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SYMBOLS

in visual communication
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by JuliannaKunstler.com

Symbol is a visual mark that is used to represent a message and is socially accepted by the majority.

Symbols convey messages without spoken or written words.

7 TYPES OF SYMBOLS

pictograph

pictogram

ideogram

ideogram

icon

icon

rebus

rebus

phonogram

phonogram

typogram

trademark

logo (trade mark)

symbols explained:

pictogram (pictograph)
pictogrampictogrampictogram
pictogrampictogrampictogram

Pictograms are public symbols,they are used to convey information through their resemblance to a physical object or place.

There is no connection between the spoken word and the object pictured. A pictogram recalls the object or concept itself to mind, not its name.

That's what makes pictograms international.

Pictograms represent objects and places

ideogram
ideogramideogramideogram
ideogramideogramideogram

Ideogram is a simplified picture that is selected by agreement or custom to become fixed pictorial symbols of an object, idea, or concept.

The name of the object (or its action) is closely identified (associated) with the picture.

Ideograms represent actions, ideas, or concepts.

icon
iconiconicon
iconiconicon

Icons represent objects and their functions.

The name of a function (computer program, app) is substituted with a symbol that is recognizable and logical.

The most common use of icons in on digital devices.

Icons represent objects and/or their functions.

rebus
rebusrebusrebus
rebus

Rebus is a symbol that represent spoken sound, word or a part of a word.

Pictures that represent that sound or word have a completely unrelated meaning than the sound they represent in a rebus. For example: "B", "Bee", "be" sound the same and can be used in a rebus to substitute one another.

rebus

Most rebuses function only in one language and do not translate into another.

Some exceptions apply though - there are few international symbols that can be used in a rebus.

Rebus uses pictures to represent sounds, words, or parts of words.

phonogram
phonogramphonogramphonogram

Phonogram is a symbol that represents a spoken sound.

Every letter in Latin or Cyrillic alphabet is a phonogram.

Phonogram represents a spoken sound.

typogram
typogramtypogramtypogram
typogramtypogramtypogram

Typogram is a deliberate use of typography to express an idea visually.

logo

Logo is a type of symbol used to represent a brand and to promote products and services. 

Logo's job is to quickly identify and tell the story about a company, a service, a product, an idea, or an individual.

Logo is a unique symbol that identifies a company.

wordmark (logotype)

wordmarkwordmarkwordmark
wordmarkwordmarkwordmark

Wordmark consists only of text, often stylized using a unique font. 

Text-only logo styles are an excellent choice for smaller companies who are just starting their business and need to have their name out.

lettermark

lettermarklettermarklettermark
lettermarklettermarklettermark

Lettermark is an abbreviation of a company name.

Initials will help you simplify your logo design, especially if the name is a long one..

brandmark (symbol or icon)

brandmarkbrandmarkbrandmark
brandmarkbrandmarkbrandmark

Brandmark is a pictorial symbol of a company.

combination mark

combination markcombination markcombination mark
combination markcombination markcombination mark

Combination marks ( also known as iconic logotypes) - is a combination of an icon (brandmark) and the company name.

Icon and text are positioned next to each other and can be used separately.

emblem

emblememblememblem
emblememblememblem

Emblems hold text inside of a symbol so that the two are practically inseparable. Text is a part of the symbol.

summary

types of symbols
representation symbol notes

pictogram
Represents objects and places pictogram Recalls the object or concept itself to mind, not its name; international
ideogram Represents actions, ideas, or concepts ideogram Recalls the name of the object or its action
icon Represents objects and/or their functions icon The name of a function is substituted with a symbol that is logical and recognizable
rebus Represents sounds, words, or parts of words with pictures rebus Brainteasers that cannot be translated to other languages
phonogram Represents a spoken sound phonogram For example: every letter in Latin or Cyrillic alphabet
typogram Deliberate use of typography to express an idea visually (to support the word meaning) phonogram Posters, logos, ads

logo:

wordmark

Consists only of text

Full brand name

phonogram

branding

custom font

logo:

lettermark

Consists only of text

Abbreviation of a company name

phonogram

branding

custom letterforms

logo:

brandmark

Consists only of a picture phonogram

branding

pictorial symbol of a company

logo:

combination mark

Consists of text and picture phonogram

branding

picture and text are positioned next to each other and can be used separately.

logo:

emblem

Text is a part of the symbol phonogram

branding

text is a part of a symbol so that the two are practically inseparable