What’s the difference between a logo and an icon? I’ve heard this question more than once, and it’s a good one. Sometimes graphic designers and marketers throw terms around, not realizing that the average person doesn’t know what the heck they are talking about. So, here I will explain.

What is a LOGO?

A logo is the graphic, usually made up of typography that states the name of a company, or product.  A logo is a single representation of a company. It tells the world who the company is in essence. It conveys the personality of the brand.

What is an ICON?

And icon is graphic visual of just about anything that communicates a message quickly. It is traditionally known as a symbol. The image on the restroom door that let’s you know this is the men’s room is an icon. The lightening bolt that Gatorade uses to capture the essence of their brand is an icon. The yin-yang ball that Pepsi has used for years is an icon. It can live independently and you will still recognize it as Pepsi.  Corporately, it may be included in a logo—but icons can also travel independent and stand for something such as a benefit or a communicate a message like “no smoking” or “handicap parking”

I would consider Honeypie’s Recipes “H” with fork and spoon an icon that travels with her logo or can stand independently.

Go it Alone?

Upon successful brand recognition, an icon can stand alone, like the Nike swish or the Starbucks mermaid. Have you noticed the most recent Verizon logo? They have incorporated the red check mark in a new way. I am wondering if they are planning on using it independently from the logo (the word Verizon). We shall see.

We like designing icons that work with logos, as well as stand independently. When building your brand, you will need to think about the many places your logo icon design will be showing up. Incorporating an icon into your logo will give you wider flexibility as you establish your brand.