Top 5 Logo Design Companies in the World
How do I choose the right logo design services for my business?
Last update: March 4, 2024
When looking for an excellent professional logo design company to create your logo, Googling for suggestions will quickly leave you overwhelmed. The best way to find a good fit is to look at the best logo designers in your niche and industry who are already well-versed in your business. You can also start by finding logos you like and researching who created them. If you aim for a top-tier top logo design company, you might also consider looking into some of the best in the business, like those outlined below.
If you’re looking for the best, these top logo design companies are where it’s at. Some of the most highly rated logo design agencies in the world, these companies have worked with some impressive clients and have portfolios filled with amazing work that can help inspire your next project.
What are the Top 5 Logo Design Agencies in the World? —January 2024
1. Clay
Full-service branding and UX/UI design firm based in San Francisco, Clay, has quickly become a household name in the tech industry since its formation in 2016. Known for being at the top of its class in digital and modern elements of visual representation, Clay has an innovative approach to design that has won them impressive partnerships with brands such as Coca-Cola, L’Oréal, Slack, Google, and Facebook.
2. Red Antler
A full-service digital branding and creative agency in Brooklyn, NY, Red Antler is a contemporary graphic design company focusing on consumer products. The company has an innovative and detail-oriented approach to its designs, which works well to produce branding that works in a tangible and interactive form. Red Antler’s minimalist and fashionable logos are particularly fitting for on-trend businesses like Allbirds, Jot Coffee, and Burrow, and similar smaller yet successful, startups. But the company has had a wide and varied clientele, from Amazon and American Express to thredUP and Grove Collaborative.
3. Moving Brands
Moving Brands is a global design and branding company with branches in San Francisco, New York City, London, and Zurich. Founded in 1988, the company has established some evident experience and has become one of the world’s most popular and in-demand graphic design services and companies.
Moving Brands has partnered with some highly notable names in the industry, focusing on tech businesses, from Spotify, Facebook, Google, and Netflix to Barclays, Khan Academy, eBay, and Uber. Over time, Moving Brands has adopted a purpose-driven approach, working only with businesses they believe will positively impact the world and refusing to work with brands that “create victims” by harming the environment or promoting harmful and toxic substances.
4. Pentagram
With branches in New York City, Austin, London, and Berlin, Pentagram is the world’s most prominent independent branding firm. Pentagram is a well-known business name and has built prestige by doing it all. With experience in nearly every industry, digital and non-digital offerings, and a broad and diverse clientele, Pentagram has worked with everyone from Waze and Yahoo! to the San Diego Zoo and Wildlife Alliance, Moleskine, Saturday Night Live, and League of Legends. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Not only is Pentagram’s refusal to pick a niche unique, but their approach to business; the company is run by 24 partners who are both owners and creators, allowing their clients to interact and communicate on a more interpersonal and intimate level to get the most out of their collaboration.
5. Siegel + Gale
A global branding agency with seven offices across the globe, Siegel + Gale is the oldest and most experienced on this list. Since 1969, the company has been creating colorful and straightforward yet effective logos for major corporations and organizations such as the US Air Force, Hewlett-Packard, the NBA, CVS, and 3M. The agency most frequently works with businesses in the pharmaceutical and retail industries. Still, with so many years in the industry, it has built up quite an impressive and diverse portfolio.
The thousands of daily advertisements and businesses expose us to many logos. But, although many may find them exciting or beautiful, the overall importance and effort that goes into these images are lost on most consumers. As simple as a logo may appear, it takes hours upon hours of careful consideration and skill to craft them, which must resonate with audiences emotionally and establish a strong brand identity.
Imagine what it would be like if you were forced to create an image that represents yourself, not just your name but your overall persona, your beliefs and goals, your strengths, your skills, and how you appear to others. Imagine you had to do this in a way that would appeal to people across the globe, regardless of culture or language. Sounds pretty tricky, doesn’t it? This is what making a custom logo design is like, except that the person in question is a brand whose identity is carefully crafted to appeal to consumers and fulfill their needs.
Designing logos isn’t easy. But that’s also what makes it so gratifying. When top logo design companies hit it out of the park, they make a tangible and resounding impact. In some cases, such as with those that grow to be well-known corporations, they can even alter the world’s perception. Do you think that when Sergey Brin designed the original Google logo, he had any inkling of how very famous it would become? The little colorful world is now synonymous with information and knowledge and represents the interconnectedness of the modern world and the power of technology.
