Creative Identity Tile – Art Sparks

Designer: Tabitha Lusk

Share

Instructions

More Than Just a Nameit’s a mini self-portrait in clay!

Each student will design and sculpt a textured ceramic tile that includes their name plus symbols, patterns, or images that represent who they are, where they’re from, what they love, or how they want to be seen in the classroom or studio space. 

Students can carve, press, sculpt, or layer to create personalized designs that might include: 

  • Favorite animals, foods, or hobbies 
  • Cultural symbols or family connections 
  • A personal motto or initials hidden in the texture 
  • Abstract patterns that reflect personality (bold lines for big energy, soft swirls for calm vibes, etc.) 
  • Color choices that reflect mood or values 

Tiles can be funky, elegant, mysterious, or loud—just like the artists behind them. Once glazed and fired, the option of creating a collaborative display: a wall of names that says, “This is our creative community.” 

 

Why Stroke & Coat and Jungle Gems Are Perfect for Name Tiles 

Using Mayco’s Jungle Gems and Stroke & Coat glazes together creates the perfect combination for eye-catching name tiles. Jungle Gems offer a dynamic, textured background with pops of color and visual interest, while Stroke & Coat provides smooth, stay-right-where-you-put-it coverage that is ideal for lettering and design work. This contrast helps each student’s tile stand out with personality and clarity. 

Supplies

Form 

  • Clay body of choice

Colors

  • Stroke & Coat
  • Jungle Gems

Decorating Accessories

  • CB604 #4 Soft Fan 
  • CB406 #6 Pointed Round 
  • CB202 #2 Detail Liner 

Miscellaneous Accessories

  • Alphabet stencils (for younger artists or design guides) 
  • Reference sheets (symbols, patterns, cultural motifs, fonts) 
  • Found objects (buttons, shells, lace, leaves, zippers, toy wheels, coins, forks) 
  • Carving tools  
  • Rubber stamps or texture mats 
  • Rolling pins or slab rollers 
  • Water containers and sponges 
  • Old toothbrushes (great for adding grit/texture or cleaning small spots) 
Top