Iconography is the practice of using symbols to communicate ideas, emotions, and messages. While modern-day iconography may be associated with smartphones and apps, this practice has a long and complex history that dates back to the earliest days of human civilisation. To understand the visual element of branding it's important to look at how iconography has evolved throughout history.
Iconography in Ancient Times
Iconography in its earliest form was found in ancient Mesopotamia, where symbols were used to represent gods and goddesses within religious art. These symbols could also be found on early coins, statues, and other artifacts from this time period. As time progressed, these symbols began to be used for more practical purposes—such as the Egyptian hieroglyphics used for everyday communication—as well as for artistic depictions of scenes or events.
https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-middle-east/mesopotamia
The Emergence of Modern Iconography
The concept of iconography remained relatively unchanged until the mid-20th century when graphic designers started to experiment with modern uses for icons. By combining abstract shapes with recognisable objects (like arrows or hearts), these designers created a new type of visual language that could be used to quickly convey concepts or ideas without relying on words alone. This style became increasingly popular in the 1960s and 1970s with the advent of computer technology, which made it easier than ever before to create and share icons around the world.
Iconography Today
Today, icons are everywhere—from smartphone apps to websites and even print media. They remain an essential part of visual communication because they can quickly convey an idea or emotion without relying solely on words. Whether you're designing an app or creating a logo for your business, icons and brand marks are one of the most powerful tools available to make sure your message is heard loud and clear
At first glance, icons may seem like simple visuals but their true power lies in their ability to communicate complex ideas quickly and effectively without relying solely on words. From ancient religious art all the way up to modern digital interfaces, iconography has been an essential tool for conveying thoughts and emotions throughout history—and it continues to be just as important today.
How to Design Iconography for Your Branding: What You Need to Know
Picture this: you’re scrolling through your Instagram feed, and you come across a post with a logo. It’s bold and vibrant, but it tells you nothing about the brand advertising itself. Now imagine that same post with a unique iconography incorporated into it – instantly, the message becomes so much clearer.
That’s the power of good iconography for branding.
Whether you’re creating a new product or launching a new business, here are some tips on how to design effective iconography for your brand.
Start from Scratch or Update an Existing Design?
The first question to consider when designing iconography is whether to start from scratch or update an existing design. If your company has had an existing logo for some time, updating it may be more cost effective than starting completely anew. However, if your logo isn’t quite up-to-date with current trends or needs an overhaul, designing a completely new one can be worth the effort. The decision will depend largely on the size of your budget and what direction you want your branding to go in.
Make It Memorable
When designing iconography for branding purposes, it’s important to make sure that it stands out from other brands in your industry. Simple shapes and colors can help create memorable logos without making them overly complicated or hard to replicate across multiple platforms. Additionally, make sure that the font used for accompanying text is legible and easy to read across both digital and print. A great way to ensure maximum clarity is by using fewer words; if possible, try distilling all text down into as few characters as possible without sacrificing meaning or clarity of message.
Include Motifs & Icons
Motifs and icons are key components of iconic logos – they give brands distinct personalities by symbolising their core values or mission statements in unique ways. A typical example of this is Nike’s swoosh logo – since its inception in 1971, the swoosh has become synonymous with athleticism and performance apparel worldwide due its simple yet powerful design aesthetic. When incorporating motifs into your own designs, think about which images represent both what makes your brand unique and what will resonate most with potential customers.
At the end of the day, effective iconography design comes down to finding creative ways to express who you are as a brand and connecting with potential customers through visuals that speak volumes without saying a word. With these tips in hand, you should have no problem coming up with designs that showcase both what makes your brand special as well as what sets you apart from competitors in terms of quality products and services offered! Good luck creating something truly memorable!