lettermark
Abbreviation as brand
A lettermark is a logo design consisting of initials or letters rather than a full name or pictorial symbol.
Companies with long names often use lettermarks for brevity and visual impact: IBM, HBO, CNN.
The term belongs to graphic design and branding, distinguishing initial-based logos from wordmarks (full name) and logomarks (symbols).
Representational sign or device
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- hallmarkDistinguishing characteristic or mark
- signatureHandwritten name for verification
- sealAuthentication stamp or mark
badge · crest · monogram · stamp · watermark · motif · heraldry · iconography
Interlaced personal initials
- logotypeBranded identifying graphic
- wordmarkText-based brand identity
- typefaceLettering style design
- fontCharacter style set
serif · sans-serif · ligature · kerning · tracking · leading · glyph · uppercase
Word made from initials
- abbreviationShortened word form
- initialismSpelled-out letter shortening
- monogramInterlaced personal initials
- charactersPersons in a narrative
alphabet · uppercase · capitals · combination · interlock · stack · overlap · arrange
Company identifying symbol
- trademarkRegistered commercial identifier
- wordmarkText-based brand identity
- brandCompany's product line name
- identityWho someone is
corporate · visual identity · stylization · recognition · consistency · guidelines · rebrand · modernization
emblem
Representational sign or device
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- hallmarkDistinguishing characteristic or mark
- signatureHandwritten name for verification
seal · badge · crest · monogram · stamp · watermark · motif · heraldry · iconography · symbol
monogram
Interlaced personal initials
font · serif · sans-serif · ligature · kerning · tracking · leading · glyph · uppercase · lowercase
acronym
Word made from initials
- abbreviationShortened word form
- initialismSpelled-out letter shortening
- monogramInterlaced personal initials
characters · alphabet · uppercase · capitals · combination · interlock · stack · overlap · arrange
logo
Company identifying symbol
- trademarkRegistered commercial identifier
- wordmarkText-based brand identity
- brandCompany's product line name
identity · corporate · visual identity · stylization · recognition · consistency · guidelines · rebrand · modernization · simplification