DSGN 212

Create part 1 with black paper on a white background in a 10 in. x 10 in. frame. Create part 2 in the computer using the same dimensions in Adobe Illustrator.

Instructions

1. Part 1
2. 1
   Design abstract compositions within a 10 in. x 10 in. frame using a single 5 in. x 5 in. black circle and square or parts of each on a white background. Each shape may be cut or folded in straight lines; shapes may overlap or be omitted. You may use less than all the pieces of each shape, but not more. In general, seek to make successful compositions with as few shapes as possible rather than as many shapes as possible. Consider the relationship of the space around the shapes as well as the shapes themselves. Experiment with multiple compositions for each principle / attribute for a total of at least 12 (see template next page). Photograph or scan process; upload to Canvas and bring physical materials to class for critique and further refinement. Critique in-class · Tue, Oct. 6
3. 2
   Refine and curate your experiments to create 3 refined 10 in. x 10 in. paper compositions. Upload a photo or scan to Canvas; bring the completed physical versions to class for critique. Critique in-class · Thu, Oct. 8
4. Part 2
5. 3
   Recreate your final paper compositions from Part 1 in Adobe Illustrator, following the paper compositions precisely. Then, evaluate and adjust as desired for use in subsequent steps.
6. 4
   Create a color scheme with at least 5 hues: three as a split complement and two more analogous to one of the other colors. Use colors from this palette for each of the next steps.
7. 5
   Place compositions in a grid of 6 (2 columns, 3 rows) on an 11 in. x 17 in. artboard.
8. 6
   composition 1: black and white, recreation of part 1
9. 7
   composition 2: invert colors (what was white now becomes black, etc)
10. 8
    composition 3: apply a complementary color scheme using only two hues.
11. 9
    composition 4: apply a split complementary color scheme using three hues.
12. 10
    composition 5: apply an analogous color scheme using only three hues
13. 11
    composition 6: apply the combination color scheme using no more than five hues
14. 12
    Print your final digital compositions on an 11 in. x 17 in. sheet of cover-weight paper. Critique in-class · Thu, Oct. 15
15. Final
16. 13
    Create a PDF of the final outcomes of parts 1 and 2. Include process for on previous steps in a grid, with labels, on subsequent pages. Save as ‘smallest file size’ PDF and upload to Canvas. Upload by 11:59PM · Fri, Oct. 16

This project will be explore combining 2-3 letterforms to create a unique, balanced and harmonious monogram. The focus will be on sketching as exploration and then finishing the desired mark as a vector drawing. Refer to a non-display typeface for proportions and letter forms. Experiment with combinations of 2-3 characters to discover ways they relate to each other; consider how they might overlap, nest, knock-out, etc. Begin with a breadth of small exploratory thumbnail sketches and follow with discussion and critique; then, produce a more refined set of sketches before crafting the final mark in the computer as a vector file.

Instructions

1. 1
   Select a non-display serif or sans-serif typeface. Choose 2-3 characters to use throughout the project. Research the history of the typeface including who designed it, when they lived, and examples of the typeface in use.
2. 2
   Based on the typeface, sketch characters to experiment with how the forms interrelate using the provided grid and matrix. Complete at least 24 iterations.
3. 3
   Select 3 sketches for further refinement and sketch again at least 3 times each with more detail and accuracy on the third template provided as a matrix contrasting properties.
4. 4
   Based on feedback from your instructor and peers, further refine a single direction to produce your final mark. Refine the drawing outside of the computer first, then refine as a vector with the pen tool, taking care for details in both the positive and negative spaces. Present in black on white paper, within a 6” square (preserving the proportion of your mark), no border, optically centered on a white letter-sized sheet 8.5 in x 11 in. Critique in-class · Thu, Oct. 29
5. 5
   Upload final PDF file and process to Canvas.

Instructions

1. 1
   Choose a photograph of an animal with distinct features and a clear silhouette as a reference. Using cut paper, construct the animal using only black or white cut paper shapes. Create 10 variations and scan or photograph.
2. 2
   Sketching with black marker on a grid, create 20 more variations of your animal focusing on simplicity as well as distinctiveness. The forms should be composed of masses, not lines, as if you were still composing with cut paper. Arrange these 30 variations (the 10 cut paper and 20 ink) on a single 11 in. x 17 in. sheet of paper in a grid of 6 rows and 5 columns. Print in black and white for review in class.
3. 3
   Select the three strongest variations from the previous step. Refine your icon set based on feedback from instructor and peers. Draw at least four more variations of each for a total of 12 with more consistency and simplicity, emphasizing focal points, balance and other design principles. Arrange these variations on a single 11 in. x 17 in sheet of paper in a grid of 4 rows and 3 columns. Print in black and white for review in class.
4. 4
   Select your strongest icon from the previous step and reconstruct it with Adobe Illustrator using shapes (see this example). Do not include colors, tints or shades beyond black and white. Do not use badges or framing shapes (circles, squares, etc) to contain the icon. Repeat the process to create 5 additional animal icons as a set.
5. 5
   For the set of six animal icons, apply no more than 3 colors per icon and create a unified palette across the grid (see example). Print in color on a landscape 11 in. x 17 in sheet of paper with your icons in a grid of 2 rows and 3 columns. Critique in-class · Tue, Nov. 17
6. 6
   Upload final icons placed on a horizontal (landscape) letter-sized document (850 pixels by 615 pixels) without stroked borders / boxes, in a 2 column 3 row grid. Each icon should occupy a 192 pixel area. Save as PDF and upload to Canvas.

“One’s ability to communicate a story visually, honestly, is a bridge of communication that transcends language because the true mark of a good film is that you can turn the sound off and watch it and have some understanding of what you’re seeing.” - Cheo Hodari Coker

Just as in film-making, images and compositions transcend the ability of words alone to communicate ideas. For this project, read and respond to an editorial article and then create a photographic collage representing key concept(s) from that article.

Instructions

1. 1
   Read your assigned article and brainstorm possible visual concepts based on the content with in-class exercises and sketching. Select the three strongest concepts to move forward to the next step.

   • alphabetical list (ideas based on as many letters of the alphabet as possible
   • mashup list: word lists for two or more contrasting categories
   • idiom/metaphor list: lists of relevant expressions or metaphors
   • mind map: visually organized word list
   • crazy 8’s: 8 ideas in 8 minutes
2. 2
   Collect and/or print source photos to create a physical collage, 9 in. x 6 in., for each of your 3 concepts. You may cut, tear or otherwise manipulate the images in any way as long as it is analog for this step (done outside the computer.)
3. 3
   Further develop and refine your collage, now including digital tools. Consider design principles as well as experimenting with visual styles appropriate to your topic and audience. Continue refining your collage digitally, including editing or adding color. Review digital file during class.
4. 4
   Print your final collage in color on 11 in. x 8.5 in cover-cover weight paper. Present during class for formal critique. Critique in-class / finals week
5. 5
   Prepare a horizontal letter-sized document including all relevant process steps and the final outcome (on its own page). Save as a smallest file-size PDF and upload to Canvas by the project due date.