A logo is the visual signature of any brand and the first thing an audience notices. Some logos are pictorial, some symbolic, and some a combination of both. In the Persian context, there is a special type: Persian logotype, which is based on letter design and, besides aesthetics, conveys a sense of linguistic and cultural identity.
A Persian logotype can create familiarity and credibility among Iranian audiences and establish a direct connection with the brand’s language and culture. This type of logo is particularly valuable for brands that want to stand out in Persian-speaking markets.
The Place of Logotype Among Different Types of Logos
To better understand the importance of logotypes, it is helpful to compare them with other types of logos:
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Monogram (Lettermark): These logos are built from the brand’s initials. They are simple and practical, suitable for long or formal names. However, they usually require prior brand recognition for their full meaning to be clear to the audience.
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Pictorial Logo: Designed around a real image or symbol, these logos are quickly recognizable. They are universal and can convey meaning without reliance on language. However, repeated exposure and advertising are needed to firmly establish the brand in the audience’s mind.
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Combination or Abstract Logo: These logos use abstract forms, geometric shapes, or a mix of text and image. They are distinctive and conceptual but more complex to design, and their meaning may not be immediately apparent.
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Logotype: A logo built directly from the brand’s name. In the Persian context, logotypes have special importance because they communicate both visually and linguistically, conveying the brand’s identity clearly and effectively.
Steps to Design a Persian Logotype
1. Brand Understanding
Before starting, a thorough understanding of the brand is essential. You need to know the brand name, its field of activity, the target audience, and the personality the brand wants to convey.
This understanding helps define the design style, letter forms, colors, and overall tone of the logo. Without a clear understanding of the brand, the logotype cannot effectively communicate its identity.
2. Choosing a Writing Style
Persian letters allow for a variety of logotype styles:
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Nastaliq: Suitable for cultural and artistic brands; elegant, poetic, and highly detailed.
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Naskh/Thuluth: More formal and serious; ideal for organizations, educational, or religious institutions.
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Kufi/Geometric: Simple and minimal; suitable for modern brands and startups.
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Digital/Modern Fonts: A combination of simplicity, readability, and digital form; suitable for contemporary brands.
The chosen writing style must align with the brand’s personality and be capable of conveying the brand message to the audience.
3. Initial Sketching
Starting by hand on paper allows ideas to flow freely. Multiple sketches should be made, experimenting with letter forms, elongations, and connections.
The goal of this stage is to generate diverse ideas and explore different design directions. The sketches do not need to be perfect; their purpose is to encourage creativity and variety.
4. Selection and Refinement
After sketching, select the strongest concept. Refine the details: adjust letter spacing, visual balance, connections, and proportions.
At this stage, ensure the logotype is both readable and visually appealing, with no letters appearing overly heavy or crowded.
5. Digitalization
Import the selected sketch into software like Adobe Illustrator and convert it into vector format. This step ensures the logo can be scaled to any size without quality loss.
During digitalization, curves and edges must be precisely adjusted, and versions for both small and large sizes should be prepared.
6. Detailing
Focus on fine-tuning: remove unnecessary lines, unify stroke thickness, and check the balance between positive and negative space.
The aim is for the logotype to remain clear, legible, and aesthetically pleasing in any context while effectively conveying the brand identity.
7. Color Selection
First, test the logotype in black and white to ensure its form is recognizable independently of color. Then, apply the brand’s primary color and prepare single-color and inverted versions.
Correct color usage can convey trust, energy, or creativity and ensures the logotype remains strong both in print and digital displays.
8. Practical Testing
Test the logotype in real-world applications: business cards, apps, social media, and signage.
This step helps evaluate readability across different sizes and formats and determines whether further refinement is necessary.
9. Feedback
Gather feedback from the team and actual audience. Ask: Is the logotype easily readable? Does it convey the brand’s personality? Is it memorable?
Feedback allows you to identify weaknesses and refine the logotype into a truly effective visual identity.
10. Finalization
Prepare the final version in standard formats (AI, SVG, PNG).
Also, create a short usage guide covering colors, sizes, and example applications. This ensures the logotype is consistently and professionally presented across all media.
Key Points
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Simplicity: Complex designs reduce readability and longevity.
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Proportion: Balance between letters and white space is crucial.
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Brand Consistency: Letter forms and writing style must align with brand personality.
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Durability: The logotype should remain effective and visually appealing for years.
A Persian logotype goes beyond letter design; it combines the art of calligraphy, modern typographic principles, and a deep understanding of the brand. When designed carefully, it results in a lasting visual signature that clearly and effectively embeds the brand’s identity in the audience’s mind.
The Tarahi Online graphic and logo design team, with over ten years of experience in professional graphic and logo design, is ready to assist you and bring your ideas to life. Contact us to submit your request or place an order.