Guide to Combination Logos with Clever Examples

Combination logos are a popular choice for many brands because they blend text and imagery into one cohesive design. This type of logo typically includes a symbol or icon along with the company’s name, making it versatile and easily recognizable. What sets combination logos apart is their flexibility; they can be used in different formats, whether as a full design or by using just the symbol or text independently.

An added layer of appeal comes from the use of hidden meanings within these logos. When a logo includes a clever or subtle detail, it can create a deeper connection with the audience. This hidden meaning not only makes the logo more interesting but also helps to tell a brand’s story in a way that resonates on a personal level with consumers. Let’s explore how!

What is a Combination Logo?

A combination logo is a type of logo that includes both text and imagery. Typically, it features a company name or initials paired with a symbol, icon, or graphic. This makes them more flexible than logos that use only one element, as you can use the text or the symbol independently in different situations while still maintaining brand recognition.

 his blend of elements creates a distinctive and versatile design that can be used across different media and platforms. The text part of the logo tells you the brand name, while the visual element adds a layer of meaning or context, making it easier for people to remember and recognize the brand.

Top 15 Creative Combination Logos with Hidden Meanings

Hidden meanings in logos are more than just clever design tricks—they can make a logo far more impactful and memorable. Hidden meanings work because they add depth to a logo.

 A well-placed symbol or cleverly designed negative space can tell a story that goes beyond the obvious. When people discover these hidden elements, it can create a “lightbulb moment,” making the logo more memorable. Let’s explore 15 famous combination logos that cleverly incorporate hidden meanings. 

1. Amazon

The Amazon logo is simple yet effective, featuring the company name with a curved arrow underneath. The arrow points from the letter "A" to the letter "Z," symbolizing that Amazon offers everything from A to Z. Additionally, the arrow forms a smile, representing customer satisfaction, which is central to Amazon’s brand.

2. FedEx

The FedEx logo is a masterclass in using negative space. At first glance, it seems like a straightforward design, but if you look closely, you’ll notice an arrow hidden between the "E" and the "x." This arrow symbolizes speed and precision, two qualities that FedEx prides itself on delivering.

3. Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins is known for its 31 flavors, and the company cleverly incorporated this into its logo. The "BR" in the logo is designed so that the number "31" is hidden within the letters. This subtle design element reinforces the brand’s identity and its promise of variety.

4. LG

LG’s logo combines the company’s initials into a stylized face, symbolizing the brand’s focus on humanity and technology. Some people also see a reference to the iconic video game character Pac-Man, which adds a playful touch to the design.

5. Toyota

Toyota’s logo might look like a simple overlapping circle design, but it holds much more meaning. All the letters of "Toyota" are cleverly hidden within the logo, and the overall design represents a steering wheel, emphasizing the company’s automotive focus.

6. Pinterest

Pinterest’s logo features a stylized "P" that also resembles a pushpin, subtly nodding to the platform’s function of pinning ideas and inspiration. This clever integration reinforces the brand’s purpose while keeping the design clean and simple.‍

7. Cisco

Cisco’s logo pays tribute to its origins in San Francisco. The vertical lines in the logo represent the Golden Gate Bridge, while also resembling digital signals, symbolizing the company’s focus on technology and connectivity.

8. NBC

NBC’s logo is famous for its colorful peacock. Each feather of the peacock represents one of NBC’s divisions, and the use of bright colors symbolizes the network’s embrace of new ideas and diverse programming. The peacock also faces right, symbolizing a forward-looking approach.

9. Adidas

Adidas’ logo features three stripes that form a mountain shape, symbolizing the challenges and goals that athletes strive to overcome. This design element underscores the brand’s commitment to helping people achieve their personal best.

10. Sony VAIO

Sony VAIO’s logo is a great example of combining analog and digital elements. The "VA" in the logo resembles an analog wave, while the "IO" represents binary code, highlighting the brand’s focus on bridging traditional and modern technologies.

