How can I design an effective symbol?

1. How can I design an effective symbol?

2. Symbols represent the identity of an organization,
product, brand, or idea

3. GOLDEN RULES OF SYMBOL DESIGN
• Keep it simple, keep it simple, keep it simple
• Symbols should be effective whether they are big or
small
• Symbols should be effective in color and black &
white
A symbol should clearly represent an organization’s
identity.

4. Keep it simple
The evolution of the Apple logo.
Sometimes less information is more powerful.

5. Good symbols should be effective at
a large and small scale
Which set of symbols is the most
effective at both scales?

6. A good symbol should be effective on a
billboard and a business card.

7. A symbol should be effective in color or
black & white

8. • Descriptive
• Symbolic
SYMBOLS CAN BE…

9. Descriptive
What do you think this organization
specializes in? Why?

10. Descriptive
The Center for Architecture is an organization
devoted to the public education and the research of
architecture. Architecture is the art and science of
designing buildings and other physical structures. The
key is a symbol for access and the skyline represents
architecture.

11. Descriptive
How do these designs describe the
brands they represents?

12. Symbolic
Why do you think Apple chose this logo?

13. Symbolic
Although this does not literally represent
computers or technology, the apple is a symbol
of knowledge. The “byte” taken out of the apple
could symbolize you taking a bite out of
knowledge.

14. Symbolic
President Obama’s campaign logo
symbolized hope for most Americans. The sun
rising over the horizon evoked a new sense of
optimism for the country’s future.

15. COLOR
Color can represent or describe
and idea.

16. Color can be descriptive
Red and yellow produce the most stimulating color
combination, creating a sense of urgency and hunger. Brown
literally represents the historic color of packing paper as well
as the sense of being solid and reliable.

17. SYMBOL DESIGN PROCESS
Symbol design can be divided into a few
simple steps.
• Research and brainstorm
• Turn your ideas into forms and identify
color
• Finalize design

18. •What are you trying to
show?
•Think, write, and
sketch
•Make a list of details you
will use
•Every thought and idea
is relevant in this stage!
Research and Brainstorm

19. Design Time!
•Make a rough draft of your design
• Take some time to look at your work. Think about any
changes you’d like to make and practice those
• When you are ready, move to the template provided
and create your design!
• Save your work to bring to Mr. Bryant before September
23rd

20. BRING IT TO MR. BRYANT!
I want you all to have the opportunity to represent our
school in this contest so:
BE SURE TO BRING YOUR WORK TO MR. BRYANT
BEFORE SEPTEMBER 23RD (in order to be entered)