Museum of London Logo by design firm Coley Porter Bell

The striking new logo, designed by award winning agency Coley Porter Bell, takes the conceptual form of London’s thumbprint. Coloured layers map the shape of London over time, reflecting the ever-changing, diverse and dynamic make up of London and Londoners, past, present and future. The brand mark has been crafted to create visual impact, and link the Museum venues. — Press Release

I came across the Museum of London recently and was simply fascinated with the concept. The logo epitomizes the very essence of conceptual logo design. And it does so with style and flair. It also represents a logo that gives you an “Aha!” moment. It’s unlikely you will understand the logo concept at first glance, but when you are told what it represents the logo takes on a whole new layer of meaning.

ABC's of Branding Poster

As you can see the poster depicts the English alphabet using nothing but logos to represent the various letters. What is truly amazing about the poster (other than it’s beautiful design) is that only certain letters from famous (or infamous) logos are used to create the alphabet. Though you are seeing each letter out of context, you will be amazed at how many logos you will recognize based on only one letter. This just goes to show how powerful a brand or logo can truly be.

Jason was kind enough to send an answer key along with the poster to show the logos that each of the letters was pulled from. Thankfully I was only stumped by two of them. How many of the logos can you recognize based on just one letter? (Also, if you are as impressed with Jason’s design as I was please go purchase one of the limited edition posters from his website.)

Truce Logo by Turner Duckworth

Truce Packaging by Turner Duckworth

I have found my new logo design hero: Turner Duckworth. Duckworth is a logo, brand, and package designer. You may have seen some of his work: the Amazon.com logo, the Palm logo, Dolby logo refresh, packaging for Coca-Cola and PopChips, as well as many others. The above logo was created to brand a new vodka and cognac liqueur mix. As you can see the word truce is cleverly flipped and able to fit perfectly inside itself. This is an example of a great conceptual design using carefully crafted type treatment. I think it is just brilliant. Be sure to check out the rest of his amazing portfolio.

Popchips Logo

Popchips Packaging

I came across this logo and package design in a fitness magazine advertisement last month. I think this design made some great use of the Gestalt Law of closure. The letter “o” and “i” are entirely created using only negative space and the edges of the surrounding letters. I think the letter “i” is especially clever while still being easily legible. What do you think of the Popchips logo?

Twins Logo by The Action Designer

This is one of those designs that is so simple and yet so effective that you wonder: why didn’t I think of that? The carefully crafted typeface, designed by The Action Designer, lends itself well to the letterform that represents both the “n” and the number “2″. If you ask me this is what great logo designs should aim for: simplicity with an “Aha!” moment to boot.

Diane Ingarten | Design: Alek Chmura

I thought this design by Alek Chumra did a great job of incorporating the initials of the clothing designer into a single mark. The arc of the “D” progresses smoothly, which keeps the eye moving through the logo in a circular motion. The letters are legible and work great when reversed out (as you can see on the tag inside the shirt). Simple, clean, appropriate.

M40ON | Design: PlantingSeeds

Clever logo by PlantingSeeds to celebrate the 40th anniversary of landing on the Moon. Though the “4″ does not share every line that the “M” does, they are easily distinguishable from one another because of the use of the white on gray.