Each year http://www.google.com hosts a contest for students in grades K-12 to re-design their logo to fit a theme.  This year’s theme is “If I could invent one thing to make the world a better place…”  I love using this contest as a classroom assignment.  Students are not required to enter, but if they choose to, I assist them with the entry process.

The great thing about this contest is the way that students think about their artwork.  They begin brainstorming their ideas and then figure out a way to fit it into the pre-existing logo.  Some students choose to work around it and in the background.  Others choose to change the letters of the logo itself.  They may choose to keep the standard: red, yellow, green, blue color scheme or change it to suit their idea.

When I present the concept to my classes, we discuss what the standard logo looks like and what it looks like when it changes for a special occasion.  I also explain that they could work for Google one day – this is a viable career option for some artists!  We talk about who has won the contest in the past, what the prizes are, and how a good design can win no matter where they go to school, where they live, or how old they are.

The National Winner for Doodle 4 Google in 2013 was Sabrina Brady, 17, from Wisconsin.

The theme was “My Best Day Ever…”

If you are interested in reading more about the Doodle 4 Google contest, check out the link: http://www.google.com/doodle4google/

To all entering… there’s only 5 days left!  Keep doodling!