Lincoln Students Design Free Logos For Local Businesses

LYNN KUTTER ENTERPRISE-LEADER Carli Huffaker, left, and Madelyn Campbell, both seventh-graders in the EAST program at Lynch Middle School, have been creating logos for local businesses in town as part of a service project for their class.

LYNN KUTTER ENTERPRISE-LEADER Carli Huffaker, left, and Madelyn Campbell, both seventh-graders in the EAST program at Lynch Middle School, have been creating logos for local businesses in town as part of a service project for their class.

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

LINCOLN -- When some Lincoln Middle School students approached local businesses with a proposal to create free logos for them, a few weren't sure what to think.

"We think they were used to fundraisers and didn't know how to take it as something free," said Ivan Huffmaster, facilitator for the school's EAST program.

The EAST Initiative -- Environmental and Spatial Technology Inc. -- is a project-based program where students use technology to help their schools and communities.

Huffmaster said the logo project came about because of a challenge issued from Tony's Burgers. The business sponsored a logo design contest with the winner to receive a free burger basket.

A middle school student won the contest.

Huffmaster said he suggested a team project to create free logos for other businesses in town and several of his students took on the idea.

The students have created 32 logos in all, with the goal to give businesses several different designs to choose from.

"These are high quality logos," Huffmaster said. "They can be used used on banners, business cards and t-shirts."

He added, "I wanted the logos to be a certain quality and and in my opinion, some of these look like something any graphic designer as an adult could have done."

Seventh-graders Madelyn Campbell and Carli Huffmaker started the project last semester and have designed 12 logos. Huffmaker said they planned to present the designs to businesses sometime after spring break.

Both students have enjoyed creating and designing logos. One is even considering graphic design as a possible career.

Developing a high quality logo, Huffmaster said, takes time and experience. Students had to learn two new software programs. In addition, the logos have to be 100 percent student created because of copyright laws.

"This is not easy for a new user," he said. "It takes weeks of experience before you can get something polished."

Katrina Asher, owner of American Drive-In, said she does not have a logo for the restaurant and was glad to participate in the project.

"I think it's an amazing opportunity for kids to use their skills helping the community out," Asher said. "I'll absolutely love to show off what they are able to do."

General News on 04/04/2018