Design your very own logo for a brand

History of Type

Research logos and fonts
1. Do research on fonts.
2. Look at other great logos for inspiration.
Kirby Sandifer created a mood board for their logo design:
Sketch your ideas
Start sketching out logo ideas. Play with mixing different fonts, customizing existing fonts, and fitting letters inside of shapes. Have fun with it!

Derek Long demonstrates an array of logo designs:
Show your sketches
Present your sketches to your peers on your project page. These don't have to be pretty. They just need to demonstrate an idea. Everyone's style varies, so it's ok to have more developed sketches as well. Be sure to leave feedback on your classmates' projects.

-An example of Joel Schillio's sketches.

Digitize Your Sketches

Digitize your sketch
1. Scan it in or take a picture of it.
2. Place it in Illustrator.
3. Start vectorizing with the pen tool.
4. Start playing with the fonts you have researched. Outline them and begin to manipulate them. (Or create custom letterforms with the pen tool)
Don't expect to get it right the first time you try. Keep pushing it and revising it until you are happy with the results.

-Vince Tumminello starts his vectors.
Share your digitized logos
This is a good opportunity to share your progress for feedback and advice from myself as well as your peers.

Jessica C vectorized a bunch of their sketches:

Finalizing Your Logo

Apply texture
Use some of the techniques from the above videos to polish your logos. Add texture if it fits for your audience and market.

Titus Smith's brand utilizes great texture:
Clean up logos
Make sure it's all grouped properly and has the correct colors.
Save your logo
Be sure to apply the appropriate file type.
Share your final logo
Post your hard work. This is still an opportunity for feedback and advice. I'm really excited to see what you all have been toiling over.

-An example of Reide Iredale's final logo design.

Additional Resources

Check out the resources for this unit attached below.

A great video on the history of typography, here.

Some of my favorite font foundries, here:
- Adobe Illustrator Resources
- My sketches
Great Method & Craft Article by Simon Walker: Old is the New New

Additional Texture Resources:

Brett Essman

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