CTEv25 • Make a Meme • Category: Portfolio
Project Introduction
Yes, you read that right—we’re making memes in class. Why? Because memes are more than internet jokes, they’re mini design projects. They combine text, imagery, and timing in ways that actually mirror the skills you’ll need in design and marketing. Whether you realize it or not, entire creative departments exist to make viral content that looks effortless (spoiler: it’s not).
Your mission: make a school-appropriate meme using any design tool you’re comfortable with. Photoshop? Canva? Even drawing it yourself if you’re feeling extra. The only catch—it better be funny, relatable, or at least clever enough that someone else in the class would share it.
Below are a few pretty basic ones to start with (though they may just be too low resolution… find out for yourself). You can use another popular one, or make one of your own… which is preferred!
Creative Focus
Memes are the perfect storm of design simplicity and cultural awareness. You’ll be blending typography, imagery, and layout in a way that communicates instantly—because nobody stares at a meme for more than two seconds before deciding if it’s share-worthy. This project pushes you to think about how images and text interact, how to create humor visually, and how to tap into shared cultural references without overexplaining. These are the same skills used by content creators, ad agencies, and social media managers everywhere. If you can pull off a meme, you’re halfway to pulling off a great ad campaign.
Project Requirements
Your final submission must be published as a Portfolio Post on your WordPress site and include the following:
- One original, school-appropriate meme.
- File format: JPG or PNG.
- At least 1080px on the shortest side (so it looks good on screens, 1080x1080px is best for small size while keeping clarity).
- Tools:
- Any graphic design software or app (Photoshop, Canva, Illustrator, Procreate, etc.).
- WordPress Portfolio Requirements:
- At least 1 Project Type selected.
- 5–10 Tags (examples: meme, humor, typography, Photoshop, Illustrator, design thinking, digital media, viral design).
- A unique Featured Image that is not just the meme itself (design something complementary to the post).
- A written project explanation (250–350 words) that covers:
Project Grading Rubric
Here is how your project will be graded.
| Criteria | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Concept & Creativity | Meme shows clever thinking, originality, and avoids clichés. | 20 pts |
| Visual Design & Layout | Clean layout with good balance of text and image. Nothing feels cramped or awkward. | 20 pts |
| Typography | Text is readable, properly sized, and font choice matches the meme’s tone. | 20 pts |
| Humor / Concept Strength | Meme is funny, clever, or relatable while staying school-appropriate. | 15 pts |
| Technical Execution | Correct file format, correct size, and overall image quality is sharp. | 15 pts |
| Portfolio Presentation | Post includes tags, featured image, and 250–350 word written explanation of tools and process. | 10 pts |
| Total | 100 pts |
OCP & Standard Alignments
04.03 – Create a digital portfolio to showcase multimedia projects. …because your meme and explanation will live in your WordPress portfolio for the world (and future employers) to see.
04.13 – Demonstrate knowledge of presentation vocabulary and terms. …because you’ll be learning terms like “visual hierarchy,” “captioning,” and “layout balance” in the context of humor.
05.01 – Demonstrate proficiency in advanced design. …because designing even a simple meme requires choices about composition, spacing, and how visuals and text play together.
04.06 – Demonstrate knowledge of digital still photography. …because many memes use photos, and you’ll need to know how to crop, edit, or repurpose them effectively.
05.04 – Demonstrate proficiency in using fonts for advanced design. …because font choice can make or break the punchline of a meme.
04.01 – Demonstrate knowledge of presentation production issues. …because timing, clarity, and execution matter just as much in memes as in polished client presentations.
Digital Media & Multimedia Design 