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What is Doodle for Google?
Doodle for Google is an annual creative competition that encourages students from around the world to design a unique doodle that could appear on the Google homepage. Doodle for Google is about encouraging the young population to express themselves creatively, while simultaneously illustrating audiences’ creative ability, as well as promoting innovative and problem-solving abilities.
Each year, Google provides students with a theme, while remaining open to students’ creative thinking, to engage them in creating a doodle that represents both their creative thought and deep thinking about the overall theme. A huge advantage is that this competition is available to students of all ages, from elementary to high school, with various grade categories available to ensure fair participation.
The winner’s artwork is displayed on the Google homepage, there is international exposure associated with being the doodle, and the winner receives prizes that include a scholarship, a technology package, and their artwork featured on Google’s search engine.
Overall, Doodle for Google also successfully spurs students’ creativity, and many students enjoy the opportunity to represent their perspectives with the world, making a memorable impact on anyone who has participated!
The History of Doodle for Google
Doodle for Google is an esteemed competition that has encouraged students around the globe to show their creativity through art. The competition invites students to design a Google homepage doodle around a certain theme.
The competition began in 2008, and has now grown into one of the most well-recognized and celebrated competitions for student art in the world. Doodle for Google came up with the idea of showcasing the creativity of the Google logo, which had previously been expressing this creativity with doodles of varying sorts for many holidays, events, and influential figures.
In 2008, Google decided to give students the opportunity to create their own doodles and be featured on the homepage of Google. The competition is designed to promote creativity in young people, and some of the goals of the competition are to encourage students to maximize their creativity, discover new ways to express themselves, and to try something new.
The very first Doodle for Google competition was centered around the theme of “My Best Day Ever,” where students created a doodle that illustrates what was the best day of their lives. It was a tremendous success and thousands of students competed.
Since then the theme has changed each year, including themes surrounding diversity, the environment and technology, historical moments, with some themes highlighting important topics in the world. Each theme has contributed to curating this contest for students as well as services for content creation, while also supporting creative expression by students of different ages over the time of the competition.
Doodle for Google has grown and changed along with advances in technology and global competition. Originally, it began as a competition strictly in the U.S., but soon expanded internationally and allowed schools and students from over 50 countries to join in. With the international growth of Doodle for Google, it was able to showcase even more diverse designs and perspectives for students.
Each year’s competition saw a greater representation of culture and artistic styles across the different cultures and backgrounds.
Along with the increased participation, the prize has changed over the years. The doodler who wins the contest receives a scholarship, a scholarship for their school, and the opportunity to have their doodle featured on Google’s homepage for one day.
Google provides regional winners with chances to show their creations in exhibitions and events around the region, which motivates student artists to pursue their creativity. In addition to providing an opportunity for students to display their creativity, Doodle for Google has fostered Google’s ability to celebrate anchoring historical moments in society, motivate social change, and establish relationships with communities around the globe.
By enabling students to participate in a competing venue, Google recognizes and supports the next generation of designers, young thinkers, and innovators.
Doodle for Google’s sponsorship has demonstrated the strength of creativity and how it can also be a catalyst for tremendous socio-cultural change. As Doodle for Google expands, it will surely allow many more students to share their individual voices and artistic visions.
How to Enter Doodle for Google
Participating in Doodle for Google is a fun and creative way for students to share their artistic talent and imagination. You are able to participate as many times as you would like; no prior experience is necessary! Knowing how to enter Doodle for Google, even just the basics, can help you submit your best design. Here are easy steps on how to enter Doodle for Google:
1. Go to the Official Website
The very first step to entering Doodle for Google is navigating to the official website. On the official website, you will find all the information you need about the competition, including the official rules, the theme, and the deadlines for your region. I recommend visiting the official website consistently until you submit your design, as rules or requirements may change.
2. Choose Your Grade Category
Doodle for Google is available for students in grades kindergarten through 12 grade. Doodle for Google is also broken down into several grade categories:
- Grades K-3
- Grades 4-5
- Grades 6-7
- Grades 8-9
- Grades 10-12
It is very important to select the correct category when entering your design so it is evaluated against the same grade range.
