Third Grade Explores Graphic Design at Eastover

Grade 3 art classes embarked on a new and exciting project this year, learning and executing all the stages of graphic design. Students worked on creating logos for imaginary businesses, guided by staff members acting as "clients."

Anne Musson, Eastover’s art teacher, explained, "I designed a unit on Graphic Design to apply our skills in the real world. The students interviewed staff who needed logos for their fictional businesses."

The project involved several stages, with students gathering client information, designing logos, receiving customer feedback, and using the Cricut to create physical logos for promotional items. Musson shared, "They'll design, get feedback, and once approved, use our Cricut to create the logos, which can be applied to items like tote bags or keychains."

Key skills developed included using AI in art, career readiness, and understanding client needs. The process emphasized creativity, collaboration, and iteration, as students learned to adapt designs based on feedback and constraints like color and font size. 

Step 1: Interviews

Students interviewed their clients to gather insights. Using a formatted list of questions, they collected contact information and design preferences, and in some cases, information about the business itself.

Step 2: Design

Students used Google Classroom and Canva to create designs, adhering to parameters like single-color usage. "You are graphic designers!" Musson encouraged. Students explored elements and fonts, creating multiple designs for client selection. Penelope Wednieski (grade 3) shared her excitement, "My logo will be an open book with trees on it, saying 'Book Nook.' I’m really excited. I have other ideas too!"

Steps 3 & 4: Approval and Production

Most students presented more than one option to their clients, which allowed them to choose one, or use a combination of several for the final product. Excitement arose in the classroom each time a student team returned from their clients, exclaiming, “We were approved!” Approved designs moved to production, where Musson taught students how to use the Cricut, guiding them through the cutting and weeding processes. Students then chose items like water bottles for their final products.

This project not only enhanced artistic skills but also prepared students for real-world applications, blending creativity with practical design experience and customer service.