The Difference Between Timeless And Classic Logo Design

 When a designer goes about creating a logo, the first thought that should always come up is the hope to create a logo at a high enough level that it could still be used decades from its creation. Despite that being the common hope, there are two different ways in which how a logo can transcend time and use. These two types being known as timeless and classic. Now logo designs that are fortunate enough to be qualified for either of these categories have many similarities, so much so that it is easy to confuse the two. Before going into the two highest level of acclaim a logo design can get, we first need to do a quick run through on the basics.

The 4 Basic Logo TypesNo matter how you design your logo, with whatever inspiration you can think of, it is going to be classified as one of these logo types. Having the knowledge of these different types improves the quality of your design by providing more direction into what your best route is for your logo when considering the company or group it represents.
Emblem TypeAn emblem type logo is one that incorporates the companies name within the design.
Examples:
UPS
Harley Davidson
LetterformIn this type, the logo is created by using letterform design(a letter’s shape) to create a symbol.
Examples:
Roger Federer
Associated Press
Text TypeA text type logo only utilizes letters and in some instances typographic design is incorporated.
Examples:
FedEx
Visa
Representation TypeIn this type an image is used as a pictorial representation of the company. It can also be representing its reputation, perception, or attitude.
Examples:
Shell
Apple
Important Things To Keep In MindAlways convey your message first.A proper color scheme can make or break a logo.Make sure that it is easy to understand.Your logo should be adaptable, needing no changes for any environment.Don’t let the creative in you try to make the design overly complicated.Okay now that we have covered the basic logo design types and went over some of the important things to consider when designing a logo, we are now ready to take a look at what timeless and classic logo designs are and how you can achieve this acclaimed status.
What Is A Timeless LogoA logo that has reached the status of being timeless means that it is able to maintain the same high level of acclaim long after its creation. However, logos in this category also need minor alterations occasionally to remain relevant as the years go by. These alterations could be anything as long as it makes a change, but the base structure is never altered in any way. For example, lets take a look at the logo of MTV.
Original MTV Logo

As you see above, this is a very well designed text type logo. It utilizes a great color scheme for the loud, brash, unruly, and whatever other youthful rebellious urge all teens and young adults have.
Current MTV Logo

Now take a look at the original logo of MTV, and then take a gander at the current one. The current one has a heavier font weight for the letters involved, the t and v are less playful, but the most noticeable and important change is the removing of the music television from the logo. As mentioned earlier, the most important thing a logo is responsible for is properly conveying the identity it represents. The music television tagline that was once at the bottom of the logo had to be removed, because MTV has become known more so for reality TV than actually playing music. That was the only mishap played by the original logo, assuming a company called Music Television would continue to have a network comprising of mostly music related content.
What Is A Classic LogoThere isn’t that much difference between a classic logo and a timeless logo. The only differentiating factor here is that a classic logo will never come across the need for a change because it complies to one of the top important things to be considered when designing a logo. This being adaptability. The logos that are able to be apart of the classic group have designs that can adapt to any type of environment you can think of, and it still will be able to do well. Let’s take a look at the ABC logo, probably the most iconic classic logo.
ABC Logo

Everything that can be said about this logo, has already been covered for awhile now. This logo is simplicity at its best, and won’t be seeing any changes coming its way.
How To Create A Timeless or Classic LogoBy now your probably wondering what is the best method to go about for achieving a logo design that can be categorized into one of these two categories.  Well its a lot easier than it seems, and here are some tips to help you with that.
Always have the represented organization’s desirably perceived attitude, or message, showcasedNever overlook adaptability. Your logo should look just as good in your original color scheme as it does when stripped down to black and white.Focus less on the type of industry the logo is being designed for. If your focus your design for a particular industry, and try to approach it with incorporating that vibe into your design, than it won’t be able to go beyond that industry.Don’t be afraid of trends. In essence, a trend is simply an original style or technique that just became popular. You’re a creative, put your own spin on it.Embrace your own design style. How do you expect to get the best results when your competing with your natural inner creative?ConclusionThe difference between a timeless logo and a classic logo is all in the details, the little things if you will. A timeless logo design is one that is great in concept, but may need an alteration done to remain relevant. A classic logo design is fine the way it is, and probably will never see the drawing board again. Logo design is a very complex creative job that requires much to consider throughout the entire process. To achieve either one of these classifications is very possible, all it takes is to focus on the little things.