Create a logo - on the Art Career Track

If you're looking for a project that generates enthusiasm and excitement, give this a try. You will engage your students in authentic learning activities that integrate the use of technology into the curriculum.

This project is a great way to introduce students to graphic arts as a career. They'll learn how graphic art impacts advertising. They'll learn new skills in technology as they create an original logo. The activities quickly become student-centered once they begin, as they give each other advice on designs, take charge of scanning and help their classmates master use of the software.

I began this project by showing a videotape on graphic arts as a career. Next, I invited a professional graphic artist to come in and talk to my students about what she does, how she gets ideas and to show examples of her work.

The following period, the students were given their assignment. They were each to create an original logo for a "client's" product or business. I gave them the guidelines in the form of a rubric so they would know exactly what was expected of them. I brought in examples of products and we discussed how the principles of art were used to make the product appealing.

During their library period, the media specialist worked with the students to research logos and answer the essential question: How does graphic design impact our society? I pre-selected sites that I wanted them to visit. I also provided them with several books on logos. I wanted them to see as many different kinds of logos as possible. This experience really started them thinking.

We discussed thumbnail sketches and they were instructed to create six to nine thumbnail sketches of their ideas to show their "client." I reminded them several times to put down all their ideas, keeping in mind that no idea is dumb. Each idea has the potential of inspiring another idea.

As each student finished sketching his or her ideas, acting as the "client," I selected the one I liked best and told the student why I liked it better than the others. I asked that the sketches be in color so I would have an idea of how it would look when it was finished. Then they were asked to redraw the selected design neatly on 8 1/2" x 11" white paper, leaving out text and color. Text was later added during graphic editing. It was important that all stray marks be completely erased so they would not show when the design was scanned.

When many of the students were ready, I demonstrated the procedure for scanning and saving their design. I had them scan at a very low resolution so that their design would fit on a diskette. I asked students who picked this skill up quickly to assist in the process and teach other students as they finished their drawings.

Then the real fun began. Adding color and text was their favorite part. We used Adobe PhotoDeluxe[R] to edit their designs. This software is an excellent introduction to Photoshop[R]. After I demonstrated use of the tools, they eagerly began to add color and text to their designs. Some students explored the software on their own and added special effects.

As the students finished, we printed out their designs on photo-quality paper. The results were striking! We cut and mounted all the logos and created a display. We critiqued the designs and decided which products or businesses we would try based on their logos. The culminating activity used in assessing the project was an evaluation sheet completed by the students. It asked these questions: (1) What is graphic design and how does it impact advertising? (2) How does a graphic designer come up with ideas for a logo? (3) What makes an effective design? (4) Describe the process for creating a logo. (5) Were you satisfied with your final product? (6) What problems did you have with scanning or editing your design? (7) What did you like best about this project?

My students really loved this project. They acquired many skills that they can use in the future, and can take with them an increased awareness of graphic design and its impact on our culture. Some students may even consider graphic design as their career choice. Mostly, they were proud of their accomplishment and final product when they saw it on display.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will ...

* learn haw graphic art impacts society.

* use the computer as a logo research tool.

* create original logo for a business/product.

* acquire new computer skills.

* demonstrate their level of competency in the use of editing software.

MATERIALS

* Careers in Art: Graphic Design videotape

* Books with logos

* Variety of product packaging

* 8 1/2" x 11" white paper

* Pencils and erasers

* Computers with Internet access

* Scanner

* Adobe PhotoDeluxe[R] software

* 3 1/2-inch diskettes

* Color printer

* Glossy or matte white photo paper

* Colored ink cartridge

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Suggested Web Sites:

* AdAge.com "100 Leading National Advertisers": www.adage.com/ page.csm?pageld=639

* AdReview.com: www.adreview.com/