calendar
Day 1: (3/17): classwork/homework--- for tomorrow please have a word document ready to share with the class electronically (meaning saved to your H drive or to an external drive) that shows an example of something you think is "good design" and a paragraph explaining why. Due 3/18
Bring music (personal player and headphones) for Wed-Fri optional
Day 2: (3/18): classwork/homework--- Mood Board: a collection of inspirational artifacts-- please create a Word document showing examples of artifacts (images, colors, textures, words, objects, places, etc..) that you are drawn to and a brief explanation of why for each. Please include a minimum of 10 artifacts and email it as an attachment to teacher by Friday at 4:00 Due 3/21
Week 1: (3/17-3/21) Introduction: design = form + function; Design is a problem solving process that requires the development of ideas with layers of meaning and purpose. Begin Libretto--- visual interpretation of music. Libretto-- How do you recreate the experience of listening to music through color, line, and shape? Elements of music can be translated into visuals (tempo, sounds/instruments, lyrics, etc….); Do you want to take an illustrative approach (tell a story) or an expressive approach (mood/ capture moment)? Students can listen to own music on headphones. Refer to class powerpoint (posted on project page).
Composition: Step 1: brainstorming (sketches-allow ideas to be influenced by music)
Step 2: analyze/edit (review and change)
Step 3: finalize (refine craft and details)
Color: explore options; practice mixing and choosing colors in sketchbook.
Media: think about choice and application.
Week 2: (3/24-3/28) Libretto-- studio time; type artist statement (see Notes); presentations start on Monday 4/7
Libretto: allows students to:
1) refine 2D skills (line drawing)
2) develop an understanding of composition (arrangement with unity, focal point, details)
3) reflect on and discuss questions dealing with good design and critical analysis of work -- some things to ask yourself: is your work original, does it relate to music, is it visually interesting?
4) explore importance/effect of color palette
5) refine media techniques: gradation, smooth solid saturation, transparent overlay, expressive/painterly
6) write an artist statement that articulates individual philosophy and gives insight into work -- 1 paragraph minimum; typed
Week 3: (3/31-4/4) Spring Break
Week 4: (4/7-4/11)
1) Libretto-- presentations start on Monday 4/7; with typed artist statement;
HW: gallery walk critique (write a paragraph about the strongest piece considering color, composition, concept, and craft)-- email by Tuesday 4/8
2) Adobe Illustrator: exercises-- The computer is a tool: focus on drawing quality not quick computer pre-set features. Goal is to gain an understanding of how to control the pen tool in order to refine the final image. Attention to detail is emphasized. Exercises: recreate handout images thinking about accuracy of size and proportion and control of pen tool (2 pages of angles; 2-3 curved drawings); can build template with various shapes and/or with pencil/brush tool and then lock in place to draw over with pen; can use grid to help. Refer to handout; 2 pgs of angled/1 pg of curves=30 pts.
Week 5: (4/14-4/18)
Symbols-- creating your own visual language: Intro symbolism and development of individual expression--- communicating layers of meaning and personal point of view through line and shape
Intro: Create personal icon in Illustrator and Homework: analyze a found symbol (handout); due 4/17
Ideas: Begin idea development (handout): should be typed/labeled/organized; due TBA
Week 6: (4/21-4/25)
Symbols-- creating your own visual language:
Intro symbolism and development of individual expression--- communicating layers of meaning and personal point of view through line and shape
Step 1:
Brainstorming: 10 words/topics/reactions
Research: microsoft word document
1) Big Idea: choose 3 topics (can be from brainstorming but doesn't have to be; can be political, social, philosophical, environmental, personal, etc...)
2) read about each topic (it is important to be well versed when expressing personal ideals and opinions) and gather 5 artifacts that expand your understanding (pieces of info such as facts, statistics, quotes, etc....)
