Assignment: Castle 

Assigned: Friday, September 12

Due: Friday, September 19 @ class start

Assignment Description:

Using Rhino's basic geometry, extrude and move tools, students will create an original model of a "castle". Bring your castle rhino model with you to class next week.

Assignment Requirements:

1.) Using basic processes covered in class, create a 3D model of a castle in Rhino.

2.) Create and employ two different materials in your model (hint: switch to rendered view!)

3.) Bring your castle rhino model with you to class next week.

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Exemplary student work from previous semesters:

F2017
F2018
F2019
F2020
F2021A
F2021B

Assignment: Blog Post: Castle 

Assigned: Friday, September 19

Due: Thursday, September 25 @ 11:59PM (Noon!)

Assignment Description:

Document the results of your "castle" assignment (see above) via screenshots in your process journal. 

Assignment Requirements:

1.) Using basic processes covered in class, create a 3D model of a castle in Rhino.

2.) Use Snipping Tool to take at least six screen shots of your castle (in various perspectives and render modes)

a.) On a Windows PC: Use Snipping Tool. Instruction here.
b.) On a Mac PC: Use OSX screen shot. Instructions here. 

3.) Create a blog at blogger.com.  Then, Create a new post on your process blog, title it, write a brief introduction and upload the images you captured of your castle.

4.)  Include, along with the images, a brief description of what inspired you to make the "castle" you made.

5.) Include, also, a brief description of the successes and challenges met during this exercise.

7.)  Submit your blog URL as an online text response on Mosaic (Look for the "Process Blog URL" assignment.)
i.e. http://nameofyourblog.blogspot.ca

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Exemplary student work from previous semesters:

F2017
F2018
F2019
F2020
F2021A
F2021B

Assignment: Make These Shapes I

Assigned: Friday, September 19

Due: Friday, September 26 @ class start

Assignment Description:

To familiarize ourselves with Rhino's 2D drawing functions, we will create these practice shapes. 

Assignment Requirements:

1.) Create each of the shapes from this problem set.

2.) Do not worry about scale at this time, but try to approximate each shape as accurately as possible.

3.) All drawings should be together in one rhino file, and arranged in the same order as pictured in the problem set sheet.

4.) Save the file and upload to Moodle by the beginning of next class (Friday, September 26).

5.)  Write/sketch any questions or problems you run into down in your sketchbook and bring them with you to next class 

Assignment: BLOG POST: Initials Logo: Concept Generation

Assigned: Friday, October 3

Due: Thursday, October 9 @ noon (12pm)

Assignment Description:

In this project, you will design a logo based on your own initials (for example: “BC”). This assignment challenges you to investigate how simple letterforms can be transformed into intentional, expressive designs.

Your goal in this first stage is to explore as many possibilities as possible, with a focus on geometric relationships between the shapes of your letters. Think about how your initials can be altered, abstracted, and reimagined through typography and form.

Assignment Requirements:

• 16 different logo sketches (on paper) exploring your initials.

• Begin by experimenting with:

  • Different cases (upper vs. lower case, or combinations).

  • Different type styles (serif, sans serif, line-based, bubble letters, block type, script, etc.).

  • Geometric relationships — how lines, curves, diagonals, or negative spaces in your initials can overlap, align, intersect, or combine.

• Explore both literal and abstract interpretations. Some designs should be highly legible, while others may push toward pure geometry or symbolic abstraction.

• A short reflection (1 paragraph) identifying which 2–3 sketches feel most promising and why.

Creative Prompts to Push Your Thinking

• Overlap & Intersection: What happens if your letters share edges, merge, or interlock?

• Scaling & Proportion: How does the design change if one letter dominates the other in size or weight?

• Rotation & Reflection: Rotate or mirror one letter — does it create a new, balanced geometry?

• Negative Space: Can the gap between strokes form a hidden shape or secondary letterform?

• Line vs. Shape: Try reducing letters to just strokes, or inflate them into filled geometric forms.

• Typographic Contrast: Mix extremes (blocky + thin, serif + sans, script + geometric).

• Pattern & Repetition: Repeat your initials to build a texture, rhythm, or visual field.

• Abstraction: Strip away recognizability until the letters become pure geometry, but still “hint” at your initials.
  
  

Submission

• Upload your 16 sketches and reflection as a new post on your process blog

• Number each sketch (for ease of communication later)

• Bring your sketches to class for group critique and discussion.
  
  

Resources

40 Famous Logos and What Makes You Can Learn From Them

Tips for creating a Monogram Logo

Assignment: BLOG POST: Initials Logo: Select, Refine, Construct

Assigned: Friday, October 10

Due: Thursday, October 16 @ noon (12pm)

Assignment Description:

After gathering peer feedback on your initial logo sketches, you will now select one or two concepts to refine and recreate digitally in Rhino. The goal is to translate your strongest idea into a clean, organized vector drawing that explores line, color, and geometry through precise digital tools.

