Logotype Michael Evamy
: Includes commentary and examples from legendary designers like Paul Rand , Saul Bass , and Lance Wyman .
Flexible logos that change depending on the context in which they are used (e.g., AOL, MTV).
By gathering logos spanning several decades, Evamy demonstrates that type-driven identities are inherently resilient. While illustrative trends age quickly, clean and thoughtful typography retains its relevance for generations. Why It Belongs on Every Designer's Bookshelf
It places contemporary corporate marks side-by-side with timeless designs from the masters of typography, allowing designers to see the lineage and evolution of typographic trends. Deconstructing the 9 Logo Types for Effective Branding
Explores traditional, authoritative, and luxury branding. Logotype Michael Evamy
Rather than organizing the book alphabetically or chronologically, Evamy categorizes the logotypes by their . This layout makes it an exceptional reference tool for designers looking to solve specific structural problems. 1. Classification by Type Style
Throughout the book, Evamy provides brief but insightful commentary on what makes a logotype successful. Several core principles emerge from his curation:
: Most logos are shown in black and white to strip away the distraction of color, allowing the reader to focus purely on shape and form International Reach : Includes work from major firms like Vignelli Associates Chermayeff & Geismar
: Categories for circular, square, rectangular, and multi-layered marks. Specialty Marks : Includes commentary and examples from legendary designers
Within those families, the book analyzes specific design strategies. These include the use of lowercase letters, uppercase structures, linked characters, stencil treatments, and negative space cuts.
Illustrated characters that represent the company, often great for engaging families and sports teams (e.g., KFC, Wendy's).
Understanding the core typologies of logos is fundamental to executing a successful brand identity. Within the broader design industry—often outlined in design literature and literature heavily influenced by Evamy’s work—typographic marks and logos are generally broken down into distinct categories. Studying these categories helps designers make informed decisions about which format best serves a client’s specific needs:
Start by testing existing typefaces to find a base that matches the brand’s desired personality. While illustrative trends age quickly, clean and thoughtful
from around 250 studios. It highlights how letterforms alone can evoke complex brand personalities without the "crutch" of a separate icon. Minimalist Presentation : Evamy presents the logos primarily in black and white . This forces the viewer to focus on the pure form and geometry of the mark rather than being distracted by color. Comprehensive Curation : It includes work from giants like Vignelli Associates Chermayeff & Geismar
The client, designer, and sector indexes make it easy to see what competitors or admired brands are doing, or to track the work of a particular designer across multiple projects.
The Typography of Identity: Exploring Michael Evamy’s Logotype