Symbol

by Angus Hyland, Steven Bateman

Symbols play an integral role in branding programs. This book explores the visual language of symbols according to their most basic form. Over 1,300 symbols from all over the world are here categorized by visual type, divested of all agendas, meanings, and messages that might be associated with them so that the effectiveness of their composition and impact can be assessed without distraction and so that the reader can enjoy them as a pictorial language in their own right.

Every symbol is captioned with information on who it was designed for, who designed it, when, and what the symbol stands for. These sections are interspersed with short but detailed case studies featuring classic examples of symbols still in use, and exceptional examples of recently designed symbols.

This comprehensive volume is an indispensable resource for designers working on identity systems, and an engaging showcase of this exciting field. Now in a compact format.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Art, Art Design, Reference, Business

336 pages, Paperback

First published May 23, 2011

Reviews

[Joséphine]

Clearly organised collection of symbols/logos with a concise introduction outlining the history and the importance of symbols for branding. Every logo featured has a one-sentence explanation for it. A couple of logos are presented on a more in-depth basis via case studies. Overall, it's a very well put together reference book for symbols and logos.

[Topaz]

This is a reference book for symbols used in logos. The logos are intentionally excluded so it is just symbols. Each symbol specifies the company, designer, country, and a one sentence explanation of the use of the symbol. In most cases showing the actual logo would be more helpful than a textual description of how the symbol is used/relevant to the organization. It was also very noticeable that about 80% of the symbols are from European companies and maybe 5% are from the US. This is unfortunate as there are many US symbols that could have been included. Manu of the symbols shown are not necessarily “good design” bit their mere inclusion implies they are all exceptional. All the symbols are printed in black, but some of the descriptions mention color so again, a color version of the symbol with logo would have been much more useful.

In addition to hundreds of symbols shown, there are a few dozen classic logos featured as “case studies”. They aren’t really case studies, but they get a 2-4 page spread with a brief paragraph explaining the logo and history.

Overall this is a good reference book. There is also a smaller pocket-size version but you should get this one if you are considering both. However, the cover price is ridiculous. You should not pay more than $10 shipped for this book and there are many available in that range.

[Mike Mali]

A useful reference book for various logos, sorted by logo type. The book itself is small, and (mostly) black & white. Much like the others in this series, I would have preferred a larger, full-colour book.

[Tabitha]

Not a book that you 'read' exactly, but still a useful and interesting piece of reference material. Totally worth the time to page through if you have any interest in design, art or drawing. Useful for working through artist's block when sketching. Read snippets and see enough of other people's pattern's and eventually you have no choice but to create something of your own.
Downside- this thing is pretty massive, so it won't be much help as on-the-go reference.

[Dale Moore]

Great reference book on symbols and logos.

[Stuart]

Interesting to see al the logos