Should a Church Logo Include the Church Name?
CLIENT: UNCOMMON CHURCH | @UNCOCHURCH
PROJECT LEAD: Josh Whiting
When it comes to creating a church logo from scratch, it’s a safe move to include the name of the church in the main mark. This avoids confusion and keeps things familiar. But when Josiah reached out about their brand new church plant, Uncommon Church, we knew we wanted to open up the design process with a riskier question: Could the main logo design work without the church name in it?
We can distinctly remember visual concepts forming during the initial phone call. (side bar: that call took place during a hurricane evacuation. It was a welcomed distraction!) Josiah laid out the bold vision of Uncommon Church. Their hope was to transform expectations of the local church and encourage people to think twice about what their experience could be. Launching a brand new church plant is a massive leap of faith itself, so why should the main brand play it safe?
“When we saw the finished product, it was exactly like I imagined. It hit all the marks I want to see in our branding when it came to clarity and versatility.”
The design goal was simple: be approachable, but remixable. Find a way for each touchpoint moving forward to be versatile and unmistakably them. Abbreviating to UNCO felt like a natural fit. It’s strong and modern. The bold, stackable lettering showcased the stability tone set by the church, as well. The throwback, 80s vibe took us back in time and put a smile on our faces. Getting to create their logo animation was an added bonus!
It’s sad to admit, but walking through the doors of a brand new church plant can be intimidating for a lot of people. While Jesus doesn’t need an ad campaign to change lives, clear packaging and brand visuals can really help remove roadblocks and make communication feel more open for first-time visitors.
If you’re a new church plant or organization looking to stand out, consider stepping away from what’s common or safe. Take a risky leap design wise. When the heart behind the brand is strong, a little risk can go a long way.
