Robin Williams, author of the excellent Non-Designers Design Book, first promoted the concept of CARP vs CRAP. Basically, the principals of design can be condensed down to contrast, alignment, repetition, and  proximity. If you follow CARP, your designs won’t look like . . .  well you get the idea.

So, what is CARP and how can you follow it to improve your designs. First, download the following documents. You don’t have to read every word, but look at the examples and the explanations and then read the chapter summaries. Right-click to save documents: Contrast | Alignment | Repetition | Proximity | Review.

Since we are working on logo design, lets look at Dissecting a Logo and how some of the elements above are used to design an effective logo.

Developing a logo is an important step for any company. This one simple graphic will represent a company and give the public a first impression of who that company is. You will be designing a corporate logo for your new design company.

Getting Started With Illustrator

New Document and Screen Mode Options | Panels, Saving Workspaces, and Help | Changing System Preferences | Where and How to Work (Learn to Scroll and Zoom In or Out with the Shortcuts)

Getting Started With the Design Process

Before you start a new design project, your first step in the design process is to do research. Make sure you know your audience! Solid research reduces design time. Find out what your client wants. ALWAYS look at what other successful designers have done and see what you can incorporate into your design. Look under Morgue. *hint* Perhaps you can find some inspiration there. Google is your friend, perhaps you can use it to search for inspiration.

LogoType Letterforms

Using Illustrator, design a visually interesting logotype that integrates your two (or three) initials into a unified design. Your design must be black and white (one letter black, the other white, on a white background). You may only choose from these fonts: Garamond, Arial, Helvetica, Baskervile, or Times New Roman. You may incorporate either serif or sans serif, uppercase or lowercase, bold or light, italics or roman, etc. Focus on contrast. Check Designing With Type Project 5: Logos for examples.

Two Line Logotype

Setting the Stage | Getting Started

You may also want to refer to Intro to Illustrator and Illustrator Basics and Drawing Tools if you don’t understand something in Illustrator.

Your task is to create at least five logotype designs for your design business. Choose a career in design (i.e. Web design, graphic design, photography, etc.) and base your logo off your chosen career. You are to use typography as your main design element. Remember to use contrast and  NO MORE than TWO fonts.

Check these 25 Logo/Identity Designs from Valhalla High School students to see some examples of what other high school students have done.