3. Stick to the Theme and Guidelines
Every year, Doodle for Google features a specific theme all entries should reflect. The guidelines can change year to year, so be sure to read the competition rules to see what kind of guidelines are available to help you interpret the theme into your doodle. Further, be sure to follow the design guidelines, which typically includes image size, resolution, and format(they may also have color preferences).
4. Create Your Doodle
Now for the fun part—creating your doodle! Your doodle should reflect the theme and creatively represent how you interpret it. Keep these tips in mind as you create your doodle. Be simple and clear, Google’s homepage is a minimal design.
Use colors and shapes that are identifiable as colors and shapes. Make an original doodle, don’t copy art from other people. Remember your doodle will be judged on creativity and how well it fits with the theme.
5.Write Your Statement
Along with your doodle, you will need to include a brief statement describing your design and how it relates to the theme. This statement will help the judges to understand your thought process, and to share your reasoning behind your work. Your statement should be straightforward and clear, and directly relate to your doodle.
6. Submit Your Doodle
When you have finalized your doodle and statement, it is time to submit your entry! You will submit your design via the official Doodle for Google submission page. If you have visualized or written your design on a paper, scan the file or you can take a photos of it and upload it. If scanning isn’t possible, feel free to upload the photo directly. Make sure you’ve checked the technical guidelines to see the file and size restrictions for your doodle before submission to make sure you’re meeting those guidelines.
7. Check The Submission Deadline
The submission deadline for Doodle for Google may vary each year depending on the region you are in, so make sure for your audit date. You should submit your doodle in advance to the deadline to be considered for judging. Doodles submitted late are usually disregarded. Be sure to observe the deadlines and submit your work on time!
8.Now, just wait for the results.
Once the submission window has closed, the judging time has come! The Doodle for Google team will then be evaluating all the submissions based on creativity, originality, and how well the doodle fits into the Doodle for Google theme. If you are a finalist, the Doodle for Google team will notify you and your doodle will be displayed on Doodle for Google, which is exciting!
Final thoughts
Participating in Doodle for Google is a great opportunity to share your doodles and get some fun prizes such as college scholarships, or even have your doodle featured on Google’s homepage! If you follow the guidelines described above, and submit your best doodle designs, you may be the next winner of this worldwide challenge! We wish you the best of luck and happy doodling!
Tips for Creating a Winning Doodle
If you intend to submit an entry for Doodle for Google, you want to ensure that your doodle is different from the other thousands of submissions. Here are some helpful tips on how to make the winning doodle:
1. Understand the Theme
Every year, Doodle for Google focuses on a specific theme. Make sure you understand the theme before you start making your doodle. Think about ways you can show the theme in your own way. Doodles should represent your own point of view and creativity but still be based off of the theme given by Google.
2. Keep It Simple and Clear
Oftentimes, a successful doodle is simple, clear, and easy to understand. Google’s homepage doodles are known for being minimal. With that in mind, do not use too much complexity. Rather, focus on making a clean, strong design that most simply communicates your idea.
Make it Original and Creative Doodle for Google is about showing off your creativity. Try to think outside of the box and design something that hasn’t been done yet. Whether it be through colors, shapes, or the way you show the assigned theme, your doodle should be original and creative to stand out.
4. Use Bold and Bright Colors
Colors are very important, and colors are also important for your doodle to be visually attractive. Use bold colors and bright colors to make sure your design pops! However, do be careful of a balanced approach; if there are too many bright colors it can become overpowering to the viewer. Use colors that complement each other, and go with intuitive colors that help emphasize your doodles overall message.
5. Think About the Google Logo
While you might have an idea that is creative, I advise that you think about the Google homepage format. Your design should be compatible with the Google logo, or in some form also be inspired by the Google logo. You still want the doodle to be recognized as a ‘Google Doodle’ without seeming odd or out of context.
6.Think About Your Message
Your doodle should be both visually pleasing and meaningful. Think about what you are trying to communicate and how your doodle will communicate with your audience. Whether it is about a social justice movement, to celebrate a culture, or just a fun take on the theme, make sure your doodle has a message.
7. Follow the Guidelines
Before you submit your doodle, do not forget to carefully review the official Doodle for Google guidelines. Each year, the guidelines include rules about size, format, and content, and you want to make sure it meets all the parameters so you are not disqualified.