11. Toblerone

Toblerone’s logo features a mountain, representing the Swiss Alps, where the chocolate is made. But if you look closely, you’ll notice a bear hidden within the mountain, paying homage to the city of Bern, known as the "City of Bears," where Toblerone originated.

12. Hyundai

The Hyundai logo features a stylized "H," which at first glance, appears to be simply the first letter of the brand name. However, it also represents two people shaking hands, symbolizing trust and positive relationships between the company and its customers.

13. Beats by Dre

The Beats logo is a perfect example of minimalist design with a hidden meaning. The logo features a lowercase "b" inside a circle, which also resembles a pair of headphones on a person’s head, subtly reinforcing the brand’s focus on audio products.

14. Carrefour

Carrefour’s logo, which means "crossroads" in French, cleverly uses negative space to form a letter "C" between two arrows pointing in opposite directions. This design represents the idea of choices and diversity, aligning with the brand’s wide range of products.

15. Gillette

Gillette’s logo is a study in precision, much like the brand’s products. The sharp cuts in the letters "G" and "i" mirror the precision of a razor blade, subtly reinforcing the brand’s focus on delivering high-quality shaving products.

How to Create a Memorable Combination Logo

Designing a combination logo that stands out and leaves a lasting impression requires careful thought and creativity.  Here’s how you can approach the design process:

Understand Your Brand’s Identity

A logo that aligns with your brand’s core values will naturally be more meaningful and memorable to your audience. Let’s say your brand focuses on sustainability. Start by identifying key symbols related to nature, such as trees, leaves, or the earth. Your logo should reflect these values.

Choose Symbols that Represent Your Brand

Using symbols that are directly related to your brand’s industry or mission makes the logo relevant and easy to associate with your business.Toyota’s logo is a great example here. It incorporates all the letters of the brand name within a steering wheel shape, symbolizing both the brand’s identity and its industry.

Integrate Text and Imagery Seamlessly

When text and imagery are combined effectively, the logo becomes more than just a name or a picture—it tells a story. The Amazon logo combines its name with a smile-shaped arrow pointing from A to Z. This integration not only spells out the company’s commitment to offering everything from A to Z but also subtly conveys customer satisfaction.

Incorporate Hidden Meanings

Hidden meanings make a logo more intriguing and memorable. They invite the audience to take a closer look, creating a stronger connection with the brand. The FedEx logo is famous for the hidden arrow between the "E" and the "x," symbolizing speed and precision. This hidden element adds depth to the design and leaves a lasting impression.

Keep the Design Simple and Clear

Simplicity ensures that your logo is versatile and effective across different platforms and sizes. A clear design is also easier for consumers to remember. The Apple logo is a simple, clean design—a bitten apple. Despite its simplicity, it’s instantly recognizable and symbolic of knowledge and innovation.

Align the Hidden Meaning with Brand Values

When the hidden meaning aligns with your brand’s values, it adds authenticity to your logo and reinforces what your brand stands for. If your brand emphasizes innovation, like Sony VAIO, you might incorporate symbols that reflect this. VAIO’s logo cleverly merges analog and digital symbols to represent the brand’s technological focus.

Test and Refine Your Design

Before finalizing the design, show it to a small audience or team. Gather feedback on what stands out, what’s confusing, and whether the hidden meaning is noticed.Testing ensures that your logo communicates the right message and is memorable for the right reasons.

Conclusion

Combination logos are a powerful tool in branding, offering the best of both worlds by merging text and imagery into a cohesive design. These logos are not only versatile and easily recognizable but also capable of telling a deeper story when hidden meanings are thoughtfully incorporated. Whether it’s a subtle symbol or a cleverly designed negative space, these hidden elements can make a logo more memorable and engaging for your audience.

If you’re inspired by the idea of creating a logo with a hidden meaning, why not start experimenting with your designs? Think about what your brand stands for and how you can represent that in a way that’s both simple and meaningful. 

For more inspiration and tips on logo design, be sure to check out our logo ideas pages, where you’ll find a range of resources to help you craft the perfect logo.