Show Us Your Logo!
Design and create your own logo using paper, markers, and simple shapes; explore color, symbols, and meaning while presenting your brand idea to others.
About this activity
Design and create your own logo using paper, markers, and simple shapes; explore color, symbols, and meaning while presenting your brand idea to others.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather your Materials Needed and find a clear flat workspace to draw on.
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Step 2
Think of a short brand name or word and say out loud what your brand stands for in one sentence.
- 3
Step 3
Look at five logos from magazines posters or things you like to get ideas about shapes and colors.
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Step 4
Choose three simple shapes you want to use (circle square triangle star heart etc.).
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Step 5
Sketch three tiny thumbnail logo ideas on your paper using pencil, one idea per small box.
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Step 6
Pick the thumbnail you like best by circling it or pointing to it.
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Step 7
Redraw your chosen thumbnail larger and neater on a fresh sheet using your pencil and ruler if you want straight lines.
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Step 8
Add one simple symbol to the logo that shows your brand meaning (for example a leaf for nature or a lightning bolt for energy).
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Step 9
Trace the final pencil lines with a marker to make the design bold and clean.
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Step 10
Erase any remaining pencil marks so the logo looks tidy.
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Step 11
Colour your logo using your colouring materials, choosing colors that match your brand idea.
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Step 12
Write a one-sentence explanation of what your logo means on the back or beside the logo.
- 13
Step 13
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I run the 'Show Us Your Logo!' activity with my child?
To run 'Show Us Your Logo!' start by asking your child what the logo should represent. Brainstorm ideas, choose simple symbols and two or three colors, then sketch several thumbnails on scrap paper. Pick the strongest sketch and recreate it on clean paper with markers, colored pencils, or cut-out shapes. Add a name or short slogan, practice a one-minute presentation explaining the meaning, and display the finished logo for family to view.
What materials do I need to design a simple logo with kids?
You'll need basic art supplies: plain paper or cardstock, pencils for sketching, eraser, black marker for outlines, colored markers or pencils, and scissors and glue for collage logos. Optional helpful items include shape stencils, ruler, stickers, stamps, recycled magazine images, and sticky notes for brainstorming. For older kids, a tablet or simple graphic app can be used to digitize designs. Keep a tray or box to organize supplies and protect surfaces.
What ages is the 'Show Us Your Logo!' activity suitable for?
This activity suits ages 4–14 with adjustments. Ages 4–6 enjoy guided choices: pre-cut shapes, basic color choices and adult help with scissors. Ages 7–9 can sketch thumbnails, select colors, and glue simple collages. Ages 10–12 learn basic design ideas—symmetry, contrast, and meaning—then refine and practice presentations. Teenagers can explore branding, typography, or digital logo apps. Supervise cutting for young children and tailor complexity to each child's attention span.
What are the benefits and easy variations of the 'Show Us Your Logo!' activity?
Designing a logo builds creativity, visual thinking, and communication skills; it teaches kids to simplify ideas, make design choices, and explain symbolism, boosting confidence. It also strengthens fine motor skills and vocabulary about color and shape. Variations: create team logos, a product brand, or a class logo; limit palette for a challenge; use recycled materials for eco-themed designs; or have kids digitize their logo on a tablet. Always encourage positive feedback during presentations.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a marker, ruler, or colouring materials?
If you don't have a marker to trace the final pencil lines use a thin black pen, dark crayon, or felt-tip from another craft set, if you lack a ruler use any straight edge like a book spine, and if you need colouring materials substitute coloured pencils, crayons, watercolours, or glue magazine color cutouts onto your fresh sheet.
My thumbnails look messy and my redraw isn't neat—how can I fix this?
Make your three tiny thumbnail sketches lightly in pencil, pick your favorite by circling it, then redraw it larger and neater on a fresh sheet using a ruler for straight lines and wait for the traced marker to dry before erasing remaining pencil marks so the logo stays tidy.
How can I adapt the activity for younger kids or older kids?
For younger children use larger thumbnail boxes, stickers or pre-cut shapes and thick washable markers on a clear flat workspace, while older kids can use a ruler for precise lines, experiment with typography and symbols, and photograph the finished logo to edit digitally before sharing on DIY.org.
How can we enhance or personalize our logo beyond the basic steps?
To enhance the project add a meaningful symbol (like a leaf or lightning bolt) to show your brand meaning, make three color variations on separate fresh sheets, create a simple business card or sticker from your coloured logo, and include your one-sentence explanation as a tagline beside the design before posting on DIY.org.