Branding & Merchandise: Logo Design and Screenprinting

Make Your Mark! Design Your Brand, Create Your Merch

In this hands-on, one-week summer course, students will dive into the exciting world of logo design, branding, and merchandise production. Participants will explore the fundamentals of creating impactful logos and brand identities, learning key design principles and creative strategies. Through engaging workshops, students will bring their designs to life using screen printing and other printmaking techniques, producing custom tote bags, shirts, greeting cards, and tags. By the end of the course, students will have developed a personal brand logo and a collection of unique, handcrafted merchandise to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

By the end of this course, students will have developed a strong foundation in visual communication and practical design skills that will make them stand out as candidates for school applications, internships, or creative jobs.

Design a logo -Learn about branding -Learn screenprinting -Learn stamp making -Print shirts, tote bags, and merchandise tags

UConn PCS: Branding and Merchandise

Sessions Offered

Session 2: July  6 – July 12

Format

Residential, Non-Credit

This class is meant to be immersive and students will experience:

  • Logo Design Skills: Students will learn how to create a professional and visually impactful logo, gaining valuable experience in graphic design principles like balance, typography, and color theory. This skill is essential for anyone pursuing careers in marketing, design, or entrepreneurship.
  • Branding Fundamentals: Students will understand the importance of branding in business, learning how to craft a cohesive brand identity that communicates a clear message. This knowledge will be valuable in both academic and professional settings, especially in fields like advertising, digital media, and business.
  • Screenprinting Techniques: Hands-on experience with screen printing will give students the ability to transfer their designs onto physical products such as shirts and tote bags, a sought-after skill in the world of custom merchandise, fashion, and art production.
  • Stamp Making & Printmaking: Students will explore the art of creating stamps and other printmaking methods to produce personalized merchandise tags and greeting cards. These techniques enhance creativity and attention to detail—qualities desirable in design and creative careers.

UConn PCS: Branding and Merchandise

UConn PCS: Branding and Merchandise

UConn PCS: Branding and Merchandise

Schedule at a Glance


 

7am – 9am: Breakfast

9am – 12pm: Class

12pm – 1:30: Lunch

1:30pm – 4pm: Class or Workshop

2:40pm – 4:45pm: Closing Ceremony on Friday

5pm – 7pm: Dinner

7pm – 9pm: Social Programming

10:30pm: Room Checks

Meet the Professor


 

Professor O'Donnell is a dedicated printmaking professor and performance artist. O'Donnell has crafted logos for many clients, including art exhibitions, food packaging, clothing brands, music festivals, and graphic novels. His expertise in both printmaking and branding offers students a unique perspective, blending artistic creativity with practical design skills. With a passion for teaching and a keen eye for detail, Professor O'Donnell guides students through the design process, helping them develop strong visual identities and professional-quality merchandise.

John O'Donnell's website: https://www.johnodonnellprojects.com/

NYT Article about his work: Domestic Discombobulation in an Odd Kitchen

John O'Donnell