8. Test it at Different Sizes
Your doodle will be seen on many devices, including desktop computers and mobile phones. It is important that your design can represent itself in smaller sizes clearly and if necessary, allow viewers to resize the image and remain a recognized doodle. You may want to test your doodle at varying sizes.
9.Add a Personal Element
Including some element of your personality is one of the best ways to make your doodle stand out. This could be in the form of a favorite hobby, a meaningful moment, an inspirational place, or something that represents your background or culture. No matter how you do it, embedding a bit of yourself in your doodle will give it that extra edge.
10. Practice and Iterate
It may take time to get a dope doodle. Don’t be afraid to explore different ideas and edit and revise it until it feels right. Also, you can solicit some feedback from classmates, family, or teachers to see how your doodle lands with others. If you follow these tips, you will be on your way to creating a doodle that could be a Doodle for Google Competition winner. In the meantime, be creative, be clear, and stay on theme. Good Luck, and enjoy the process of creating your doodle!
Past Winning Doodles
The Doodle for Google contest has produced some very innovative and meaningful designs in past years. Each year students from around the world submit their doodles to Google based on a specific theme. The winning designs are then displayed on the Google homepage. The winning doodles are great examples of artistic talent and they reveal varying perspectives and imaginative thinking of today’s youth. Let’s look at some illustrated winning doodles from past years that stood out.
1. 2019: “When I Grow Up, I Hope…
“In the year 2019 the theme for Doodle for Google was “When I Grow Up, I Hope…”. This theme encouraged students to think about their dreams for the future and illustrate them. The winner of the Doodle for Google in 2019, was Arunta Peña Popo from California.
Arantza created a powerful doodle that illustrated her notion of being a scientist. In her doodle we see a young girl and elements of science to include a DNA strand and a microscope that suggest the future she wants to create based on science and her expertise in biology.
2. 2020: “I Am Strong Because…
“The Doodle for Google theme in 2020 was “I Am Strong Because…”, which invited students to think about what makes them feel strong mentally and physically. The winner, Alexa K. from North Carolina, was created with doodles just about something powerful and inner strength. Her doodle depicted a young girl surrounded by symbols of strength, including a heart and supportive rainbow. Both of them sent out a strong message of hope and optimism during a time of insecurity.
3. 2021: “My Best Day Ever
“For the 2021 theme, the topic was “My Best Day Ever”, where students were asked to think about the best day of their lives as a doodle. The winner, Leo from Pennsylvania, doodles from a perfect day at the beach with family and friends. Leo’s doodle presented happy and brightly color characters to express the happiness and connections of a perfect day.
4. 2022: “Honoring Diversity
” In 2022, the Doodle for Google theme served as a reminder of how important it is to honor diversity. The winning doodle was done by Alex S. from Texas. The doodle showed a diverse group of children standing together, holding hands, with a bright sun in the background. This doodle was promoting different cultures and backgrounds and also helped send a message of togetherness and inclusion. The doodle that Alex created was not only beautiful but also had a strong social message for people in many locations of the world to see.
5. 2023: “Together, We Can Make a Difference
” The theme for Doodle for Google in 2023 was “Together, We Can Make a Difference.” Students were asked to think and imagine how they would make a difference to support others in their families, communities, and/or the world. The winning doodle was done by Emma from Florida. Emma’s doodle illustrated children planting trees together and being a team was important for the environment. The narrative behind Emma’s doodle aligned well with the topic of collective power when students decide to work together in support of making positive change.
What Makes These Doodles Unique ?
All of these prior winning doodles are special for the artwork, as well as the important messages they convey to the viewer. The Doodle for Google competition invites students to express their thoughts, hopes, and creativity, and many of the winning doodles contain themes of current social topics, personal aspirations, and global conflicts.
The past winners are also illustrations of how art can inspire change and lead to a greater understanding of the world around us. The Doodle for Google has always been a wonderful and inspiring experience for young artists all over the world. If you’re contemplating joining the competition, allow these winning doodles to serve as an inspiration, and realize your creativity and message can make an impact, too!
Why Doodle for Google Matters
Doodle for Google is not simply a fun art contest; it’s a chance for students to leave their mark on a worldwide platform. The significance of Doodle for Google extends beyond the creative element; it enables students to think critically, communicate their ideas, and engage with the realm of design and technology.
