Humans have always been visual creatures. Long before we figured out how to write, we used pictures to make sense of the world and share what mattered.
In the years past, humans have come across engravings in caves believed to be created by humans who existed eons ago. They weren’t just doodling for fun. That bison meant something. It told a story about a hunt, a ritual or maybe even their beliefs about survival.
Those cave drawings were our first symbols, they were the original language humans used to connect with each other. Humans didn’t just stop using symbols when writing systems were invented. We’ve traded cave walls for screens, but the idea hasn’t changed much.
Symbols work because they hit you on a gut level. They don’t just say something; they imprint an idea on your mind, an idea that sticks. That’s why they’re a massive deal in design and branding today.
Businesses invest millions into perfecting their own unique symbols because they know the power of visual language. Just like our ancestors used symbols to express beliefs and values, modern brands, with the help of digital marketing agencies, use them to tell their stories and connect with their audiences.
Symbolism and Its Essence in Design Today
The word “symbol” comes from the Greek word symbolon, which means a sign that can be recognised or understood, even if you can’t see its full meaning directly.
Symbols are everywhere, and whether you realise it or not, they’re doing a lot of heavy lifting in our everyday lives. In branding, these symbols break down complexities into ideas that are quick for the brain to recognise. For instance, when you see a red octagon on the road, you don’t have to read the word “STOP” to know what to do. That shape alone carries meaning.
Also, when people see a red cross, they immediately think of a hospital. The same applies to a red triangle on the road; once you see it, you know you need to drive carefully. Now, apply that same principle to branding.
The average person has an attention span of just 8 seconds. People don’t have time to read lengthy explanations about what a company stands for, so the symbol in design is essential because it tells the story of the brand in record time before this attention span elapses.
How Symbolism Helps in Marketing
Symbols are critical in marketing in every industry there is. A strong logo or visual identity can set a brand apart in a sea of competition. It can make people curious, draw them in, and, most importantly, make them remember.
Companies don’t just want you to buy their product. They want you to feel something when you think of them. Symbols are the bridge between a product and an emotional experience. A good symbol has to mean something. It should resonate with the target audience, tell a story, and evoke trust.
Symbols and iconography have endless applications in the world of design. Digital marketing agencies in Sydney use them to create:
- Infographics
- Web presentations
- Landing pages
- Blog posts
- Branding and logos
- Social media
Graphic designers and digital marketing service providers are the people behind these symbols and they do have a tough job. They have to distill everything a brand is about starting from its mission, values, and of course, its vibe, into one simple image.
And they don’t just pull these ideas out of thin air. Designers study the meaning of common symbols and how they’ve been used in history to create new ones that feel fresh but familiar.
For instance, a heart symbol can mean love, but it can also mean health, life, or care depending on how it’s used. That flexibility is what makes symbols so powerful in branding.
Types of Visuals and Symbols Used in Design
Here are the main classifications of visuals used in design today:
Universal Symbols for Communication
Some symbols are so widely recognised that they’ve become part of our daily lives. A red stop sign we mentioned earlier happens to be one of those. Just the shape and colour tell us to stop, no words needed.
Same goes for the little icons on our phones. Like, the envelope icon. We all know it’s for email. These symbols are used all over in design because they’re simple, fast, and easy to understand, no matter where you’re from or what language you speak.
Nature-Inspired Symbols
Humans have always had a connection to nature, so it’s no surprise that animals and plants show up a lot in design. When you think of a lion, you probably think of strength or royalty. A dove probably means peace and owls usually represent wisdom. Designers use these types of symbols to give logos and brands personality.
Plants also have meanings. A rose can stand for love, and a laurel says victory. In modern design, you’ll see these symbols pop up a lot, especially for companies focused on growth or wellness.
Then, there are parts of animals, like wings, antlers, or tusks, that have their own symbolic meanings. Wings, for example, often stand for freedom, while antlers represent authority and power.
Historical Symbols
Back in the day, knights and kings used animals like lions, eagles, and dragons to show off their power or family roots. Designers still use these types of symbols today, especially for brands that want to give off a vibe of tradition or prestige, like wineries or luxury brands.
Other Classes of Symbols
Aside from the major classifications listed above, there are other types of visuals that are not as popular. They include:
- Geometric symbols
- Lunar symbols
- Planetary and constellation symbols
- Solar symbols
- Celestial symbols
Let Netplanet Digital Help You Decode & Leverage the Power of Visual Language
If you want your brand to truly connect with people, it starts with designing symbols that speak louder than words, that make people pause, think and remember.
When you put thought into your visuals, whether it’s your logo, a social media creative, an ad, or even a custom website design, you’re setting the tone for your entire brand. You’re telling a story about who you are, what you stand for, and what your audience can expect from you.
Netplanet Digital is a leading graphic design and digital agency in Sydney that can give you a symbol that lives and breathes your message, your values and your unique identity. We’re here to make sure that when people see your brand’s logo, it doesn’t just sit in the back of their mind. It stays with them, long after they’ve closed the app or walked past the billboard.
If you’re ready to grab your audience by the heart, and make them want to keep coming back, book our FREE 30 minute strategy call as soon as possible!