Letterform Logos:

This project will allow you to explore typeface logo design and the Text Tools in Adobe Illustrator. Your mission is to create a letterform logo that will represent you. You will create a letterform logo that is type based, meaning the design is comprised primarily of text. These types of designs are also known as logotypes.  

You will design a logo that you could use for various online accounts you may have or will create in the future.  Your design will be square or circular in format and will incorporate the initials of your name. Your design will need to be simple enough to scale down as it could be used as a web account icon.  

For this project you are expected to throughly research logotypes, other logos, tutorials, and articles through links below as well as on the web. Your sketchbook will also be a critical part of the process for developing an effective logo.

Tentative Due Date: TBA

Points: 
25 Points Possible


Project Specifications:

Size: 8x10.5" Landscape 
Color Format: RGB
Resolution: 300dpi
Programs: Adobe Illustrator
Files to Submit: .ai and .jpg


The Objectives:

Project Requirements:
  • Develop three different logos utilizing typeface and your name or initials. 
  • For each logo you create, make a version that shows the logo in black on white, white on black, in color and three small scale versions.
  • If your logo is not readable at a small scale....go back  and redesign it.
  • Changing the colors do not count as different logos
  • Create 1 logo using a SAN SERIF typeface. Examples are  Helvetica or Century Gothic 
  • Create 1 logo with a SERIF typeface. Examples are:  Garamond, Bodoni, or Libre Baskerville
  • Create 1 logo using a typeface that you downloaded and installed.
  • IMPORTANT: Please select all of your type, right click, and choose "Create Outlines." This will allow me to see your logos as the way you want them to look. If I don't have the font on my computer I will see your logos with the default font instead. 
  • Submit a .AI file with the correct file name. Lastname.logo.ai 

Technical Skills (Current Objective):
  • Learn to use and manipulate typography in Adobe Illustrator
  • Learn to use and apply the Pathfinder Tool Panel in Adobe Illustrator
  • Download and install fonts and use them
  • Convert text to outlines

Design Concepts and Techniques (Elements and Principles of Design):

  • Create an icon that is describable, memorable, effective without color, and also scaleable
  • Understand how to utilize gestalt principles of design in a logo design
  • Understand that LESS is MORE and show your simplification in your work
  • SIMPLIFY YOUR DESIGN

Student Designs from the Mac Lab at Vallhalla High School

Gestalt Logos In Action:

San Serif Fonts

Serif Fonts

The Process:

Research:
 Look at the competition for some ideas and to generate your own ideas.




Various Internet Icon Sizes:

Facebook: Profile: 180x180, Cover Photo: 851x315
Google +: Profile: 250x250, Cover Photo: 920x250 to 1020x608
Twitter: Profile: 400x400, Cover Photo: 1500x500
Instagram: 612x612
Vimeo: 300x300
Pinterest: 165x165

View more specs here.

Sketchbook:

Write: Begin to make some brainstorm ideas, make a mind map with you at the center, from there branch out to all things about you. Write down as many words as you can possibly think of that associate with you, your interests, your personality, heritage, etc .

Sketch: Create 10-12 small drawings of your initial ideas based on your research and brainstorming for each logo. Each small drawing should be about 1"x1"

After you determine your three best thumbnail sketches redraw each one larger 3x3 or 4x4 so you can work out some alignment details, shapes, and to fine tune your initial drawing.

Resources:

Instructional:

The KERNING GAME!!! Test your skills.

The SHAPE GAME!!! Test your skills.


Downloads:
  • Dafont.com: Unique Fonts you can download and install

Student Examples: