Historically, a monogram was used as a royal signature. Romans and Greeks used them on coins to identify their rulers. Then, in the Middle Ages, artisans began to use them to sign their work. Victorian-period high-class persons adapted the monogram for personal use as a symbol of their place in society. These days a monogram can represent a person, couple or family and monograms are also used regularly in logo design.
I became interested in monograms several years ago, after stumbling upon this amazing gallery of monograms. I was so inspired in fact, that I set up a little custom monogram site, and did a decent business for a while before I realized there were other, more profitable things I could be spending my time on. I still love them though. I love the idea of having one’s own personal logo and of a couple developing their monogram when they get married.
Here are some monograms I created back in the day:
I always amazed when visiting your blog… This post give me an inspiration to use a monogram as logo for my software product..
Hi,
Many thanks for this great post. I am in the middle of rebranding at the moment and that one post has given me many more ideas than they design agency has as yet!
Thanks
I love this almost-lost art! I once embroidered a monogram similar to the SB illustration on a tie for my father. I was inspired by examples and instruction in “The Complete Encyclopedia of Needlework,” by Theresa de Dillmont, written and illustrated in the 19th century, still being reprinted today.
On a recent trip to Italy, I visited a lace museum on Burano (an island off Venice). The needle-made lace was full of rich ornamentation — providing inspiration for decorative elements in my graphic design work.
We can find fresh ideas everywhere, if we are open to them.
Pretty. Now if only they can be turned into favicons.
I love these monograms!
Looks great! keep rocking!
These are lovely! Great ideas!
Randa, I must give you the credit here, as you’re absolutely one of the most talented monograms designers that I’ve ever seen online! Keep up the good work, I’m sure you’ll make your way to the fame…
I love these monograms!
Hi! I’m a fashion and graphic designer and always thought about taking some inspiration from monograms for designing logos. This is a great post! Cheers!
Great Post! Monograms are great ways to inspire logo design. I used an adinkra symbol, which represents different concepts, to design my logo. Very similiar to monograms.
http://www.adinkra.org/
Funnily enough I was reading an article about monograms in last months Net Mag which I am still trying to get time to read properly.
From monogram to logo to site design to full brand design to world domination!
i love monograms. my favorite NBK.
the one in the middle is great.
I didn’t even know that these emblems had a name? I do now, and I think I might create one for myself or my family.
In fact I think I’m a converted fan.
[...] decorative monogram gallery, via Randa, who also shares some of her designs from back in the [...]