How Animals in Your Logo Can Convey Attributes About Your Small Business
Let’s look at animals in logos and what their associated meanings can convey about your small business
When deciding on the design elements of your small business logo it is super important to be aware of any connotative meaning associated with your choices. You may have noticed that some brands gravitate towards featuring an animal in their logo to represent their values, or to encourage customers to perceive the brand in a particular way.
Throughout history – and in various cultures – we have assigned meaning to different animals, so before featuring a particular animal in your logo be sure to consider the attributes it may convey to your target market. This is especially important if you’re not a business which is involved in the pet or livestock industries.
For example, let’s take a look at some meanings people may assign to your small business logo if it featured a cat, dog, bird, or bull.
Cats
The personalities of cats have been amplified thanks to the internet in recent decades, so here are a few things people may associate with seeing a cat in a business logo:
Innovative. Brands who constantly innovate to improve upon the status quo – such as when a cat turns a box into a bed.
Patience. Good things come to those who wait – and patience leads to excellence.
Pride. A brand which is proud of their products and/or services is more likely to be embraced by customers.
Dogs
Different dog breeds convey a wide variety of personality traits; however, there are some attributes which are default for dogs that people will associate with when seeing a dog in a business logo:
Loyalty. To their customers and the upholding of brand values.
Courageous. Willing to lead the way with contemporary solutions.
Resilient. A survivor who faces challenges head on.
Birds
Obviously featuring a duck in your small business logo will offer a different meaning to a bird of prey, but the general symbolism of birds can be traced back to biblical times:
Freedom. Refuses to be caged by social constructs and will not be held back by limitations.
Knowledgeable. Think of the wise and steadfast owl with all the answers to your problems.
Connection. The ability to connect with customers and understand their needs is of vital importance.
Bulls
Bulls are often associated with power and other traditionally masculine traits, so featuring a bull in your small business logo will convey a very different meaning compared to fluffier animals. People will usually think of the following when they see a bull in a logo:
Strength. The capacity to exert, withstand, and overcome the pressure to succeed.
Determination. The drive to be the best.
Confidence. Belief in the business’s product/service is a significant driver of success.
All in all, as a small business owner you need to carefully consider the associated attributes of certain animals when deciding upon your small business logo. You don’t want your target market to have a negative view of your small business based upon the star attraction in your logo. However, you also need to consider the positive associations of featuring an animal in your logo and subsequent branding.
Need some animal inspiration for your small business logo? Check out these global businesses and their logos.
If you are keen to feature an animal in your small business logo then let’s chat!
I love exploring how to include people’s favourite animals in their small business logo – which you can see in my example of Forelocks and Fleece’s logo – as well as my own logo which includes a bird!