Overview

This lesson teaches 10th grade students how to design a logo using Adobe Illustrator, focusing on vector graphics—the kind of digital art that stays sharp no matter how much you resize it. The goal is to help students understand what makes a logo clean, scalable, and on-brand, just like the big names: Nike, Apple, FedEx, etc.

• Start with inspiration – They look at famous logos and talk about which ones work and why.

• Learn key Illustrator tools – Like the Pen Tool, Shape Tool, and Pathfinder—these are the building blocks of digital design.

• Sketch and create – Students sketch 2–3 logo ideas for a made-up brand (like a skincare line or tech startup), then recreate their favorite one using Illustrator.

• Add type and color – They integrate typography and basic color theory into the design to give it a professional edge.

This lesson helps students:

• Gain real-world design skills using industry software.

• Think critically about branding, layout, and design purpose.

• Create a finished piece they can add to a portfolio.
  Even better, they practice presenting their ideas, giving feedback, and reflecting on how their logo communicates their brand.