How to hire a logo designer: frequently asked questions
If you’re not a designer, it’s understandable only to have a vague knowledge of logo design. But the better you know what goes into the logo creation process, the more prepared you’ll be to hire someone to create your own. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most frequently asked questions to help you get started.
Why is having a logo important?
When you create a custom logo design, you also show that your brand is legitimate. All great companies have logos, no matter how simple or complex they may be. Having something you can put on your products, website, and other digital or non-digital materials creates a sense of professionalism and validity. Without one, you’ll seem more disorganized and become less recognizable and memorable, as consumers will not associate you with visual elements. It’s like knowing someone’s name but not their face; you’d never be able to pick them out of a crowd.
Your business logo also acts as a symbolic handshake to customers, reaching out to introduce them to who your business is. Like meeting with a new acquaintance, this provides an initial impression of who you are as a company and some insight into whether you’re well-suited for who you are as a person and consumer. Therefore, a good custom logo design will give a sense of what the brand does and sells, its beliefs, overall tone, and persona.
Over time, this logo will become the recognizable symbol of the company and what it stands for. It will elicit an emotional response and build a feeling of familiarity in your client base, creating a point of focus to generate loyalty and a visual point of interest for those who believe in your products, services, and purpose to rally around.
When your customers see your logo design, they’ll be able to associate it with their past experiences with the company and their view of it, which will hopefully have positive connotations. It will stand for its relationship with the business and its pillars of success, whether that be quality, consistency, sustainability, etc. For example, when customers see the Apple logo, they think of innovative technology. Those who like Apple products are usually very loyal and associate the logo with positive experiences.
What are the different types of logos?
When it comes to choosing a logo, there are several different options to choose from. The most common types of logos are:
- wordmarks/logotypes,
- letterforms,
- lettermarks/monogram logos,
- logo symbols/brand marks/pictorial marks,
- abstract logo marks,
- mascots,
- emblems.
Each logotype has advantages and disadvantages and should be chosen carefully depending on the brand’s needs and target audience.
Wordmark or logotype
One of the most common types of logos is the wordmark or logotype. A wordmark is a text-based logo that uses the company name or product name as its design element. The advantage of a wordmark logo is that it is immediately recognizable and quickly communicates the brand’s message. However, since it is just text, it can be challenging to stand out from the competition.
Letterform logos
Letterform logos are similar to wordmarks, but instead of using text, they use graphical elements to represent the company name. This can be anything from simple lettering to more elaborate designs. Letterform logos are often more visually appealing than wordmarks. They can be more memorable but challenging to create and may not be as recognizable as a wordmark.
Lettermark logos
Lettermark logos are similar to letterform logos but use a monogram instead of the company name. A monogram is simply two or more letters to form a symbol. Monogram logos are trendy among luxury brands since they are instantly recognizable and have a high level of sophistication. However, they can be challenging and may not be as versatile as other types of logos.
Logo symbols or brand marks
Logo symbols or brand marks are one of the most popular types of logos. They are simple designs or icons that represent the company or product visually. Logo symbols are versatile and can be used in various contexts without losing meaning. They are also easy to remember and can communicate the brand’s message quickly and effectively.
Abstract logo marks
Abstract logo marks are unique designs that don’t directly relate to the company or product they represent. They are usually inspired by nature or geometric shapes and can be visually appealing. However, abstract logo marks can be challenging to understand and may not be as recognizable as other types of logos.
Mascots
Mascots are animated characters or objects that represent the company or product in a fun and entertaining way. Mascots are often used in TV commercials and online videos to engage with viewers on a personal level. They can also help promote brand awareness by appearing on merchandise and product packaging. However, mascots can be expensive to create and may not be appropriate for all businesses.
Emblems
Emblems are symbolic designs that represent an organization or group rather than a company or product. Universities, sports teams, and other organizations often use emblems with a specific purpose or mission statement.
Why should I hire a logo design company to create my logo?
When you look at how much a logo has to accomplish in such a small space and with such simplicity, it becomes clear why professional help is needed. The best logo design services understand how to achieve these goals and the industry. They know from market research what works and doesn’t, what logos have already been created, and what will be new and exciting.
They also have a lot more tools than the average Joe. Most logo designers are well-versed in state-of-the-art software that help to create impressive logos, which will produce final product leagues better than any free logo creator. With this toolkit of technology and skills on their side, the best logo design companies are also more prepared to take on issues that might arise when it comes to formatting and creating high quality logo images.
