Logo+Design

toc In order to create a good logo, you must be aware of what it takes to make a good logo. In this unit you will review the concept of colour theory and learn what it takes to make a good logo. You will also review the basics of Adobe Illustrator.

=PART 1 - LEARNING ABOUT LOGOS= In the first stage of this unit, you will learn about what it takes to make an effective logo. A designer cannot simply create something that they think looks 'cool'. You must ensure that the logo is memorable and sends a message to the consumer. It has to scream "Hey! Look at Me! I'm an awesome product/service!".

Go through the steps below and learn the basics of logo design.

Step 1: Learning the Basics
Read the document below to learn about how to make an effective logo.

ARCHIVED: Although it is not necessary, feel free to visit the logo design theory page on this Wikispace. It contains most of the same information just in a different format.

Step 2: Follow the Rules
Read the article 7 Awesome rules for logo design to find out what it takes to make a good logo.

Step 3: Mistakes? We Don't Need No Stinkin' Mistakes!
Read the article on 10 common mistakes in logo design to find out where designers can go wrong.

Step 4: Let's Get Weird
Read the post 20 Weird Logos That Work (and Why They Do) for some inspiration. Logos are everywhere. Because of this, only a few can rise among the noise — and often it’s the more unique logos that are most memorable. Sometimes to be unique, you’ve also got to be weird. In this post, they showcase twenty lovably strange logos that work.

//Step 5: You Think You're So Clever//
Have a look at the article 50 Clever Logos for some really fantastic examples.

Other Resources
 * View the presentation of logo design. This will show you what makes an effective logo and why some have remained for so many years.
 * Have a look at some of the logo design articles using the link listed here. There are some great resources.
 * Read the [|Design a Logo of Letters] PDF file. In it, you will find some great tips on how to create a logo by simply using letters are your design.

Step 6: The Final Frontiere
Go to the link below: @http://design.tutsplus.com/series/logo-and-identity-design--vector-5303 and read through the articles provided. There is a lot of information here so soak it in!

=PART 2 - SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW= Whenever it comes time for the class to draw sample work there is always at least one student who claim "I can't draw", "I can't think of anything to create", or "I'll just make it on the computer". The reality is everyone can draw, it doesn't take much to come up with a good i dea and, before you start on the computer, it is a good idea to have a plan to go by (it can always be adapted later). In this stage you are simply going to give your mind a workout by completing some simple sketches. When working on the "Logo Mock Up" section, remember to apply what you learned in Part 1.

//Step 1: Logo Sketching//
Complete the [|Logo Sketching] task. In this task, you will be creating some sketches for various given ideas.

//Step 2: Logo Mock Up//
Complete the [|Logo Mock Up] task. In this task, you will be creating some sketches for fictitious production company logos.

Evaluation
This section will be assessed with comments only but must be completed before moving to the next stage.

=PART 3 - ILLUSTRATOR REVIEW= == In TGJ3M, you had completed numerous tutorials on the basics of Illustrator. In this section you will be reviewing a few of those tutorials as a refresher.

Step 1: Vector Vs Bitmap
View the following film on vector vs bitmap images. It's important that you distinguish the times you should use a vector program, like Illustrator, versus a bitmap software, like Photoshop. Although this is a review, there may be some info in this video that was not presented to you earlier.

Step 2: Re'trace' Your Steps
Refresh you skills in Illustrator by visiting the TGJ3M wikispace.
 * Refresh your memory on how to use the pen tool
 * Try retracing some of the logos from the practice assignment

This is neat. How many of these company logos can you recall after looking at this photo for 2 minutes? //Image courtesy of// [|www.custombusinesslogos.com]

=PART 4 - THE ASSIGNMENT= Once you have completed all of the above tasks, it's now time to start the assignment. This assignment has been posted to our Google Classroom. See your teacher if you have any questions.

Feel free to use the document above to create the rough sketches of your logo (once you reach that stage). Be sure to **print the last 2 pages only**.

RESOURCES Logo Design Process from Start to Finish @http://99designs.com/designer-blog/2013/01/18/turning-sketches-into-vector-art-with-illustrators-pen-tool/

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