introdution to symbols basic meanings

WHAT A VISUAL SYMBOL IS?

There is usually some kind of connection between the image and the

meaning

It is an image aiming to catch the viewer´s attention

This image hides a meaning which should be found out by the viewer

A symbol always gives an open interpretation that can be changed over time

WHAT A VISUAL SIGN IS?

Signs are usually gathered into collections labeled as codes

As a concequence, the meaning is socially shared

It is an image aiming to clearly communicate something to people

These images take for granted that the viewer already knows the meaning.

A sign always gives a closed interpretation that cannot neither change nor be argued

BASIC SYMBOLS

3Number Three represents the Trinity, the three ages of human beings, the three stages of time (past, present and future) and the result of putting together the two first numbers (1: masculine and 2: feminine)

The Triangle pointing down represents femininity, water, the moon and fertility

The Triangle pointing up represents masculinity, fire, the sun and fertility too

4Number Four usually stands for the annual seasons, the cardinal points, the colours in a card deck, the prime elements (air, wind, fire and water). Olympiads, world cups and other games take place every four years.

The Square represents the earth and, in general, order, stability and rationality.

5Number Five is related to human hands, protection and salvation. It is also the quintessence, that is, which comes after the four prime elements.

The Five-pointed star represents the devil when put upside down

The Five-pointed star represents a human being

Many strongholds have a pentagonal shape. Do you know

any building in the USA related to this shape?

6Number Six represents the universe (remember the Star of David as a combination of two equilateral triangles and their meanings). It is also a symbol for hard working and reliable people because the cells of a beehive honeycomb are 6-sided.

Hexagons bring about very strong structures, for instance, the shell of a turtle.

It is a symbol of harmony and perfection

CIRCLE

It has been identified with eternity because it doesn´t have neither beginning nor end.It is related to perfection because there is always the same distance from any point of the circle to its center.Think of the domes in many churchs

CORPORATE IDENTITY

Corporate identity

It is an activity which looks for increasing the visibility of a company within the whole society

It tries to define and develop all the visual aspects of a

company (logo, brand, advertising…)

It tries to establish a set of values and behaviors

everybody in the company must adhere to

It tries to become as recognizable as possible among

customers, stakeholders and workers

LOGO DESIGN GUIDELINES

1. It must be easy to recognizse and

reproduce

2. It must be simple and easy to remember

3. Colors are very important, however, they

are usually basic ones.

Corporate identity

55 examples of Corporate Identity

Another 44 examples of Corporate Identity

10 Tips for designing logos