When people set out to create their logo design, they think they’ll save time and money. But it’s a lot harder than it looks. You may even spend more hours on it than you would have to hire someone else. Even if you put yourself through all the headaches and come up with a satisfactory result, the fact that these images weren’t created by a professional is usually apparent to consumers, and problems are more likely. A freebie logo may serve your business for a while when you’re starting, but you’ll eventually need to invest in something better, which means any work you put into the original logo will be null and void. Therefore, it’s usually best to grin and bear the upfront expense, knowing it’s a better investment than wasting time attempting it yourself.
What makes for a good logo?
The best logo designers spend years honing their craft. A good logo isn’t just about what looks pretty on the page, although that’s part. A good designer knows about the reactions and psychology of buyers; they’re able to think about how a logo will be asked to adapt and how the market might change. They have practiced translating abstract ideas of branding and purpose into tangible concepts with visual impact.
When you’re looking to create a logo, you should be able to trust your logo design company to communicate what needs to be shared and to be knowledgeable in all the facets mentioned above. However, as a step of quality control, you should also understand what makes a good logo and a bad one at the most basic level. Art is subjective, as will a logo’s creative and artistic elements. But because they’re so purpose-driven, all modern logos have five main attributes:
Unique
If your logo needs clarification with another company’s logo, you will have problems. The whole point of a logo is to be recognizable as uniquely yours. Any muddiness on that part will be distracting. Your logo should also emphasize what makes your specific company unique: its products, approach, beliefs, etc. For example, Amazon’s text-centric logo may look simple but has many layers and distinctive qualities. The small arrow beneath the brand name elicits a feeling of moving, suitable for a delivery service, but also looks like a smile, which creates an emotional response. On top of that, the arrow stretches from A to the Z in Amazon, which relates to the brand’s mission to provide every type of product under the sun from A to Z.
Simple
Over time, logos have only seemed to get less and less complex. This isn’t laziness; it’s the power of minimalism. Looking at any of the most famous logos, you’ll notice how basic they seem. For instance, take Google, which is just typography. Or consider Target, which uses two circles to denote the brand’s namesake abstractly. The straightforward nature of these logos is part of what makes them so successful and iconic. They are highly legible and easily understood, can be adapted to be on almost anything or anywhere, and feel approachable in a way that won’t be daunting or overwhelming for consumers.
Adaptable
When you have an iconic logo, you put it on everything. From your website and digital content to your physical products, merch, etc., the more things you can put your brand’s stamp on, the more recognizable you’ll become. But making something that looks good in so many places and mediums is tricky. Simplicity lends itself well to creating a logo that can be sized to fit different elements while remaining legible. But you also have to consider all the contexts in which this logo will be visible. Some brands choose to create different variations of a logo for other applications. For example, Disney may appear in its complete form with the entire castle motif, in various text formats, or simply as a bubbly, swirling D. But most companies will choose to have one consistent image that won’t leave any room for confusion.
Communicative
Above all, the purpose of a logo is to communicate the brand’s message and brand identity and create an emotional connection with consumers that will leave a memorable impression and keep them coming back. Therefore, the logo should align with the brand’s other marketing materials and relate to the company, although it’s likely to be abstract. For example, the Apple logo has ties to the Bible story of Adam and Eve, representing the human ‘sin’ of desiring knowledge but also has a connection to Newton, a great thinker, and innovator of his time. He supposedly discovered gravity with a falling apple. Such stories and connotations not only relate to the goals of Apple as a company but bring up certain emotions and a sense of brand recognition.
Timeless
When art is created, the goal is usually for it to last; no one wants their creations to be forgotten. But inventing something that will be timeless is one of the most challenging endeavors and has few established parameters. Not only is creating a logo every few years expensive and time-consuming, but it decreases its impact because it becomes less consistent. Even if a logo changes slightly, consumers can still recognize the core aspects they’re familiar with to know what company the image refers to. Because of this, through trial and error and historical context, the top logo designers have learned what remains popular and becomes a mere fad and whittled it down to a near science.
How much does a logo cost?
Let’s be blunt; logos can be very expensive. There’s a range of prices out there for logos depending on what you’re looking for and who you’re looking to work with. Sometimes, you’ll find a deal, but for the most part, a more costly logo will get you a better and more high-quality result. Remember that you’re not just paying for an image but for the time spent researching and working on your design, the number of revisions you get, the level of customer care, and the tools they have.
Logo design ranges from a few hundred dollars for a simple design to $1,000 or more for custom logos and more complex and high-quality projects. Since most designers charge per hour, the larger the project, the more costly it will likely be.