3) write a position statement for each: a paragraph or more that expresses your personal commentary
(Wednesday and Thursday PSAE testing days)
Step 2:
Big Idea: Start with the Big Idea--- break down to key aspects (words that give insight into point of view and capture the essence of your personal commentary) and then create imagery that communicates complex thought
Design development: begin thumbnail sketches-- choose 5 words related to/ are the essence of your personal commentary and create 3 designs for each in sketchbook using expressive qualities of line and shape; refer to powerpoint; class time; finish for HW; due 4/28
1) brainstorm ideas for symbols-- word association and mapping/ doodles- expressive drawings/ visual research
2) thinking about the expressive qualities of line and shape and the class discussion, finalize 3 potential symbols for each;
think about drawing quality and size (at least 3x3)
Week 7: (4/28-5/2)
Step 3:
Construction: Start building symbols in Illustrator-- think about controlled line quality, details, balance, purposeful shaping.
Refine: clarify idea and construction
- Form: analyze visual clarity; make adjustments as needed (think about range of value, depth of space, balance of heavy/light and large/small)
- Function: reflect on concept-- essence of word? expressive qualities?
Step 4:
Symbolic Narrative: combine each symbol into an overall narrative of you personal commentary; think about visual clarity; refine/change/modify/combine imagery as needed while maintaining the expressive qualities and essence of each symbol (see ppt-- go to sidebar project, click on symbolism at bottom).
Week 8: (5/5-5/9)
Symbolism: design of symbol illustration continued
3 individual symbols: mini artist statements for each; cut and paste all 3 into Illustrator file and use type tool to create diagram
3 full composition sketches: work to combine all 3 symbols into 1 final composition-- try minimum of 3 different ideas
Final composition: using all 3 symbols to communicate overall commentary on chosen topic with artist statement
Project due 5/6 - will present in class.
CW/HW:
1) Expressive qualities of type (refer to handout); email Word doc; due 5/9
2) Research: due end of class on 5/9
a) Create a list of 20 words that you find interesting—go beyond the expected but use good judgment.
b) Narrow your list down to 3 words
c) Research/explore concept-- gather 5 facts for each (info that relates to word such as definition, history, symbolism, cultural connection, etc…..)
3) Sketches for Illustraion for Monday: choose 1 of your 3 ideas and create 3 different sketches-- make sure sketches are different design ideas not just small adjustments or tweaks; hand done in sketch book with pencil or pen.
Illustration-- type as a visual element—visual expression of a word; Artistically express your interpretation of a chosen word/phrase and create a logo/visual representing the meaning/mood/essence using color, line, shape, symbolism, illustration and typography. Refer to powerpoint. Think about the process of developing ideas-- making lists, gathering research, pulling from personal experience and inspiration pieces and use this process to create dynamic conceptual visuals. Can be a computer generated drawing or hand crafted. Artist statement and final design due 5/16
Week 9: (5/12-5/16)
Illustration: continued due 5/16
Week 10: (5/19-5/23)
CW/HW:
1) Prose (the written/spoken word): collect 3 pieces of prose; this can be something you have found or something you have written: poem, narrative, quote, lyrics, speech, data/facts, etc....Word doc
Illumination-- type as a visual element
1) brainstorm ideas for the initial cap of each (create 3 sketches for main letter); think about drawing quality, details, and size (work 5x5); can create camera ready art. (see project in sidebar for access to ppt)
2) finalize composition (designed letterform and complete prose-- think about color, line, shape, mood, style; control leading and kearning for clarity of design) due 5/30 turn in small studies and final design (no artist statement needed with this project)
Reflection paper (final exam)---discuss individual learning specifically related to this class (see handout)--due 5/22
Week 11: (5/26-5/30)
Illumination-- type as a visual element
1) finalize composition (designed letterform and complete prose-- think about color, line, shape, mood, style; control leading and kearning for clarity of design) due 5/30 turn in small studies and final design (no artist statement needed with this project); present in class on Thursday