Graphic design terminology: what is an emblem?

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:55

"Emblem", "logo", "sign", "symbol" - many have heard these words and actively use them in their speech. But at the same time, few people know their correct meaning, and in what cases it would be appropriate to use these words. What is an emblem and sign? Why is a logo image called a sign? How to understand the customer and do exactly what is needed? In this article we will analyze the meaning of the word "emblem" and its correct use. We will also look at the definition of the above terms.

What does the word "emblem" mean?

Translated from ancient Greek, this word means "convex decoration, insert." The Great Soviet Encyclopedia gives the following answer to the question "what is an emblem": a conditional representation of an abstract concept or idea using graphic tools. Sometimescan act as an allegory. For example, the image of a dove is the emblem of the pacifist movement. In other words, this is an image of a symbolic nature. According to the Modern Economic Dictionary, the answer to the question "what is an emblem" is an indirect indication of the content of the concept, and not a direct image.

These definitions can be applied to the concept of "graphic sign". However, this term in everyday life is confused with the concepts of "trademark", "trademark" and in some cases even with the term "trademark". Sometimes a graphic designer uses various variations of this particular term, but what is meant by this is already evident from the result of the work, which does not always satisfy the customer. It turns out that the client and the performer speak different languages. Therefore, we will clarify and define other concepts used in the environment of graphic designers.

What is a logo?

This is an original image, typeface, conveying the full or abbreviated name of the company, products or services that are the core business of this company. Designed to attract the attention of potential buyers or customers. Based on this, we can conclude that the logo is a kind of indivisible combination of letters. This may be the name of a product or company written in a specific font, a calligraphic inscription, a monogram or a monogram. Therefore, a trade mark or sign cannot be called a logo. However, many designers have such a sin behind them andcarry it to the masses. Therefore, consider the concept of "sign".

Definition of the term "sign"

This broad term often means a material object that has a certain meaning, acts as an indication, representation or designation of another object (actions, events, and so on). In other words, a sign is a way of transmitting specific information. For example, road signs are a kind of sign for the driver, carrying information about behavior on the road. For a graphic designer, this concept is too rough and conditional. Because this term can mean anything.

It is also worth noting that not only a service, product or company is marked with an iconic image, but also geographical objects, events, a specific person, character and much more. Therefore, the use of such a broad term significantly complicates communication and understanding between the designer and the end user or customer.

Conclusion

It turns out that we have two concepts that denote two different entities: "logo" and "emblem". The first if and can cause bewilderment in a person not connected with the design environment, but its meaning is easy to explain and convey the essence. And what is an emblem, in principle, is accessible and understandable to everyone. Therefore, without much difficulty it will be perceived by the client.