Below is the logo we created for the Dance With Hope project. Our aim was to create a playful and inclusive logo that was full of movement to communicate the early years workshop which is built around dance, music and story telling. At the centre is a cheerful book character, which represents story telling and imagination. By giving the book a face and placing it in the centre, the design shows that stories are at the heart of the project; they bring everything and everyone together.
Surrounding the book are children holding hands in a circle. This circle is importantly as it highlights community, togetherness and equality. No one is in front or behind, everyone is included. The children are illustrated with different skin tones, hair types and clothing styles, which reflects diversity and helps all children feel represented and welcome.
Their dancing poses add energy and movement, reinforcing the idea of dance and music as active and joyful experiences. The small music notes and colourful shaped scattered around the, emphasises rhythm, creativity and fun.
The circular text, “Dance with Hope”, repeated around the image, strengthens the message. The repetition creates a sense of rhythm and reinforced the name of the project. Placing the words in a circle mirrors the children holding hands, visually tying the imagery together.
Overall, the logo was designed to feel welcoming and inclusive for children, show the connection between storytelling (book), music (notes) and dance (movement). As well as community, participation and shared experience. It works well for early years because its bright, friendly and easy to understand, children can immediately relate to it and adults can clearly see the projects values and purpose.
