As you've likely learned by now, there are a diverse range of logo types to consider when creating your own design. Most will fit into one of five categories as listed below.
Wordmark: The wordmark or logotype is a fairly common example that features a simple design with the brand's name. Famous examples include Coca-Cola, Visa and Disney.
Lettermark: These logos are similar to wordmarks, but often only feature the initials of the brand. These are good for companies with long names that can be hard to remember. Famous examples include The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Cable News Network (CNN).
Brandmark: A brandmark (or pictorial mark) is one of the more recognisable logo type examples. These are good for creating a less literal psychological connection with your audience – think the Apple logo and Snapchat ghost.
Combination Mark: As the name suggests, this is a blend of the symbol and wordmark. This allows you to translate the brand identity clearly, but it can be more difficult to scale down, so consider this when creating your design. Famous examples include the Lacoste logo, Xbox and Microsoft.
Emblem: Emblems are an integrated blend of symbol and wordmark that appear more like a badge or seal. When used efficiently, emblem logos can be a classy way to represent your brand. They have a timeless appeal that gives your brand identity a stylish authority, but they can be difficult to separate and scale. Some of the best examples are the Starbucks logo and the Ford logo which are instantly recognisable.