Logo Design with Draplin: Secrets of Shape, Type and Color

Learn logo design from Aaron Draplin in a 70-minute Skillshare class, covering shapes, type, and color in Adobe Illustrator.
Logo Design with Draplin: Secrets of Shape, Type and Color

Quick Facts

  • Duration: 67 minutes
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Prerequisites: Basic Adobe Illustrator knowledge, Understanding of basic design principles
  • Instructor: Aaron Draplin, Designer and Founder, Draplin Design Company

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Is This Course Right For You?

Ideal For

  • Graphic Designers looking to enhance their logo design skills
  • Brand Designers working on identity and branding projects
  • Design Students learning practical, real-world logo design techniques
  • Complete beginners with no Adobe Illustrator experience
  • Those seeking advanced animation or 3D design

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Create efficient, professional logo designs
  • Master shape architecture in logo design
  • Develop typography skills for branding
  • Apply strategic color choices to logos

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How You'll Learn

Teaching Style Distribution

  • Video Lectures: 40%
  • Hands-on Practice: 35%
  • Interactive Elements: 15%
  • Projects/Assignments: 10%

Primary Learning Methods

  • Demonstration: Real-time design process walkthrough, Family crest logo creation
  • Practical Application: Hands-on design techniques, Shape building and typography implementation
  • Case Study: Analysis of real design decisions, Color selection process

Best Suited Learning Styles

  • Visual learners
  • Hands-on practitioners
  • Process-oriented thinkers

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Content Depth Analysis

Major Topics

1. Shape Architecture (30% of course)

  • Depth Level: Advanced
  • Key Components:
    • Geometric structure
    • Shape building
    • Form composition
  • Main Takeaways: Efficient shape creation, Professional composition techniques

2. Typography (25% of course)

  • Depth Level: Intermediate
  • Key Components:
    • Font selection
    • Type hierarchy
    • Letter spacing
  • Main Takeaways: Strategic type choices, Brand-appropriate typography

3. Color Theory (25% of course)

  • Depth Level: Intermediate
  • Key Components:
    • Color selection
    • Brand color strategy
    • Color harmony
  • Main Takeaways: Strategic color application, Brand-appropriate palettes

Coverage Overview

Comprehensive Coverage

  • Shape architecture
  • Typography

Foundational Coverage

  • Color theory

Limited Coverage

  • Advanced animation
  • 3D design

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Skill Development Path

Required Starting Point

Must Have:

  • Basic Adobe Illustrator proficiency
  • Understanding of design fundamentals

Helpful to Have:

  • Previous logo design experience
  • Basic typography knowledge
  • Color theory understanding

Development Stages

1. Foundation Phase

Skills Developed:
  • Shape building
  • Basic composition
Practical Outcomes:
  • Create basic logo structures
  • Build geometric shapes

2. Advanced Phase

Skills Developed:
  • Complex composition
  • Advanced typography
  • Color strategy
Practical Outcomes:
  • Design professional logos
  • Create brand-appropriate designs

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Success Factors

Keys to Success

  • Regular practice with demonstrated techniques
  • Willingness to experiment with shapes and typography
  • Understanding of brand context and history

Preparation Steps

Before Starting:

  • Install latest Adobe Illustrator
  • Gather reference materials
  • Review basic design principles
  • Adobe Illustrator tutorials
  • Typography fundamentals
  • Color theory basics

Next Courses:


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About the author

Course Insights

by Gareth B. Davies

Course Insights by Gareth B. Davies

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