will provide a clear creative direction for your marketing and advertising efforts. This approach will help you communicate what your company represents more effectively to your target audience, making your logo much more memorable, as an illustrated design tends to be more distinct and unique than a typical logo.
Which industries do illustrated logos particularly suit?
Illustrated logos are a strong statement, and they are definitely more common in particular industries. Generally speaking they suit companies who have a more informal identity, or a slightly quirky personality – but if one of your USPs is how different you are from the competition then an illustrative logo design will really help you to say that.
There are also many different styles of illustration – some are very cartooney and informal, others are more sophisticated. There will be a style that suits your company perfectly too.
Sectors that are well suited to illustrative logo design:
- Children’s industries – from nurseries to toy factories, illustration can convey the friendly and personal feel that are so necessary for connecting with the target market.
- Cars
- Fashion – generally the more sophisticated end of the illustration spectrum, using artwork to create brand identity and style
- Entertainment
- Food
- Pet care
- fitness
Examples of illustrations we’ve done for logo designs:
What you need to know if you want an illustrated logo design
While illustrated logos certainly have their benefits they can be restricting too. If you wish to have your logo printed onto equipment an illustration might make that difficult as the complexity of the drawing might not transfer onto another medium. However, you can get around this by finalising two different versions of your logo (one with the illustration, and one without). If this is something that worries you, take a look at our future proof your logo design article here.