Logo Lowdown Lesson Plan Logo Lowdown
What's Your Brand?
Lesson Plan
7th Grade • 30 Minutes
Objective
Students will be able to identify different types of logos and understand their purpose in advertising by analyzing various brands. They will explore how design elements like simplicity and memorability contribute to a logo's effectiveness.
Why this matters
Understanding logos helps students become more critical consumers and develop an eye for visual communication. It introduces basic principles of design and branding valuable in many real-world contexts.
Preparation
Review the Slide Deck
Print Logo Analysis Worksheets
Gather blank paper or Activity Sheets
Set up projector/Smartboard
Materials
• Logo Lowdown Slide Deck
• Logo Analysis Worksheet
• Logo Design Activity Sheet
• Projector & Pens/Pencils
Instructional Sequence
5 min
Warm-up
What Do You See?
Display the first slide showing famous logos without names. Ask: "What do you recognize? How do you know what it is?" Facilitate a brief discussion on identifying brands via symbols.
8 min
Intro
The Power of the Logo
Use the Slide Deck to define logos and their purpose (Identify, Communicate, Remember).
Types to Cover: Wordmark, Lettermark, Brandmark, Abstract, Mascot, Combination, Emblem.
Key Principles: Simplicity, Memorability, Versatility, Appropriateness.
10 min
Analysis
Logo Detective Activity
Distribute Logo Analysis Worksheets . Display the example logos from the deck. Students choose 2-3 to analyze, focusing on what the logo communicates about the brand's identity and values. Circulate and support.
5 min
Discuss
Share & Discuss
Bring the class together. Have students share one analysis. Ask: "What design choices made that logo successful?" Highlight different interpretations of the same logo.
2 min
Closing
Design Challenge Intro
Introduce the Logo Design Activity Sheet as a follow-up or homework. Students will design their own logo for a simple concept. Collect worksheets for assessment.
Informal Assessment
Look for students identifying the connection between design elements (color, shape) and brand personality (bold, friendly, professional).
Logo Lowdown Slides Logo Lowdown
What's Your Brand?
What do these brands have in common?
What is a Logo?
A logo is a visual symbol or emblem used to identify a company, product, or service.
Its Main Jobs:
Identify: Show who you are instantly.Communicate: Share your vibe.Remember: Be easy to recall.
It's a brand's
Wordmarks
The name is the logo.
Uses only the company's name in a unique font or typography.
Famous Examples:
Google
Coca-Cola
Disney
VANS
Think About It:
Why might a company choose this type of logo over a symbol?
Clarity! There is no mistaking who the brand is.
Lettermarks
Short & Sweet.
Uses initials or abbreviations of a company's name. Also called monograms.
Famous Examples:
IBM
NASA
CNN
HBO
Discussion:
When is this type of logo most useful for a brand?
Perfect for companies with long, complicated names!
The Symbols
Pictorial
Uses a graphic symbol or icon that clearly represents the brand's name or identity.
Abstract
Uses an abstract geometric form . It doesn't look like a real object, but it represents the brand's feel.
Characters & Mixes
Mascots
Uses a character as the brand's representative. Great for families and kids!
The "Face" of the Brand
Combinations
Combines a wordmark AND a symbol . The most common and versatile type!
BRANDBOX
What makes it GOOD?
Simple
Easy to recognize and remember at a glance.
Memorable
It sticks in the customer's mind instantly.
Timeless
It won't look "so last year" in five years.
Versatile
Works on a giant billboard OR a tiny pen.
Proper
Fits the brand's industry and audience.
Logo Analysis Worksheet Logo Detective
Visual Analysis Worksheet
Student:
Date:
Instructions: Choose 2-3 logos from the slides or from brands you know. For each logo, use your "detective" skills to analyze how it works.
1
Brand Name
1. What does this logo look like?
(Describe colors, shapes, symbols, and text style)
2. What type of logo is it?
(Wordmark, Brandmark, Mascot, etc.)
3. What "Vibe" or message does it send?
(Serious, playful, modern, traditional, etc.)
4. Who is the target audience?
(How does the design appeal to them specifically?)
5. Is it effective? Why or why not?
(Think about simplicity, memorability, and appropriateness)
2
Brand Name
1. What does this logo look like?
2. What type of logo is it?
3. What "Vibe" or message does it send?
4. Who is the target audience?
5. Is it effective? Why or why not?
3
Brand Name
1. What does this logo look like?
2. What type of logo is it?
3. What "Vibe" or message does it send?
4. Who is the target audience?
5. Is it effective? Why or why not?
Logo Design Activity Sheet Logo Design Challenge
Bring Your Brand to Life
Name:
Date:
1
Brainstorm Your Idea
What is your business or club called?
What does it represent?
(e.g., fast pizza, quiet reading, eco-art store)
Who is your target audience?
(Who are you trying to attract?)
What message or feeling should the logo send?
(e.g., fun, trustworthy, innovative, peaceful)
2
Choose Your Logo Type
Circle the type you think works best for your idea:
Wordmark
Lettermark
Brandmark
Combination
Mascot
Abstract
Why did you choose this type?
3
Sketch Your Ideas
Remember the 4 Principles: Simple (Easy to see), Memorable (Sticks in the mind), Versatile (Works big or small), Appropriate (Fits the vibe).
Concept 1
Concept 2
4
Reflect on Your Design
Which of your sketches do you think is stronger? Why?
How does your chosen logo communicate the specific message you want for your brand?
