Business logos are designed in several different styles. The design community tags these styles into multiple categories. Some say there are 7 distinct categories, others claim there are 5. Then there are those that try to keep things simplified and insist on only four.

However, there is a consensus on what the top three categories are. We know them as logo marks, logotypes, and combination logos. Recall any major logo that you can think of right now. Odds are it belongs to one of these three groups.

Combination logos are the most popular and populous. Nike, Starbucks, Pepsi, Target, Mercedes-Benz, Twitter, Chanel, and so many other logos belong to the combination style category. But the design industry has no dearth of logotypes and logo marks either.

So, if you have come here for a bit of design education and inspiration, take a seat and get comfortable. Today we are talking about spa and massage logo designs. We will share the best design inspiration that the Internet has to offer. Learn from these designs, and figure out which style to go with for your next spa logo.

1. Logotype

Logotypes are typographical logos. Think of BBC and Google. Logos that only use letters or text in their design are called typographical or typography-based logos. There are two kinds of logotypes: logos with letters and logos with words.

Famous logos that only use letters are mostly acronyms. BBC, CNN, and HP are some of the most well-known letter-based logos. Netflix, Google, and Facebook, on the other hand, are logos that use full brand names in their designs.

If you are a well-known massage therapist or want to open up a spa under your own name instead of a fictional brand name, Logotypes are the best choice for you. Since a logotype will only contain your name, these styles are the most powerful to promote yourself as a brand.

Even if you don’t use your name, a typographical logo is wonderful when it comes to brand recognition and recall. Compared to symbols, it’s far easier to recall and verbalize words. The recognition is also quick because logotypes are simpler as there are fewer elements in the design.

So if you want to design a massage logo or an esthetician logo that promotes the brand name and not a random symbol, trust the logotype.

Image Source: Dribbble

Image Source: Dribbble

Image Source: Dribbble

Image Source: Dribbble

Image Source: Dribbble

2. Logo Marks

Logo marks are the opposite of logotypes. There are no words, just symbols. The most iconic and valuable brand logo in the world is a logo mark, and that’s the logo of the tech giant, Apple Inc logo.

Logo marks are mostly born from combination logos – a mixture of symbols and words. After a combination logo achieves a certain level of fame and recognition, the words from the logo are slowly phased out and only the mark remains to symbolize the brand. Think of Target or Twitter. Only the red and white circle and the blue bird is enough to let you know which brand you are looking at – there is no need to read the words.

Then there are those logo marks that were never any other style, to begin with. I have to cite Apple again here. Except for a really detailed first logo, the brand swiftly moved to the now-iconic logo and never looked back.

To make a logo mark work, you do not need to rely on everyday pictures or symbols. Abstract marks work too. For a spa logo design or message therapist logo, an abstract icon is even better as it makes the logo more nuanced, layered, and meaningful. The best images that look the most appropriate on a spa brand are free-flowing, with rounded and comfortable edges, and no sharp turns. You want to communicate a feeling of relaxation and warmth. So focus on marks that indicate release and support.

Image Source: Dribbble

Image Source: Dribbble

Image Source: Dribbble

Image Source: Dribbble

Image Source: Dribbble

3. Combination Logos

We have kept the best for the last.

Combination logos bring together the best of both logo marks and logotypes. These logo styles are the most popular and pack the most meaning. A combination logo is a safe container for your brand. It ensures that your brand message will never be lost in translation (as is possible with logo marks) or fall flat (as happens with logotypes with really simplistic fonts). If someone can’t understand the symbol, the words will be there to support the message and if words seem either flat or vague, you have a striking icon to elevate the brand.

When it comes to spa or yoga logos, the combination style has a monopoly. Brands take the most certain design route to create their visual identities. Combination logos are also the most versatile. When it comes to branding, you can pick and choose different elements from your logo design to display on different branding assets. For example, just the brand name on the stationary while the mark can go on the spa equipment.

Sun Icon for a spa logo

Massage Stones forming a Lotus Logo

Yellow and Green Logo for a Spa

A Massage and Fitness Logo

Abstract Circle Logo

The Takeaway

Brands make their design decision based on their different needs. That is the reason why no one style of logo design is ever the perfect solution. As brands evolve, what made sense 5 years ago may become stale and repetitive. Therefore, choose a style that represents your brand most authentically at the moment. As your brand progresses, your design can, too.

To give it the soundest footing, choose a combination logo or a logotype. Both pay sufficient focus on the brand name which is essential for any new business to take off.