Today I keep the ball rolling (pun intended) with some Euro football (soccer) team logos. There’s all the favourites but some that never get a look in.
Next should be my NBA collection, however, they need some tidying up first.
Combine the laser with some traditional timber workmanship to create a unique fusion of modern technology and classic craftsmanship. This piece is personalised for a coin collector, showcasing intricate details that reflect their passion for numismatics. Imagine the possibilities as you envision how this technique can be adapted for various other applications, such as personalized gifts, home décor items, or bespoke furniture designs. Who knows where some creativity will lead you, as the blending of these two art forms opens doors to limitless potential and inspiration? The elegance of timber, enhanced by the precision of laser cutting, invites a world of artistic exploration and innovation.
I was going to call this my Project 2025 but I guess that’s taken now 😦
So, my plan is to get all the basic school projects I have cleaned up and simplified enough to provide students a solid starting point. Given that as educators, we know that the initial phase of any project can often be the most daunting for students. It’s crucial that we create an approachable and encouraging environment for them to thrive.
Students tend to either set their sights too high, reaching beyond their current skill levels, or choose projects that are overly simplistic, failing to challenge themselves. Our goal is to help them find that sweet spot, where they can think creatively while still pushing their boundaries and developing their design and practical skills. I don’t want to produce factory workers in my classes; rather, I aspire to nurture little designers and critical thinkers who can innovate and solve real-world problems.
By streamlining these projects, I aim to foster an environment where students feel empowered to explore their ideas, engage in collaborative discussions, and take ownership of their learning process. This foundation will not only enhance their confidence but also encourage a growth mindset, inspiring them to continue evolving as designers and thinkers long after they leave my classroom.
In essence, the vision for this initiative goes beyond merely completing assignments; it’s about cultivating a culture of creativity and exploration, where students learn the value of persistence and adaptability, setting them up for success in various future endeavors.
In the world of sports branding, logos play a crucial role in defining a team’s identity and connecting with fans. Recently, I shared the logos of AFL teams, but I must admit that the NRL logos stand out for their modern and consistent style.
NRL logos have undergone significant transformations over the years, embracing a modern aesthetic with the of bold clean lines, strategic spacing, and clear typefaces, making these logos much easier to work with, especially for designers who have had to deal with outdated, complex designs.
AFL clubs, on the other hand, have also been updating their logos to strike a balance between tradition and modernity. I do apprecate the AFL’s effort to engage with a broader audience while respecting the rich history of each club.
The shift towards minimalism and one/two/three-color designs is a prevailing trend in sports branding. This approach simplifies logos, making them more versatile and easily recognizable across different platforms, especially in the digital landscape. The use of large typography is another trend that adds dynamism to sports branding, capturing attention and conveying energy.
Come back for the Premier League next.
Design, in any language, is about planning, creating, and thinking critically. It’s an expression of human creativity that knows no borders. The poster is a tribute to the universal nature of design and its power to connect people across different cultures. It’s a reminder that, no matter where we are in the world, we all share the same creative instinct to plan, design, and make ideas come to life.
I hope this poster serves as a celebration of creativity and inspires others to think about design in a global context. After all, design truly is a universal language.
As techie educators, we often find ourselves encouraging students to express their creativity through projects that showcase their passions, hobbies and interests. For me in Design and Technology, it often means ‘can I use the laser to put Manchester United on my job?’. My answer is usually go find it online and we’ll give it a go. I’d rather the students draw up their own design, but baby steps.
Unfortunately, the process can be frustrating when students struggle to find suitable images for their projects. Despite discussions and demonstrations, the concept of vector images can remain elusive, especially when useful resources are blocked or hidden behind paywalls. This is often involves an impatient student and much wasted time, I must have redrawn that Man United logo from wikipedia a dozen times, painstakingly removing lines and recolouring it.
To address this challenge, I have been working on compiling and updating a collection of single-colour, clean vector images with no overlapping lines. These vectors are designed to be easy to use and accessible for educational purposes. The goal is to provide students with a reliable resource that they can use to enhance their projects without the hassle of searching through paywalled sites.
If you notice any mistakes or have suggestions on how these vectors could be improved, please feel free to reach out via Bluesky at @mrsully.bsky.social. Your feedback is invaluable in ensuring that these resources meet the needs of both educators and students.
To keep the momentum going, I will be posting new collections every few days, starting today with the AFL teams. I encourage you to check back regularly for fresh additions to the library. I have been organising the NRL, Premier and Champion Leagues, NBA, NFL and NHL. This ongoing effort aims to provide a consistent flow of useful vector images that can inspire creativity and facilitate learning.
Understanding the ACARA General Capabilities: A Guide for Students
In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s important that students not only gain subject-specific knowledge but also develop essential skills that will help them thrive in school, work, and life. That’s where the ACARA General Capabilities come in.
They are a set of key skills and knowledge areas outlined in the Australian Curriculum. They focus on providing students with the intellectual, personal, and social abilities needed to actively engage in the modern world. These capabilities are embedded throughout all learning areas, ensuring that students are well-rounded and prepared for life beyond the classroom.
The General Capabilities include critical thinking, creativity, personal and social skills, and a strong sense of ethics—things that are just as important as academic achievements. These skills will empower students to confidently participate in the workforce, contribute to society, and adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the future.
To make these capabilities clearer and more relatable to students, I created a poster that outlines the seven key areas of focus. The goal is to spark a conversation about why we’re learning these skills and how we can explore them in Design and Technology.
If you want to dive deeper into these essential capabilities and use them as a guide for planning and student learning, you can download the poster I made for my room below and start reflecting on how you can apply them.
I recently redesigned some of my old posters for a design and technology woodwork class. The aim was to create visually engaging and informative materials that would aid students in understanding various concepts related to woodwork. The topics covered in these posters include timber joints, measurements, chamfers, bevels, housing joints, and mitre joints.
Timber joints are a crucial part of woodworking, as they determine how different pieces of wood are connected together. My posters provide detailed diagrams and explanations of each type of joint, helping students to visualize and understand their applications. Measurements are another essential aspect, and accurate measuring can make or break a project.
To bring these posters to life, I used Blender for rendering the images. And did the layout and design using Affinity Publisher, trying to organize the information in a clear manner.
If you’re interested in downloading the digital files of these posters, click the link provided. These resources can be a valuable addition to any woodworking classroom or workshop, providing both beginners and advanced learners with the knowledge they need to succeed in their projects. I hope these posters will help many students in their woodworking journey.
I spent some time over the summer break putting together a workbook full of resources. This year, we’re going to work on making a cute little wooden candle holder, but feel free to switch it up and do your own thing! Use whatever parts you like. Hit me up on Bluesky if you spot any typos or have cool ideas or stuff I should add. It’s still a work in progress! If there’s enough interest, I could share some of the Affinity Designer/Publisher files I put together so you can tweak them however you want.
I’ve just jazzed up my design cycle poster for my 2025 classroom, and it’s looking fresh! 🎉 Download this snazzy new version!
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