This is why establishing your budget and your expectations is so important. You’ll want to know how much a designer will cost and what they can do for the amount you’re willing to pay. Be bold and shop around a bit to understand the market; try to set realistic expectations.
How to prepare for meeting logo designers
Once you find a few best logo design companies you like and reach out to them, you’ll have a meeting to assess whether they fit your needs. You’ll want to come prepared by outlining your exact expectations beforehand. Most importantly, you should have a budget and timeline in mind, as this is often the deciding factor in whether a designer will work for you and your project. It would help if you also asked them for references to reach out to their previous clients to see their satisfaction. If you can find connections, they don’t give you directly; even better, you’ll be confident they’re less biased and haven’t been vetted by the designer to ensure they’ll say positive things.
You’ll also want to look at the logo design agency portfolio and jot down any questions about their creative design process so you can understand how they work. Most logo design companies follow the same primary function, but the specifics will vary primarily based on the individual. Some professional logo designers and design services do frequent check-ins and take a lot of input, while others might not check in much before delivery. What you are comfortable with is up to you and your company, but you’ll want to understand what you’re getting into beforehand rather than being surprised halfway through the project.
The first logo design agency you come upon will rarely be the right fit for you, just like hiring any employee usually takes at least a few interviews. But this time is a good investment, as finding the best logo and web design firms who will fit your expectations and needs is imperative to a good experience and result.
What is the design process like?
Logo designers don’t just create beautiful images; they work with you throughout the entire life of the logo, from conception to actuality. This starts with getting to know your company with the help of surveys and meetings to understand its mission, culture, and general tone. The designer will also research the industry it’s in to get an idea of where the company sits within a broader context, allowing them to check out the competition.
Once the logo designers feel they have a good baseline and have done their due diligence, they’ll start making sketches. At this point, the best logo design company will usually check in with the company to let them know what direction they’re planning to go in. They might bring up a couple of different ideas they have when it comes to imagery or color. For example, if your business was a coffee shop, they might have a meeting to discuss whether a coffee cup or a coffee bean might be preferable. Depending on the ideas of everyone involved, this logo design process could take merely an hour or several weeks, or months of back and forth.
After a logo design company gets the green light on the initial theme and overall idea, they’ll present a few logo designs that fit the requirements. At this point, the team will review these prototypes and discuss what they like and prefer to be changed. Sometimes, these will be only minor tweaks, but the designer will sometimes have to return to the drawing board. Often, if there are multiple options to choose from, a logo design company will like some aspects of one design and some elements of another, which they’ll ask the designer to combine into a new design.
The designer will use this feedback to revise or create something new, and the process will continue until both parties are satisfied with the result and agree to move forward. At that point, the designer will finalize the logo by making the finishing touches and ensuring the logo is correctly formatted into any file types the company might need. In some cases, however, this might only be part of the overall branding process that the company and logo designer is working on, or there may be other steps depending on the company’s needs.
5 Questions To Ask The Best Logo Design Agencies
What experience do you have with logo design?
Logo design agencies come with different types of experience. Some might have more experience working with small businesses, while others might have more experience working with giant corporations. It’s essential to ask the logo design studio about their experience, specifically with logo design and brand identity. What kind of design process do they use? How comfortable are you with their approach?
What type of logos do you create?
A logo design agency has created a specific logo before doesn’t mean they’re the best at creating it. However, knowing what type of logos an agency is typically drawn to creating can be helpful. Do they prefer to stick to traditional designs, or are they more likely to push the envelope and create something more daring?
Have you won any awards for your logo designs?
Being nominated for or winning an award indicates that an agency is doing something right, especially regarding logo design. It shows that they’re one of the best logo design companies in their field and that their peers recognize their work.
Do you have any case studies or client testimonials available?
Seeing how an agency has tackled a project in the past can give you a good idea of what you can expect from them if they have client testimonials; even better! Reading what real clients have had to say about an agency’s work can help you make up your mind about whether or not to hire them.
How much do you charge?
This is a fundamental question, but it can also be challenging to answer without knowing more about the project itself. Some logo design companies charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee for their services. Ask for a price range so you have at least some idea of what you should expect to pay.
What’s Next?
Now that you know what goes into a great logo design package and how to find the best logo design company suited for your needs, you’re ready to go out and get started on your next logo project. Good luck and happy designing!
Let us know in the comments if you have other questions about the designing process or if there are professional logo design firms you think should have been on this list. We’d love to hear about it!
