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Required Materials

Word processing software
Vector editing software
Introduction
In this activity, you’ll use graphics software to create a vector-based logo for a fictional appliance company called Just Ducky Appliance.

The client’s needs are summarized in this recent letter from the Marketing Director, J. Duckworth Jr.:

At Just Ducky Appliance, we pride ourselves on meeting the needs of the many military families that are stationed at our nearby Navy base. Our market research shows us that the majority of our buyers are between the ages of 25-35, our buyers are more women than men, and our biggest sellers are kitchen appliances. Our logo, which I’ve included here, was created in 1953 and has not been updated since. Though we love it, we know it’s in need of an update—provided it works for our target audience.

Logo of a duck wearing a captains hat next to a gleaming refrigerator reads “Just Ducky Appliances”
Step 1: Create a Design Checklist
Before beginning your logo, review the tips for creating a logo in the unit. Then open a new word processing document and make a short checklist of the design guidelines you plan to follow in your logo project. (Note that not all of the tips from the unit may apply at this stage in your project.) Save your list, as you’ll need it for the client presentation in Activity 3.

Step 2: Choose a Vector Editor
If you are new to digital design or haven’t developed many artistic skills yet, you can use a free, web-based design tool like Vecteezy. com. Or, if you already have a desktop program like Inkscape and are familiar with its features, you can use that instead.

Step 3: Create the Just Ducky Appliance Logo
Following the design guidelines, create a logo that will meet your client’s needs. When you’re done, export your design in two different formats: one raster-based and one vector-based, and submit them with your design checklist document.

3 answers

Step 1: Create a Design Checklist

Below is a design checklist for creating the Just Ducky Appliance logo.

Just Ducky Appliance Logo Design Checklist

  1. Simplicity

    • Ensure the logo is simple and easy to recognize at a glance.

  2. Relevance

    • Incorporate elements that represent kitchen appliances and the military family demographic.

  3. Versatility

    • Design the logo in a way that it can be used across various mediums (e.g., business cards, store signage, online).

  4. Color Palette

    • Choose a color scheme that appeals to the target demographic (soft, inviting colors) but also represents reliability and trust.

  5. Typography

    • Use a font style that is modern and approachable; avoid overly complicated or formal fonts.

  6. Scalability

    • Ensure that the logo maintains its integrity and is recognizable when scaled to different sizes.

  7. Memorable

    • Add unique elements that make the logo memorable without overcrowding the design.

  8. Timelessness

    • Avoid trends that may quickly become dated; aim for a classic and durable design.

  9. Target Audience

    • Consider the preferences of military families, particularly women aged 25-35, in color and imagery.

Step 2: Choose a Vector Editor

For this project, I will choose Inkscape as my vector editing software as I am familiar with its features and capabilities.

Step 3: Create the Just Ducky Appliance Logo

Logo Concept: The logo will feature:

  • A stylized duck wearing a captain's hat to maintain the classic charm of the original logo while modernizing the design.
  • A simplified outline of a refrigerator to represent the core of the business — kitchen appliances.
  • The text "Just Ducky Appliances" in a clean, modern font that appeals to the target audience.

Execution Steps:

  1. Open Inkscape and create a new document.
  2. Use the pen tool to draw a cartoonish, friendly-looking duck with a captain’s hat.
  3. Create a simplified refrigerator shape using the rectangle tool and adjust the corners for a sleek look.
  4. Choose a suitable color palette; perhaps soft yellow for the duck and a light blue for the refrigerator, symbolizing freshness and friendliness.
  5. Add the text "Just Ducky Appliances" in a modern sans-serif font below the graphic elements.
  6. Arrange the elements harmoniously to maintain balance in the design.

Exporting the Design:

  1. Once the logo is complete, export the design in two formats:
    • Raster-based format (JPEG or PNG)
    • Vector-based format (SVG or PDF)

Submission:

  • Save and submit both exported files along with the design checklist document for presentation in Activity 3.

This completes the project brief for creating the Just Ducky Appliance logo.

how do i make a new document in Inkscape

Creating a new document in Inkscape is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

Steps to Create a New Document in Inkscape

  1. Open Inkscape:

    • Double-click the Inkscape icon on your desktop or select it from your application menu.

  2. Create a New Document:

    • From the Menu:
      • Click on File in the top menu bar.
      • Select New from the dropdown menu. This will create a new blank document.
    • Using a Shortcut:
      • You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + N (Windows/Linux) or Command + N (Mac) to quickly create a new document.

  3. Adjust Document Settings (Optional):

    • If you want to adjust the dimensions or settings of the new document, go to:
      • File > Document Properties
    • Here you can set the page size, orientation, and other properties as needed.

  4. Start Designing:

    • Once the new document is open, you can start using the tools available in Inkscape to create your logo.

Additional Tips

  • Saving Your Document:
    • To save your document, go to File > Save As..., choose your desired file format (like .svg for a vector file), and name your file.
  • Presets:
    • You can also use pre-defined document templates for various purposes, which can be found under File > New From Template....

Now you should be all set to start your logo design!