Through this project, high school students immerse themselves in the world of graphic design by collaborating with actual community entities like student clubs, athletic teams, and local businesses. They develop practical skills in creating visually compelling logos, branding, and style guides that express an organization's identity. Students cultivate a deep understanding of how design communicates values and inclusivity, completing authentic work that is presented to and valued by community stakeholders.

Students will explore how graphic design can express and reinforce the identity and values of organizations through logo creation and branding. They will engage with community partners, including clubs and businesses, to understand and apply elements of art and design principles in communicating effectively with diverse audiences. Throughout the project, students will develop proficiency in using Adobe Illustrator for designing memorable logos and comprehensive branding style guides. They will use critique and revision processes to refine their work, leading to a final presentation to stakeholders that will demonstrate their understanding and creativity.

Students will create a comprehensive brand identity package for a selected student club, sports team, or local business. This package will include a professionally designed logo, a detailed branding style guide outlining color schemes, typography, and imagery, and the practical application of these elements across various media. The final deliverable will be presented to community partners during an exhibition where students will showcase their ability to translate an organization’s values into a compelling visual identity. Throughout the process, students will engage in iterative critique and revision to refine their designs.

To kick off the project, facilitate an interactive workshop where students engage with representatives from student clubs, athletic teams, and local businesses to discover their branding needs and values. This live interaction can include a tour of facilities or presentations by the representatives, with a Q&A session to inspire students and provide them with insights into the essence of each organization. Students then brainstorm branding ideas and sketch initial logo concepts, laying the groundwork for a dynamic project with real-world relevance.

Students will present their final logos and branding style guides at a community showcase event, inviting community partners such as student clubs, athletic teams, and local businesses. Each presentation will include a brief discussion of the design process, how their work represents the values and mission of the chosen organization, and an explanation of their approach to inclusivity in branding. Attendance by stakeholders provides valuable feedback and reinforces real-world relevance, while digital exhibition through school or community websites broadens the reach of their work.