When you’re designing your logo, you want to create something that feels well-designed, aesthetically pleasing, and like it’s really going to connect with your customers. And one design concept you can use in your logo design that checks every one of those boxes? Symmetry.
Symmetrical logos are one of the most enduring logo trends in the design space. And for good reason! Symmetrical logos are versatile, easy to process, and it’s appropriate for a variety of industries and business types. But why exactly does symmetrical logos have so much impact? And why do they work from a design perspective?
Let’s take a deep dive into the symmetrical logo trend—and look at some examples to help inspire your own symmetrical logo design.
Symmetrical logos are logos in which the right and left side are identical. Symmetrical logos give feelings of balance, structure and are often used to represent engineering and trade companies. Companies like Motorola, McDonalds and Volkswagen all have a symmetrical logo.
There are also different types of symmetry which we will explore below.
When you think of the concept of symmetry, chances are, you’re thinking of reflection symmetry. A reflection symmetry logo is a logo that uses this type of mirror effect. As a result, this type of symmetry is often called mirror symmetry or mirror-image symmetry.
Think of it this way: With reflection symmetry, if you were to draw a line down the center of your logo (horizontal or vertical) and then fold your logo over that line, both halves would be identical. Or, in other words, they’d be mirror images of the other.
With rotational symmetry logos, your logo will maintain its symmetry when you rotate it in different directions. So, if you draw a line down the center of your logo and then rotate it 180 or 360 degrees, the logo will look the same. Shapes like stars, circles, and hexagons can act as great examples of rotational symmetry.
Translational symmetry happens when you have a repeating element in your design. Because the element repeats, you could essentially move one element of your logo design to another area of your logo without impacting the overall symmetry. Translational symmetry typically refers to patterns—so if you have some sort of repeating pattern in your logo design, you’re likely using this form of symmetry.
Now that you know what a symmetrical logo is, let’s talk about why you might want to design one for your business.
From a design perspective, symmetrical logos work for a variety of reasons:
Clearly, symmetrical logos can be visually impactful. But how, exactly, can they impact your business?
Your logo is a key part of your brand identity. And a symmetrical logo can be exactly what you need to take your brand to the next leveel.
Because people are naturally drawn to symmetrical design, they’ll also be naturally drawn to your logo. Not only will this help you increase brand awareness, but having a logo people connect with can also help strengthen your relationship with your customers—and, over time, help to drive brand loyalty.
So, in a nutshell, people are drawn to symmetry. If you design a symmetrical logo, people will be drawn to your logo. And the more people are drawn to your logo, the more recognizable your brand will become in the marketplace—and the more brand engagement and loyalty you’ll foster as a result.
Now that you know why symmetrical logos work from a design standpoint (and how they can elevate your brand), let’s take a look at symmetry in action.
Here are symmetrical logo designs to inspire you in your own logo design process:
Again, reflection symmetry is the most common form of symmetry—and when you think symmetrical logos, chances are you’re thinking of this mirror-image style.
Want to create a mirror symmetry logo for your brand? Here are a few examples to help get those creative (and symmetrical!) juices flowing:
Want to get that “mirror image” look in your logo design? Create a reflection symmetry logo of your own with one of Canva’s logo templates, like the Yellow Watersports Rental Logo, the Yellow Cute Animal Logo, the Bright Yellow Tree Icon Landscaping Logo, the Blue Party Supplies Logo, or the Blue Lotus Massage Logo.
As mentioned, rotational symmetry is a more comprehensive form of symmetry; instead of just being symmetrical over the center axis, these logos are symmetrical no matter how or how much you rotate them.
Want to create a 360 degree form of symmetry in your logo design? Here are a few examples of rotational symmetry in action:
Looking to go more 360 with your symmetrical logo? Use rotational symmetry in your logo design with one of Canva’s logo templates, like the Blue and White Circle DJ Commune Logo, the Green With Cutout Circle Agriculture Logo, the Midnight Blue Yellow Sun Travel Logo, the Green Venn Diagram Business Logo, or the Pink and Gray Minimalist Floral Logo.
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