DESIGN 1

This course develops an understanding of the organizational methods used in two-dimensional design. The elements and principles of design are utilized while working on projects in black-and-white and limited colored media. The design process, visual research and creative problem solving are used to develop artwork. The importance of craftsmanship and professional presentation are emphasized throughout the course. Students maintain a sketchbook assignment throughout the semester where they define, illustrate and locate found imagery of design terms.

Shapes & Design

Using cut black paper on white Bristol, students explore composition and balance between positive and negative shapes and spaces. Through drafting several ideas, students consider the figure/ground relationship and choose the best possible designs. Craftsmanship and precision are emphasized.

Texture, Value & Pattern

This 3-part project introduces students to drawing with micron pens. Students document textures in their environment and use these photos as source material for creating a variety of simulated textures. Students create a series of value scales using a variety of mark-making techniques. For the last part of the assignment, they create a variety of patterns through repetition, sequencing, and compositional orientation. Creating a wide array of patterns is emphasized.  This project requires measuring and drafting skills.

Design & the Grid

Using photocopies from the previous project (above), students draft and revise a series of designs, repurposing drawn textures, values and patterns into new compositions. Learning to create visual rhythm, areas of emphasis/focal points, a wide range of values, and visual balance is key. Students enlarge their designs by hand to 4X the original scale via the grid method and learn how to use tape to mask painted edges for solid black areas.

Intuitive Design

In contrast to the former project where planning is key, this project emphasizes a process-oriented approach where students make visual decisions intuitively as they go using micron pens. Students are encouraged to explore abstract or representational imagery, and to formulate creative and visually interesting compositions.

Economy & Abstraction

This project teaches students to simplify complex forms into abstracted and/or economical design motifs.  The importance of drafting many designs and choosing the strongest is emphasized through a series of in-progress critiques. Students choose a design, enlarge it using the diagonal grid method, make any needed revisions, then paint a diptych of the design in its positive and negative forms on two large pieces of illustration board.

COLOR THEORY

This project introduces students to basic color mixing using gouache paint to observe how hue, value and saturation are affected and interrelated. Students create a color wheel of primary, secondary and tertiary colors and paint stepped color chords of tints, tones, shades and complimentary colors. Professional presentation is emphasized.

artist book

The final project synthesizes all concepts learned throughout the semester regarding the elements and principles of design. Students develop their own theme for an artist book through visual and material research, and choose one vocabulary word which their design exemplifies. Several in-progress critiques help students determine which materials and approaches best serve their idea. A mockup is created to problem-solve structural and material issues. Students are encouraged to use creative liberty to address ideas and materials which are interesting to them.