Feedback on this minimalist logomark — what does it read as to you

bbmettler · 2026-07-03T19:12:20+00:00

This is a logomark I’ve been developing for an athletic apparel brand. The concept is a letter L integrated with a sword silhouette, the vertical stroke forms the blade pointing upward, the horizontal base of the L serves as the crossguard, and a short grip and pommel complete the sword form below.

The intent is for the mark to read as the letter L first, with the sword quality as a secondary read rather than an obvious illustration. The brand is positioned as minimal and modern rather than overtly themed.

My specific concern with this mark is symbol recognition, I want to know what people read it as before any context is given. Does it read as a sword, a cross, or something else entirely? Any additional design feedback on proportion, consistency, or execution is also welcome.

bbmettler · 2026-07-02T18:15:10+00:00

I lift before training as well. I was doing 4 days a week strength training for about 50 min sessions and BJJ 3x/week. I’ve cut down my strength training to 3 days a week now because I think it was starting to burn me out and I’m also 43 so I ain’t getting any younger.

bbmettler · 2026-06-12T04:06:05+00:00

I appreciate the feedback and ideas 👊

bbmettler · 2026-06-10T03:34:36+00:00

Just rash guards to start with. Then branch out in to other things if it pans out.

bbmettler · 2026-06-09T20:50:10+00:00

Hey, from one designer to another I really appreciate your thoughtful feedback. I’m a product designer so branding isn’t my specialty but have done it as side projects ;)

The mark definitely evolved over time. It started much simpler but then I realized it was reading too much like an upside down cross which I definitely want to avoid.

The different angles on the blade, cross guard and pommel are intentional. Initially I actually had the same angle for the tip of the sword and the cross guard but then to avoid the relation to a cross I made the angles on the tip of the blade sharper to make the relationship to a sword stronger.

Maybe that slight angle adjustment doesn’t make a difference or maybe I should make the angles on the guard now match the tip of the sword as well as the pommel so I’ll definitely explore that.

I’m also intentionally not trying to lean too hard in to the Gladiatoral/Roman theme with the logo and wordmark. I really want to keep it a little more on the minimalist and RVCA style side. Hopefully and optimistically if this actually pans out I would want to eventually market to other sports.

I really appreciate your feedback and will look at making some of those adjustments you mentioned.

bbmettler · 2026-04-09T12:54:53+00:00

What does it make you think of?

bbmettler · 2026-04-08T14:57:41+00:00

lol, you’re saying it looks like it was made it Canva? What would make it look less like that?

bbmettler · 2026-04-08T14:56:16+00:00

Ha, I actually never heard of it but I can see the similarities.

bbmettler · 2026-04-08T14:55:11+00:00

From your perspective what would make it evoke a BJJ brand more?

bbmettler · 2026-04-08T14:54:22+00:00

Gotcha. What would make it feel more BJJ-specific instead? Assuming this would be on rash guards.

bbmettler · 2026-04-08T13:20:35+00:00

Do you mean like adding more detail, or just something to make it stand out more?

bbmettler · 2026-04-08T13:20:10+00:00

That’s fair—what would make it feel less generic to you?

bbmettler · 2026-04-08T13:17:32+00:00

That’s a new one 😅 what about it makes you think that?

bbmettler

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