Seal Studio Planning Guide Plus Seal Studio
Community Identity Planning Guide
Designer:
Date:
Project Description
Inspired by the powerful visual traditions of Montana’s tribal seals, you are tasked with designing a primary seal for a community of your choice. Your seal must serve as a visual narrative of the community's identity, history, and values. Every element—from color to icon—must hold intentional, symbolic meaning.
Phase 1: Brainstorming Identity
What defines your chosen community? Consider landscape, history, local industry, and shared values.
1. Target Community Choice
e.g. Town of Terry, Terry Schools, Prairie County...
2. Key Landmarks & Geography
3. Cultural Values & Strengths
4. Local Industry, Flora, & Fauna
5. Meaningful Symbols & Colors
Phase 2A: Thumbnail Concepts
Rapid Ideation
Experiment with different layouts and compositions. Don't worry about detail yet—focus on where big shapes and text will go.
Concept 1
Concept 2
Concept 3
Concept 4
Reflect & Select
Look at your four concepts. Which one most clearly communicates the community's identity? Which one feels most balanced? Circle your favorite concept before moving to the final draft.
Phase 2B: Primary Design Draft
Detailed Refinement
Use this full-page template to create a refined version of your chosen concept. Add details, precise text placement, and refine your icons.
Center
Ensure text following the curve of the circle is legible and properly spaced.
Icons should be simple enough to be recognized from a distance.
Phase 3: Documentation
Meaning & Materials
Material Inventory
What tools and media will you use for the final product? (e.g., ink, digital software, textured paper, specific colors)
The Symbol Key
List the primary visual elements of your seal and explain the specific symbolic meaning behind each one.
Visual Element / Color Symbolic Story / Meaning
Readiness Checklist
Legible when small?
Limited color palette?
Balanced composition?
Symbolism is intentional?
Seal Symbols Slides Heritage in a Circle
Designing Identity for Terry & Beyond
Montana's Tribal Seals
A legacy of visual storytelling.
What is a Seal?
A graphic mark that represents a sovereign nation, community, or institution. It is more than a logo; it is a document of history and values.
Tribal Sovereignty
Montana's tribes (like the Crow, Cheyenne, and Blackfeet) use seals to communicate their unique heritage, connection to the land, and enduring strength.
The Language of Symbols
Landscape
Mountains, rivers, and prairies define our physical home.
Living Things
Animals and plants represent traits like bravery, peace, or growth.
Color
Each hue carries meaning: blue for sky, gold for prosperity, red for life.
"Every line, every color, and every animal in a tribal seal is there for a reason. It is a key to a story."
Which Community Will You Represent?
Prairie County
Town of Terry
Terry Schools
Consider history, geography, people, and the future.
The Challenge
Create an original community seal within a circular frame.
Incorporate at least 4 distinct symbols with deep meaning.
Produce a "Symbolic Key" explaining each design choice.
Reflect the unique identity of your chosen Montana community.
Community Seal Rubric Assessment Rubric
Community Seal Project
Total Points
/ 100
Student:
| Criterion | Distinguished
The inventiveness and unique approach to the design.
| Exhibits high level of unique thought; moves beyond clichés to create a truly one-of-a-kind design. | Design is mostly original with minor reliance on common motifs. | Design relies heavily on existing imagery or clichés with little modification. | Design is unoriginal or directly copies existing seals. |
|
Symbolic Meaning
The depth and clarity of the connection between symbols and identity.
| Every element has a deep, clear, and logical connection to the community’s identity. | Most elements have clear symbolic ties; a few choices may be generic. | Some symbolic meaning is present, but connections feel loose or unexplained. | Symbols appear random or lack any clear connection to the community. |
|
Composition & Craft
Balance, use of color, and technical execution of the seal.
| Exceptional balance, professional use of color, and high attention to detail in drawing. | Strong composition and clean execution; minor issues with balance or color. | Noticeable issues with balance, messy lines, or clashing color palette. | Lacks cohesive structure; work appears unfinished or rushed. |
|
The Symbol Key
The thoroughness and clarity of the written explanation.
| Detailed and insightful key that fully justifies every design choice. | Comprehensive key that explains most symbols clearly. | Partial key; some symbols are listed but descriptions are vague. | Key is missing, incomplete, or provides no actual justification. |
Instructor Feedback
Montana Identity Project: Seal Design Challenge
Final Draft Complete
Key Included
