Jenny Sanzaro-Nishimura led 10 high school students through the process of redesigning a logo in a two hour presentation.
The students’ brief was to redesign a logo, branding or merchandising for a brand/product of their choice. Jenny presented a slide show of the brief history of logos and branding, showing their origins and why they are such an important part of marketing, before discussing colour theory and the importance of colour in the design of the logo. She also discussed the cognitive effects of logos and designs and their recognition by the brain.
Part of the lesson time was taken up with some basic photoshop lessons on how to do CMYK colour separations for screenprinting, to enable the students to print their designs on tote bags later. “I think the students came out of this workshop with a deeper understanding of the importance of branding and merchandising and what a large part it plays in the success of a company, product, music album or movie,” Jenny said. “They will certainly be able to put the knowledge gained to use in their future projects and for making posters for school functions.” If they wish to get into the design and art or film courses at university, this knowledge will stand them in good stead. It would also serve them well if they were involved in company promotions in future employment.
The group also discussed appropriation, copyright and protocols involved when working with Indigenous artists and designs. As the students were re-branding, it was important to know the boundaries of what could be copied legally and what was off limits. Jenny was impressed with was the discussion about cultural respect that arose, and how something that is acceptable in one culture is offensive in another. She impressed on the students that they should be doing this kind of research about their logo/product rebranding.
Jenny was pleased to see the students so enthusiastic about their project: “I always find there is something I learn from them as well. There was a great deal of respect involved with the students in their relationship with each other, their teacher and me – their facilitator.”
This workshop was booked as part of our By Request programs.
By Request programs are available on-demand, and can be booked on behalf of schools or creative communities such as groups, festivals, local government and organisations. By Request programs can be delivered by our Flying Arts Artist and Facilitator Team anywhere across Queensland.