Making Emblems or Symbols

Sixteenth Post 06-16-05: Making Emblems or Symbols

Creating a symbol or emblem representing something such as a group of people, business, sports team, etc, is a more difficult task then one might expect from first impressions. The artist must create an emblem putting emotions, thoughts, and actions into a graphic symbol. Creating an emblem that represents and defines the tangible object by using pictures that are intangible.

This may sound like gibberish, but creating a symbol that conveys a meaning that is simple is a difficult task. The symbol has to stand out while not being to difficult to draw or reproduce. The emblem should contain a meaning of some element of what it represents and be unique enough to be remembered.

So where should the artist begin to construct the emblem? First make a list of the name, numbers, things the object being symbolized does, ect and decide which of these are the most important. Then once the list is complete write down what the things on the list make you, the artist, think of or feel. But don’t forget the simple. It is easy to modify text or numbers with simple elements. Another commonly used symbol are animals. Think of your favorite sports team symbols. Think of simple geometry designs such as a well known business.

This is the hard part. You, the artist, must decide which symbols, picture, or elements to use. Look back on what the names made you, the artist, feel or think and try to combine them into one, unified, simple design.

Here is my attempt at a symbol: www.constructorscorner.com/art_and_design/design/303_symbol.htm