Have you ever wondered who makes those colorful and interactive logos that appear on Google’s homepage from time to time? They are called Google Doodles, and they are designed by a team of talented artists at Google, as well as by guest artists and even students.
Doodle for Google celebrates holidays, events, achievements, and notable historical figures worldwide. They also showcase the creativity and diversity of Google’s users and culture.
One of the most exciting ways to participate in the fun logo contest is through the annual Doodle for Google contest, which invites K-12 students in the USA to create their own Google Doodle based on a theme. The winner gets their Doodle featured on the Google homepage for a day, a $30,000 college scholarship, and a $50,000 tech package for their school.
Here, we will explain what Doodle is, how it works, how to enter, and what are some of the benefits of participating. We will also share some beneficial tips and examples of past winners to inspire you to create your own fantastic Doodle.
What is Doodle for Google?
The annual contest invites K-12 students in the USA to create their own Doodle based on a theme. The theme changes every year, but it always relates to something students are grateful for or passionate about.
The contest started in 2008 to celebrate creativity and innovation among young people. Since then, millions of students have submitted their doodles, expressing their gratitude for everything from family and friends to nature and music.
The contest is open to students from all 50 states, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico. Students can use any materials they want to create their doodles, such as crayons, paint, clay, or digital tools. They can also add animations or interactivity to their doodles using coding or other software.
How does Doodle for Google work?
The contest has four main stages:
- Submission: Students create and submit their doodles online or by mail, along with a short statement explaining their inspiration. The submission period usually runs from January to March.
- Judging: A panel of Google employees and guest judges review all the entries and select 54 state and territory winners, one from each grade group (K-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-12). The judges look for artistic merit, creativity, and theme communication.
- Voting: The public votes online for their favorite doodles among the 54 state and territory winners. The voting period usually lasts for a week in May.
- Announcement: The five national finalists (one from each grade group) are announced and invited to Google’s headquarters in California for an awards ceremony. The national winner is revealed, and their Doodle is featured on the Google homepage for a day in June.
What are the benefits of participating in Doodle for Google?
Participating in it is fun, creative, rewarding, and educational. Here are some of the benefits of joining the contest:
- Express yourself and share your gratitude or passion with millions.
- Challenge yourself and improve your artistic and technical skills.
- Learn more about Google’s culture and values and the history and significance of your chosen themes and topics.
- Compete for amazing prizes, such as scholarships, technology packages, certificates, trophies, and merchandise.
- Join a community of talented and diverse young artists who share your interests and aspirations.
How to enter Doodle for Google?
Entering Google Doodle games is easy and free. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Check the official website (https://doodles.google.com/d4g/) for the current theme, rules, deadlines, and resources.
- Create your Doodle using any materials you want. Ensure it fits on an 8.5 x 11-inch paper or canvas (landscape orientation) and includes the letters G-O-O-G-L-E.
- Write a short statement (50 words or less) explaining your inspiration and how your Doodle relates to the theme.
- Fill out the entry form (https://doodles.google.com/d4g/enter/) online or print it out (https://doodles.google.com/d4g/pdf/entry_form.pdf) and sign it with your parent or guardian’s consent.
- Submit your Doodle online by uploading it along with your statement and entry form, or mail it to:
Doodle for Google
P.O. Box 510337
New Berlin, WI 53151
You can submit only one Doodle per student. Make sure to submit your Doodle before the deadline, which is usually in March.
Tips and examples for creating a great Doodle
Creating an excellent Doodle requires creativity, originality, and relevance. Here are some tips and examples to help you get started:
- Brainstorm ideas based on the theme. Think about what you are grateful for or passionate about and how you can express it visually. You can use words, symbols, images, colors, or anything else that conveys your message.
- Research the topic you choose. Learn more about the history, culture, science, or art behind your case and how it relates to Google’s mission and values. You can use Google Search, Google Arts & Culture, Google Books, or other online sources to find information and inspiration.
- Sketch your Doodle on paper. Experiment with different layouts, fonts, shapes, and styles. Try to make your Doodle clear, balanced, and eye-catching. You can also add details, textures, or patterns to make your Doodle more interesting.
- Finalize your Doodle using your preferred materials. You can use crayons, markers, paint, collage, clay, or any other medium you like. Plus, you can use digital tools like Google Drawings, Google Slides, or Adobe Photoshop to create or enhance your Google Doodle baseball logo. You can also add animations or interactivity using coding or other software.
- Review your Doodle and statement. Ensure your Doodle follows the rules and guidelines of the contest and that your statement clearly and concisely explains your inspiration and theme communication clearly and concisely.
Here are some examples of past winners of:
- 2022: “I am strong because…” by Milo Golding (https://www.google.com/doodles/doodle-for-google-2022-us-winner). Milo’s Doodle depicts a heart-shaped knot representing the strength and resilience of people who have experienced loss or hardship. He used colored pencils and watercolors to create his Doodle.
- 2021: “Together As One” by Sharon Sara (https://www.google.com/doodles/doodle-for-google-2021-us-winner). Sharon’s Doodle shows a group of girls holding hands and celebrating their differences and similarities. She used crayons to create her Doodle.
- 2020: “When I grow up, I hope…” by Arantza Peña Popo (https://www.google.com/doodles/doodle-for-google-2020-us-winner). Arantza’s Doodle depicts her dream of becoming an artist and honoring her mother’s sacrifice and love. She used Photoshop to create her Doodle.
- 2019: “What inspires me…” by Sarah Gomez-Lane (https://www.google.com/doodles/doodle-for-google-2019-us-winner). Sarah’s Doodle shows her passion for dinosaurs and paleontology. She used crayons and markers to create her Doodle, and Google engineers helped her add animations and sounds using coding.
FAQs
Q1: What is the theme for Doodle for Google 2023?
A: The theme for 2023 Doodle was “What makes you happy?”. Students were invited to create a doodle that reflects their sources of joy and happiness in life.
Q2: When is the deadline for Doodle for Google 2023?
A: The deadline for Doodle for Google 2023 was March 10th, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. P.T.
Q3: Who are the judges for Doodle for Google 2023?
A: The judges for Doodle for Google 2023 were:
- Jimmy Fallon, popular host of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Jennifer Lopez, singer, actress, and producer
- Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google
- Lindsey Vonn, Olympic gold medalist skier
- Bisa Butler, quilt artist
- Rodney Robinson, who won the 2019 National Teacher of the Year
- Jessica O. Matthews, founder and CEO of Uncharted Power
- Dr. Ellen Ochoa, former astronaut, and director of NASA Johnson Space Center
Q4: What are the prizes for Doodle for Google 2023?
A: The prizes for the contest were:
- National Winner: A $30,000 college scholarship; a $50,000 tech package for their school; a trip to Google’s headquarters in California; a Chromebook; an Android tablet; a trophy; a certificate; a t-shirt; and various merchandise featuring their Doodle.
- National Finalists: A $5,000 college scholarship, a trip to Google’s headquarters in California, a Chromebook, an Android tablet, a trophy, a certificate, a t-shirt, and various merchandise featuring their Doodle.
- State and Territory Winners: A Chromebook, an Android tablet, a certificate, a t-shirt, and various merchandise featuring their Doodle.
Q5: Who is the winner of Google Doodle 2023?
A: Rebecca Wu, a Middle schooler from Washington, won this year’s national Google logo contest. As a result, her artwork featured on Google’s homepage for 24 hours.
Q6: Where can I find more information about Doodle for Google?
A: You can find more information about it on the official website.
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