ISOLOGO OR ISOLOGOTYPE: CHARACTERISTICS, ELEMENTS AND EXAMPLES - DUDAS - 2025

The isologo or isologotype is the term used in graphic design for the graphic representation of a brand, which is made up of the union of a textual stimulus and a graphic symbol. That is, the image and the typography are indivisibly combined, without their separation being possible.

When developing a brand image, different tasks are carried out. Among these tasks is the design of what will be its graphic representation. A brand can be represented visually with different graphic resources, such as the logo, imagotype, isotype and isologo.

Example of isologo. Source: pixabay.com

The isologotype is the most complex concept with which designers work, because it makes it impossible to disintegrate its elements, with which two different logos could be obtained to permeate the mind of the consumer.

However, there are many large companies that use this resource and that have the logo as the only symbol that represents them. It may seem like an impractical and risky ploy, but if implemented well it is perfect for corporate identity.

Characteristics of the isologo

The potential of the isologist lies in its ability to convey the message, the name and the positioning unequivocally. This turns out to be very important for immediate recognition, for launching a brand or when company names are complex.

The isologo is a good place to start. Subsequently, the image could be detached from the text when the brand can be recognized without having to pronounce its name when read in the logo, thus transforming the brand into an isotype or an imagotype.

The isologotype is the perfect combination between image and typography. The image is a component of the text or the text is a component of the image. Separately these two elements do not mean anything, but combined they totally constitute the representation that you want to convey. Therefore, they cannot be separated.

The isologo should not be confused with the logo, since the logo only combines the isotype and the logo. On the other hand, the logo merges them, which is different.

The word isologotype comes etymologically from the Greek, where Iso means equality, Logos means word, and Type or typo means visual mark, model or sign.

Elements

The isologos or isologotypes usually contain symbols and indications about what they seek to represent.

- The isotype or icon is the graphic visual symbol, such as the Apple apple.

- The name is the phonetic or verb-visual representation of the basic identity component.

- The trademark is the registered name for commercial use.

As part of the visual identity of an institution or company, the logo is the typographic representation of the brand name.

The effectiveness of a logo is based on its ability to communicate the required message, such as “this product is of high quality” or “we are a responsible company”.

To achieve this you need to use shapes and colors that help viewers to give this interpretation.

What is it for?

The isologo is used to:

- Associate the brand with a symbol or image.

- Convey the name of the brand.

- Create a more powerful and strong presence of a brand.

Taking into account the above, an isologotype finally serves to shape the identity of a brand or a company. The mixture of image and text becomes a total fusion, thus helping to easily convey the name of the firm, but also making the public associate any similar symbol to it.

Its main utility is that it is easily recognizable by the general public and allows its presence to become more noticeable.

If you design something especially striking and original, you can attract a greater number of consumers. Therefore, you will have a better chance of having followers who become customers.

Scale problems

This kind of representation is very attractive, although sometimes problems may arise in relation to a smaller scale of it.

This could happen in the profile photos that are shown on social networks, where in a minimum space all the elements should be able to be displayed correctly.

Examples of isologos

Although due to its complexities it might seem that it would be difficult to find, there are a large number of examples of isologo that, in addition, come from some of the most important brands in different areas.

From the food sector to the motor sector, they contain companies that have used this visual mechanism to establish their identity.

Like the examples below, there are thousands more examples. Some of the most famous companies on the market also use isologos, such as: Pringles, Ikea, Volvo, Pizza Hut, BMW, Ford or Starbucks.

Burger King

This isologo is quite well known, specifically the version launched from 1969. It is made up of a design of two slices of bread, with the logo of the brand name between them.

What this merger means is clear. He personifies the stellar product of this fast food chain, which is the hamburger. Therefore, the isologue reveals what the company sells.

Now let's imagine that the slices of bread are separated from the logo and only this picture is seen for the first time. You might think that it represents anything and not just a few slices of bread.

On the other hand, if you see only the logo separately, you will see that nothing else contributes to the brand name: Burger King.

A detail is added in this case: the word "Burger". People who know English will know what you mean. However, not all people have to know this language. For example, if the brand name were changed to another unknown language, it would not be understood.

Thus, each separate component of an isologo loses its meaning. You don't have to associate them with what they symbolize when you are together.

Mastercard

This is a brand of credit and debit cards, established by the United Bank of California. By later agreeing with other banks, it became a publicly traded corporation.

The brand isologo is based on the Venn diagram, which is used in set theory. This isologo has been evolving since it was created in 1966 to the present day.

Pepsi-Cola

At the end of the 19th century, the pharmacist Caleb Bradham experimented with different soft drinks. Since one of the ingredients was pepsin, he named it Pepsi-Cola.

The company logo is designed at the beginning of World War II, with the colors of the American flag and the name in the middle.

References

1. Jorge Blanco (2018). Difference between logo, imagotype, isotype and isologo. For yesterday. Taken from: paraayer.es.
2. Ignacio Jaén (2019). Isotype, logo, imagotype, isologo… which is the right one for my brand? Alana Consultores Taken from: alanaconsultores.com.
3. Roast Brief (2015). The difference between logo, isotype, imagotype and isologo. Taken from: roastbrief.com.mx.
4. Angela Piñeiro (2019). Logo, isotype, imagotype and isologo: Definition, differences and examples. Anxela. Taken from: anxela-art.com.
5. Neo Attack (2020). Isologo. Taken from: neoattack.com.