I am a beginner in creating vector graphics using Adobe Illustrator. For my logo design, I decided on something simple. I thought it would be best to represent the purpose of my blog using a paper, apple, pencil, along with other graphics that are often associated with acquiring new knowledge. When I see an apple, I immediately think of an educator or school. Since the purpose of my blog is to inform, I thought the apple would serve as a priming tool to get my audience to see the connection between knowledge acquisition through the symbol of an apple. To create the apple, I followed an instructional video on YouTube. Mainly, I had to modify multiple elliptical circles to form the apple, stem, and leaf. The tutorial required that I use many of the tools learned in unit 2. The pen tool was of importance, as well as the ability to group the separate shapes into one movable object.
The background of my logo mainly consists of squares and lines, which I created using the line segment tool and the rectangular tool. I added some stars since stars remind me of early childhood, and the topic of my blog focuses primarily on children. I used the pencil tutorial to create a simple version of a pencil. And, with information gathered from the notepad tutorial, I was able to use the shape building tool to etch the scalloped edges on the pencil. I eventually want to change the color of the scalloped edges, but due to time constraints, I decided to submit as is. The text of my logo is simple, as not to be too distracting. I thoroughly enjoyed creating this assignment, and hope that with continued practice, I can improve my skills in Adobe Illustrator.
Here is the tutorial for the apple, in case you were wondering: APPLE TUTORIAL
Contemporary Topics in Children's Mental Health 
Hi Yasmin,
Your logo captures the educator meaning you were going for well. I instantly thought of schooling for younger children when I first viewed the logo. I think you did a good job on incorporating teaching elements and symbols into your logo.
My first suggestion is on centering the different components of your logo. Right now, it appears some things are out of place when looking at the logo as a whole. I would center the stars, apple, text, and lines within their own fields. That might help bring it all together more cohesively. Some of the lines also appear to be longer than others.
It could also help to work on the pencil some more. The solid black tip seems to not fit well with the rest of the pencil. I would add some more realistic features. The gradient near the scalloped edges also seems slightly too harsh. Adjusting the properties of that should alleviate it in some way. It may also be helpful to experiment with the placement as well!
You have a good starting piece!
Alma
LikeLike
Hi Yasmin,
This is an interesting draft design. Thank you for sharing the tutorial, I am sure I will find some helpful tricks in that I can use, too.
The apple definitely makes me think of elementary school. The pencil, together with the lines, makes me think of lists, so I can see how these things relate to your theme.
I would consider moving your elements around so it isn’t perfectly square and is well balanced. Maybe the apple off the edge of a notepad that is turned at an angle?
The green border is very dark and the text is difficult to read. The red is very bright and it draws my eyes away from the other elements. Using the Color Guide (in the Window drop down, or Ctrl+F3 on a PC) might help to select shades that are subtler and compatible.
I am sure you will continue to add detail as your work on your final logo. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
-Heather
LikeLike
Hi Yasmin — I enjoyed reading about your design process. I appreciate the amount of thought you put into each individual element of the logo. The apple, paper, pencil and stars all symbolize acquiring knowledge, particularly at the early childhood level. The apple is a strong representation of your concept and I like the bold, red color choice.
I think the logo could benefit from being more balanced. Using one shade of green, rather than two, might help you achieve a simpler, more harmonious look. I think the green you chose for the apple’s leaf would match the vibrancy of the red, but the darker green could provide a cool contrast too.
The other thing I’d recommend is to experiment with the layout of the individual elements, so the visual unity of the piece matches the intellectual unity you’ve already developed. Perhaps centering the apple and bringing the pencil and stars closer to it, or even incorporated into it somehow, would tie things together.
Well done on getting the logo to this point. Illustrator is a very challenging program for me too and I’m impressed by your efforts so far. Looking forward to seeing your final revisions! — T.J.
LikeLike
Hi Yasmin,
Working with Illustrator was exciting but challenging for me too! But it was fun to learn new techniques and the satisfaction of being able to create something from scratch was outstanding. I must say that the color choices you made for your logo are intriguing. Also, I respect your decision of keeping things simple and not overwhelming your design with lots of effects and gradients.
From what all I have learned so far in the course I can suggest few areas where you can work more to enhance your design. First of all, the typeface needs more enhancement and space in your Logo as it needs to reflect the seriousness of your topic. Secondly, I recommend working more towards finding balance within your Logo. Right now, the shapes and lines are not very well aligned. For example, the star shapes at the bottom are distributed more towards the left.
I am sure blending and adjusting the elements in your design a little more will help in creating a unique and more powerful Logo! Can’t wait to see it how it turns out!
-Shipra
LikeLike