Natsumi has an excellent guide on the process to create a simple brand style guide, follow it for your own work on this project!

Project Introduction

Step aside, generic initials and sad little default avatars — it’s time to brand yourself. In this project, you’ll create a personal logo using Illustrator that starts to define you as a designer. Think of this as the first step toward a recognizable creative identity. This isn’t just something to slap on your business card — this is about crafting the visual you. You’ll explore three logo concepts, experiment with shape, type, and style, and begin applying your final logo and style guide to your WordPress portfolio. This is branding with a capital YOU.

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Creative Focus

This project is all about visual identity — learning how to express personality, style, and tone through minimalist design. You’ll apply what you’ve learned about logos (balance, scalability, vector clarity, simplicity) to define yourself as a creative. It’s not about having a “perfect” logo on day one — it’s about exploring your identity through design. Whether you go sleek and modern or bold and expressive, the point is to experiment, reflect, and begin curating a look that feels like you.

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Project Requirements

Your final submission must be published as a Portfolio Post on your WordPress site and include the following:

Create three distinct logo concepts and style guides using Adobe Illustrator

Each concept must be:

• 100% original and include your Color System, Typography and Logo Variations
• Vector-based (final product must be fully vector-based)
• Display all three Style Guides in a slideshow on your WordPress portfolio (as JPG exports)

Post all three logos to your WordPress portfolio in a project post that includes:

• A unique title and project write-up (150–200 words) about your creative process
• Explanation of which logo you plan to use and why
• Preview images of all concepts

Then update your WordPress site header or favicon with your chosen logo!

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Project Grading Rubric

Here is how your project will be graded.

Criteria	Description	Points
Concept Development	Three clear, unique concepts showing range and exploration	20 pts
Technical Skill in Illustrator	Clean vector paths, scalable design, smart use of tools	20 pts
Design Principles	Strong use of space, shape, typography, and contrast	20 pts
Personal Branding	Logos feel intentional and suited to your creative identity	15 pts
Portfolio Presentation	Post includes all logos, reflection, and layout is clear and engaging	15 pts
Effort & Execution	Work shows care, revision, and thoughtful design decisions	10 pts
Total		100 pts

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OCP & Standard Alignments

05.05 – Demonstrate proficiency in using illustration software. (Students are expected to use Illustrator to create clean, scalable vector logos using the pen tool, shape builder, and typography tools.)
05.04 – Demonstrate proficiency in using fonts for advanced design. (Logos require smart font choice and clear type hierarchy — students must consider legibility, tone, and design impact.)
05.01 – Demonstrate proficiency in advanced design. (This project relies on layout, negative space, shape psychology, and simplification — all core principles of professional logo design.)
08.01 – Create and publish a digital portfolio to showcase design and multimedia work. (Students post their logo concepts and final brand decisions to their WordPress portfolio with written analysis.)
04.13 – Demonstrate knowledge of presentation vocabulary and terms. (Students reflect on their designs using proper branding and design terminology — typeface, negative space, vector, etc.)
04.02 – Identify design characteristics suited for each type of design format and material. (Logos must function across digital and print — students begin to understand scalability and brand application.)