Negative Space Logos: The Art of Hidden Meanings

There are tons of different ways you can create great branding. Eye-catching logo icons. Clever slogans and taglines. Elegant layouts… But logos that make use of negative space… That is truly some next level branding. 

Negative space or white space refers to the empty areas in your logo that surround your icon, business name and other design elements. 

This is typically just empty space that goes unused. But savvy designers like to use negative space to sneak in hidden images or messages. 

Below, we explore the unique world of negative space logos to help you figure out how to make the most of the empty space in your logo designs.

What Are White Space Or Negative Space Logos? 

Negative space logos simply refer to a type of logo where none of the space in the design goes unused. Most times, designers sneak hidden images, symbols, icons or imagery into the empty space surrounding the logo’s primary design elements. 

This can be relatively challenging to achieve. But when brands get it right, it creates a unique logo that can leave viewers with a more thought-provoking experience. 

This visual trick can be used to hide hidden messages. But most times, it is just a neat visual trick that creates a more unique logo. 

Why Should You Use A Negative Space Logo? 

Probably the best reason to use a negative space logo is that they are unique and novel designs. And that little bit of novelty can go a long way in ensuring that your customers remember your logo in the future. 

Let us review a few other reasons that make negative space logos a great choice. 

• Storytelling – You can use the negative space in your logo to tell your brand’s story. It can be an additional design feature that helps convey your brand’s value or identity depending on the symbol or image that you create. 
• Elegant designs – The hardest part about designing a logo is making it look good and stand out. But when you use negative space, your logo can look more elegant and wholesome. 
• Recognition – Negative space logos just work great at getting people to remember your logo. Once they notice the image hidden in the negative space of your design, they are that much more likely to remember it. 
• Audience connections – Whether you hide an image or a message in your negative space logo, it is just a great way to engage the audience and form a longer-lasting impression in their minds. 
• Versatility – Negative space logos are often more versatile than regular logo designs. They can be used on websites, business cards and pretty much anywhere else to provide viewers with a novel logo experience. 

Real World Examples Of Negative Space Logos 

Now that you know what negative space logos are, let us review some of the world’s most popular negative space logos. 

FedEx 

This is probably one of the most cited examples of a negative space logo. But for those who have never noticed, there is a hidden arrow in the FedEx logo. Look carefully between the E and the X and you will see it! It is a clever use of negative space. But it is also perfectly in line what the type of service this business provides.

Amazon 

Amazon’s logo boasts an arrow that doubles as a smile. It is similar to the FedEx logo because it plays on the type of service the business provides. But it also works to frame the business as a friendly and approachable brand. 

World Wildlife Fund 

The WWF’s logo shows a black and white panda. But what is interesting about this logo is the way the panda really only consists of black. The rest of the image is made up and filled in by the negative white space. 

Baskin-Robbins 

Since they opened their first parlor, Baskin Robbins has always served 31 unique ice cream flavours. And that is why we absolutely love the way they sneak in the number 31 into their logo designs. 

Carrefour 

This business uses a blue and red diamond shaped logo. But when you look closely you can see there is a letter C hidden within the design. It is not a hidden message. But the letter C represents the business name. And that makes this a perfect negative space logo. 

How To Master The Subtle Art Of Negative Space Logos 

Here are a few tips to help you plan out and design a great negative space logo. 

• Keep it simple – The best negative space logos are clean and simple. Do not overcomplicate your design. Cut the clutter. Which makes it easier for people to focus on the clever image hidden in your design. 
• Testing – It is obvious that negative space logos require creativity. But you do not want to lose sight of your brand and its personality. So you need to make sure your negative space logo still communicates your branding clearly. 
• Subtlety – The idea is to make your negative space design subtle. You do not want it to be in your face. There should be a delicate balance between the positive and negative space in your logo. 
• Audiences matter too! – You also need to make sure that your new logo resonates with your customers and target audience. 

Designing A Great Negative Space Logo With GraphicSprings 

It is great that you are intrigued by the idea of creating a negative space logo. But creating a great logo is easier said than done. 

Fortunately, GraphicSprings is here to help you make the most of your logo design efforts. 

Logo Maker 

We have a powerful and easy to use Logo Maker tool that allows you to create negative space logos with ease. Type in your design ideas, select a few design preferences and within seconds, our Logo Maker will create a negative space logo just for you. 

Logo Ideas 

We also have a ton of inspiring logo design pages to help inspire your next design. Browse by category or logo type. And immerse yourself in a whole universe of great logos. Draw ideas from our designs and then try them out in the Logo Maker. 

Custom Logo Design 

You can also get in touch with us and work with our team of skilled logo designers. We are always ready to work with you. We can help you come up with better branding ideas and put it to good use through a cleverly designed negative space logo we are sure you will love. 

Ultimately, using negative space is an artform of its own. It is easy to want to design a negative space logo. And it can take a lot of trial and error to get your design just right. 

But when you keep the design tips we have discussed in mind, you will already be well on your way to designing a great negative space logo your audience will love.