 |
|
Church Logos
Types of Logos
Logotype. The logo consists only of the church name, stylized in some way. It becomes a signature of sorts. This is the most common type of logo. It's a lot easier for ordinary people (meaning, persons without artistic abilities) to design a name logo than one involving actual artwork.
Lettermark. This is similar to a name logo, except it uses only the initials (consider IBM, CBS, 3M). Your denomination may use a lettermark logo, with just the abbreviation for the denomination in a stylized design.
Abstract symbol logo. This is a design of some kind which has no real meaning by itself. It's just a design. Like the AT&T "Deathstar" logo, or the Nike swoosh.
Descriptive symbol logo. This is an illustration which relates in some way to the church. Common types include a dove, Bible, cross, and steeple. The symbol could also emerge from an architectural feature in your building.
Combination logo. This logo combines the name and a symbol. Combination logos are more easily remembered and identified.
Do It Right
Logos are very important. They appear on nearly all of your printed literature, they help set a corporate identity, and they serve somewhat as a signature.
Unfortunately, too many churches put together something amateurish--select a piece of religious clipart, type up the church name using an inappropriate font on the computer, and arrange the words around the art in some way.
Because logos are important, you may want to go to a professional to have one done. Remember: you want a distinctive logo which will last for a couple decades. So don't skimp. Design a good logo and stick with it. You must use the logo consistently over a period of time. If you keep playing with it, making changes, it'll lose its ability to establish identity. Businesses normally change their logo only when it becomes dated (like the Betty Crocker woman's hairdo).
When the logo is ready, you can design all new materials with the new logo (which will be expensive), or you can phase it in gradually as you print new materials (letterhead, envelopes, brochures, bulletins, etc.). In a small church, the latter course makes more sense.
Logotype. The logo consists only of the church name, stylized in some way. It becomes a signature of sorts. This is the most common type of logo. It's a lot easier for ordinary people (meaning, persons without artistic abilities) to design a name logo than one involving actual artwork.
Lettermark. This is similar to a name logo, except it uses only the initials (consider IBM, CBS, 3M). Your denomination may use a lettermark logo, with just the abbreviation for the denomination in a stylized design.
Abstract symbol logo. This is a design of some kind which has no real meaning by itself. It's just a design. Like the AT&T "Deathstar" logo, or the Nike swoosh.
Descriptive symbol logo. This is an illustration which relates in some way to the church. Common types include a dove, Bible, cross, and steeple. The symbol could also emerge from an architectural feature in your building.
Combination logo. This logo combines the name and a symbol. Combination logos are more easily remembered and identified.
Do It Right
Logos are very important. They appear on nearly all of your printed literature, they help set a corporate identity, and they serve somewhat as a signature.
Unfortunately, too many churches put together something amateurish--select a piece of religious clipart, type up the church name using an inappropriate font on the computer, and arrange the words around the art in some way.
Because logos are important, you may want to go to a professional to have one done. Remember: you want a distinctive logo which will last for a couple decades. So don't skimp. Design a good logo and stick with it. You must use the logo consistently over a period of time. If you keep playing with it, making changes, it'll lose its ability to establish identity. Businesses normally change their logo only when it becomes dated (like the Betty Crocker woman's hairdo).
When the logo is ready, you can design all new materials with the new logo (which will be expensive), or you can phase it in gradually as you print new materials (letterhead, envelopes, brochures, bulletins, etc.). In a small church, the latter course makes more sense.
Add Your Own Thoughts. Please.