Project Introduction
You ever look at a famous logo and think… “I could fix that”? Well, now’s your chance. In this extra credit challenge, you’ll rebrand an existing company or product by designing a fresh new visual identity. You’ll create an updated logo, rethink the color scheme, and build out some mockups to show how your new look would roll out in the real world. This is your chance to take something iconic, outdated, or just plain ugly — and make it sing. Want to make Comic Sans cool? Reimagine the Taco Bell logo as minimal Scandinavian chic? Go wild. Just make it make sense.
Creative & Technical Focus
This project is about pushing creative boundaries while still understanding the core of a brand. You’ll need to analyze what works (or doesn’t) in the current identity and then design something stronger. It’s not just about making it look “cooler” — it’s about creating a visual system that tells a clearer story. You’ll focus on brand tone, audience expectations, and design system thinking — all while sharpening your Illustrator chops in the process.
You’ll be working entirely in vector — no fuzzy pixels allowed — which means mastering clean pathing, anchor point control, shape building, and type manipulation. You’ll need to think like a professional designer: how scalable is this logo? Will it work on a business card and a billboard? Does it read clearly in black and white? You’ll also explore brand consistency, making sure your logo works with your color system and feels intentional in real-world applications. This isn’t just about drawing something cool — it’s about building a logo that’s technically solid, strategically designed, and ready for the spotlight.
Project Requirements
Choose a well-known brand, product, or company that has an existing logo. Redesign the visual identity using Adobe Illustrator, including:
- A brand new logo (must be vector-based)
- A refreshed color palette
- At least two mockups that show your new design in real-world use (business card, packaging, signage, merch, etc.)
- Create a side-by-side comparison showing old vs. new logo
Post the final rebrand to your WordPress portfolio with:
- A project title and 150–200 word reflection on your concept
- Image exports (PNG, JPG, or mockups) of your work
- Brief explanation of your design choices (Why this logo? What did you change and why?)
- Files should be exported as clean, clear mockups or vector image previews
Project Grading Rubric
Here is how your project will be graded.
| Criteria | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Analysis & Insight | Reflection clearly explains original brand and reasoning for redesign | +5% |
| Logo Redesign | New logo is original, clean, and improves on the old version | +5% |
| Color System | Updated palette is thoughtful, consistent, and appropriate for the brand | +5% |
| Mockup Presentation | At least two high-quality mockups showing logo in real-world use | +5% |
| Portfolio Post & Reflection | Project is posted with strong write-up, comparison, and images | +5% |
| Total (possible) | 25% Extra Credit |
OCP & Standard Alignments
05.05 – Demonstrate proficiency in using illustration software. (The redesigned logo and brand elements must be created as vector assets using Illustrator’s core tools, showing a professional-level command of layout and pen tool.)
05.02 – Identify design strategies to reach the intended audience. (Students must understand the existing brand’s audience and rethink visual language to better connect with them through updated design choices.)
05.06 – Demonstrate use of color and painting tools. (A new color palette must be carefully crafted for brand tone and visual consistency across mockups and deliverables.)
08.01 – Create and publish a digital portfolio to showcase design and multimedia work. (Students will post their rebranding project with visual assets and reflective writing as part of their online portfolio.)
04.12 – Demonstrate understanding of multimedia file formats. (Students must manage their work in vector and raster formats for clean mockup exports and web-optimized display.)
04.02 – Identify design characteristics suited for each type of design format and material. (Students consider how their new branding system will function across signage, print, merch, and screen-based outputs.)
Digital Media & Multimedia Design 