Apply concepts learned in Design Foundation Series and tools learned in Visual Design Series to create a family of icons, symbols and/ or logos to incorporate into your portfolio. The concepts of corporate identity and user experience are discussed. Course is conducted in a workshop format; portfolio pieces are developed through homework and in-class critiques. Refinement will occur throughout the course, and work on a computer outside of class is vital. 

• Successful completion of Design Foundation and Visual Design Series or equivalent knowledge  

Session 1  

• Student introductions 
• Review objectives 
• Demonstration of effective and ineffective logos, icons and symbols 
• Logo, symbol and icon terminology 
• Principles of effective logo design 
• Discuss the Research Stage – Creative Brief, Brainstorming and Mood board 

Session 1 Assignments 

Preliminary research:

• Choose a client that you will be creating a logo or group of icons for and fill out a creative brief 

Research project topics:

• Choose from project options; research client; gather info and brainstorm keywords; and create a mood board 
• Bring creative brief and some initial sketches to class the following week 

Session 2  

• Review homework: Students will discuss their creative brief, key words and proposed project with initial rough sketches 
• Discuss the Production Stage of logo design 
• Appropriate use of typefaces in logo design 
• Resources for fonts and symbols 

Session 2 Assignments 

• Discuss creative brief and explore various possible solutions through sketching in class to arrive at a series of potential visuals 
• Sketch out Concepts: Develop a variety of sketches (5–10 drawings per icon/logo). Take these home and use them to explore different type treatments and symbols 
• Bring printouts to the next class 

Session 3  

• Review homework 
• Discuss type treatments 
• Review Illustrator techniques to form vector-based designs 
• Use of color in logo design 

Session 3 Assignments 

• Continue to work on designs at home in Illustrator 
• Edit and Refine Logo Concepts. Translate initial concepts into vector form in Adobe Illustrator 
• Bring concept printouts to class 

Session 4  

• Critique of students’ logo comps 
• Review all concepts that have been created and narrow down selection to the strongest options 
• Discuss presentation skills and persuasive practices 
• Add a color palette 

Session 4 Assignments 

• Choose the best three logo concepts and narrow them down to the final choice for creative review 
• Finalize designs at home and prepare for final 10-minute presentation 

Session 5  

• Students will present final design in front of the group as though presenting to a client 
• Give feedback and discuss changes that could be made before finalizing for portfolio 

Session 5 Assignments 

• Presentation of final designs 
• This should include persuasive, supportive verbal and visual articulation of the design direction, process decisions and final solutions 
• Use one multi-page PDF plus printed samples presented on mat board