Design and create a simple logo using paper, pencils, and markers; sketch ideas, pick colors, and explain its meaning for a pretend brand.



Step-by-step guide to design a logo
How to Design a Logo - From Start to Finish.
Step 1
Pick a pretend brand idea like a pizza shop a toy store or a superhero club.
Step 2
Write the brand name in the top area of your paper.
Step 3
Write three words that describe how the brand should feel or what it does.
Step 4
Draw three small quick logo sketches in pencil to try different shapes and ideas.
Step 5
Circle the sketch you like the most.
Step 6
Redraw the circled sketch larger in the center of the paper with pencil.
Step 7
Test two or three color choices on scrap paper to see which colors look best together.
Step 8
Color your larger logo using the colors you picked.
Step 9
Outline the colored logo with a black marker to make the lines bold and clear.
Step 10
Erase any stray pencil lines so the logo looks clean.
Step 11
Write one short sentence explaining what your logo means and why you chose those colors.
Step 12
Share your finished logo on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!


Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a black marker or specific coloring supplies?
If you don't have a black marker for the 'Outline the colored logo with a black marker' step, substitute a dark pen, a sharpened black crayon, or a thin paintbrush with black paint, and use colored pencils, crayons, or watercolors as alternatives when you 'Color your larger logo' after testing them on 'scrap paper'.
My logo looks messy after outlining or erasing—what should we try?
To avoid mess when you 'Outline the colored logo with a black marker' and then 'Erase any stray pencil lines', first 'Test two or three color choices on scrap paper', let colors dry completely, outline slowly with a steady hand, and use a clean eraser to gently remove only the pencil marks from the 'Redraw the circled sketch larger' stage.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For young kids, simplify by having them pick a brand name and use stickers or stencils instead of 'Draw three small quick logo sketches', while older kids can add more sketches, refine the 'Write three words' mood list, experiment with digital tracing, and prepare a short brand pitch to 'Share your finished logo on DIY.org'.
What are some creative ways to extend or personalize the logo project?
Extend the activity by making multiple color versions when you 'Test two or three color choices on scrap paper', creating a mock business card or poster from the 'Color your larger logo' outcome, writing an expanded explanation beyond the 'one short sentence' about your color choices, and uploading variations to 'Share your finished logo on DIY.org'.
Watch videos on how to design a logo
How to Draw a Cute Apple Logo Easy for Kids and Toddlers! 🍎
Facts about graphic design for kids
🎨 Color can boost brand recognition by up to 80% — choosing the right colors helps people remember a logo faster.
✅ The Nike “Swoosh” was created for just $35 in 1971 by designer Carolyn Davidson.
🧠 Simple logos are more memorable because our brains recognize basic shapes much faster than complex images.
🧾 The word “logo” comes from “logotype,” from the Greek word logos meaning “word” — many early logos were stylized names.
🖊️ Designer Paul Rand championed simple, bold logo design and helped create memorable identities for big companies.