Fostering Creativity and Artistic Expression
One of the underlying fundamental reasons why Doodle for Google matters is that it is a platform for students to creatively express themselves. In a world where technology is proliferating into everyday life, being creative will become even more valuable.
This contest supports students in developing their artistic talent while giving them outlets to explore new ideas and new mediums. By allowing students to design their version of the well-known logo on Google’s Home page, Doodle for Google inspires the students to think outside the box and express themselves artistically.
Encouraging Innovation and Critical Thinking
Doodle for Google is more than simply creating an illustration, it is a demonstration of one’s problem-solving abilities. Students must use their imagination to interpret the theme and displace the intended interpretation through a design to attract and ultimately deliver a message to the viewer. This requires critical thinking skills, innovation, and the ability to relate ideas and concepts in ways that are new. In participating to a Doodle for Google students build skills that can support them no matter their academic and or career pursuits.
Fostering STEM Education
Though the Doodle for Google competition is largely an art based opportunity, it promotes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The Doodle for Google competition encourages students to use technology as a creative possibility when submitting their designs. Doodling can happen digitally or they can submit their designs through an online submission platform. Either way, students are learning how to incorporate technology. This is an increasingly valuable skill as today’s workforce is increasingly more valued based on technical ability.
Encouraging Careers for Tomorrow
The Doodle for Google art-making contest has led to students exploring possible careers in design and technology and in art. By engaging in the drawing competition, students leave feeling confident in their own abilities to create as well as create transferable skills that can later be applied in the labor market. The exposure students receive from winning or participating can also help students feel confident in building their portfolios and professional networks as well as develop their own personal brand as an emerging artist attributable to the awards they receive.
Additionally, there are prizes such as scholarships, grants, and tech devices that can provide students the opportunity to continue pursuing their passion moving forward toward their careers.
Fostering Community and Diversity Worldwide
The competition also fulfills another vital aspect of promoting diversity, as students from every background, culture, and region are gathered together to participate in Doodle for Google, ultimately bringing students together in a global community of young artists.
This diversity helps provide a learning and exchange environment, where students are able to experience a variety of perspectives and ideas. The diversity considered through the lens of storytelling can also highlight cultures and other stories to promote inclusivity, while showing that creativity can bridge the gap of people from around the world.
To sum it up, Doodle for Google is important because it provides students a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity, develop immensely important soft skills, and see their creativity in an entirely new professional context.
Doodle for Google highlights artistic interpretation, critical thinking and implementation or use of technology, all while enhancing diversity and global collaboration. Regardless of students winning the Doodle for Google contest, the distinct experience can reshape their worldview leaving a lasting impression on their lives when it comes to their character and education.
Conclusion
Doodle for Google is not merely a fun contest, it is a unique opportunity for students to share their creativity and be honored globally.
Whether you are an aspiring artist or someone in search of a good creative outlet, this contest gives you a chance to share your creativity in a personal, meaningful way. Doodle for Google will allow students to grow as artists, experience success and new ideas to generate, as well as win scholarships and prizes.
As you set out to submit your design, remember that creativity, originality, and theme depiction is always what should matter. This is an opportunity for you to show your creativity and have your design displayed on the home page of Google where millions of people can see your doodle.
So make sure to take the challenge if you are up for it! Look into the Doodle for Google page, read through the rules and go ahead and make your entry day! Now is your time!
Conclusion
Doodle for Google is not merely a competition. It is a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the impact of art. Students can express their artistic and innovative talents, critical thinking skills, and explore technology beyond simply using it. Doodle for Google gives students a chance to gain exposure, but hopefully it will also develop skills they will use personally and professionally in the future.
Doodle for Google is making your voice heard, whether you are an aspiring artist, a student with interest in design, or even just someone that loves to take on challenges. The prizes, the scholarship, and the opportunity to show art to the world are just the bells and whistles.
The most important part is the experience will serve as your launchpad into a world full of possibilities. So, if you feel like you have what it takes to challenge yourself, then, now is the time to put pencil to paper, and get started. Who knows, your doodle could end up on the Google homepage for the entire world to see!