This stage focuses on formal refinement — strengthening the relationships between shapes, aligning geometry, and using Rhino’s layer and hatch tools to bring visual structure and clarity to your design.

Assignment Requirements:

Select and Refine:

• Choose one or two logo concepts from your peer critique to develop further.

• Consider feedback on balance, readability, and geometry.

Recreate in Rhino:

• Draw your design precisely using Rhino’s line, curve, and shape tools.

• Use layer management to organize elements by type or color (e.g., outlines, fills, background, guides).

• Apply hatches to fill regions and experiment with color relationships.

• Ensure your design is clean, with closed curves and well-aligned geometry.

Visual Exploration:

• Create at least three variations of your refined logo exploring color, weight, or composition.

• Aim for designs that could stand alone as clear, strong marks.
  
  

Documentation:

• Export a layout with all three variations (include your name and initials). (File > Print > Image File *png*)

• Include one render showing your logo on a 3-D object (project, split, change material)
  
  

Creative Considerations

• How does your digital version improve on the sketch?

• What geometric relationships define your logo?

• How can color and line weight clarify or strengthen your design?

• Does your logo maintain its identity when simplified or scaled?
  
  

Submission

• Upload your logo .png and/or renders showcasing your logo variations to your process blog

• Bring your Rhino file to class for review and feedback.
  
  

Assignment: BLOG POST: Surface Design Tessellation

Assigned: Friday, October 17

Due: Thursday, October 23 @ noon (12pm)

Assignment Description:

In this assignment, you’ll design a 2D surface tessellation — a repeating pattern that complements your initials logo. Think of it as an exploration of rhythm, geometry, and visual texture: a design that could extend your logo into a larger visual identity.

Your tessellation should be created entirely in Rhino, using precise geometry and clean linework. It can be geometric, organic, or abstract — but it must visually relate to your logo through form, proportion, or line quality. The goal is to create a repeatable tile that aligns perfectly when duplicated across a surface.

Assignment Requirements:

• Start with Your Logo:

  1. Identify shapes, lines, or motifs from your initials logo that can serve as building blocks for your pattern.

  2. Consider rhythm, repetition, symmetry, and balance.

• Design Your Tile in Rhino:

  1. Create a single repeatable tile using Rhino’s curve and transform tools.

  2. Maintain clean geometry — closed curves, aligned edges, and consistent spacing.

  3. Use layers and hatch fills to explore line weights, density, and color.

• Test the Repeat:

  1. Use array or copy commands to repeat your tile (at least a 3×3 layout).

  2. Check for seamless alignment — no gaps, overlaps, or visible seams.

  3. Make iterative adjustments to refine how your tile repeats visually.
     
     

• Render and Document:

  1. Produce at least two visual versions:

     1. One black-and-white line drawing showing structure and geometry.

     2. One colored or hatched version exploring tone, weight, or texture.
        
        

• Include your initials logo within your layout to show the relationship between logo and pattern.
  
  

Documentation:

• Export a layout with all three variations (include your name and initials). (File > Print > Image File *png*)

• Include one render showing your logo on a 3-D object (project, split, change material)
  
  

Creative Considerations

• How does repetition create rhythm or texture?

• Does the tessellation echo your logo’s geometry or aesthetic tone?

• How does density, line weight, or color change how the pattern feels?

• Could the pattern function as a surface treatment, background, or textile?
  
  

Submission
Create a new blog post documenting the following:

• 1. The single tile

  2. The 3×3 repeated tessellation

  3. Both versions (black-and-white and color/hatched)

  4. Your logo for context
     
     

• Bring your Rhino file (.3dm) to class for review and feedback.

• Upload your logo .png and/or renders showcasing your logo variations to your process blog

• Bring your Rhino file to class for review and feedback.
  
  
  
  

Assignment: 3D Models from Technical Drawings

Assigned: Friday, Oct 24

Due: Friday, Oct 31 @ Class Start

Assignment Description:

To familiarize ourselves with Rhino's 3D drawing functions, we will create these practice objects.

Assignment Requirements:

1.) Create each of the models from this problem set.

2.) Compile each object into one Rhino file (using copy and paste, or by importing each rhino file into one file)

3.)  Upload the .3dm file to Mosaic under the "3D Models from Technical Drawings" assignment.

Assignment: 3D Models from Technical Drawings

Assigned: Friday, Oct 24

Due: Thursday, Oct 30 @ 11:59am (noon!)

Assignment Description:

Create a blog post showcasing your completed monogram logo and surface design tessellation. Present both your finalized designs clearly and professionally, demonstrating consistency, refinement, and visual connection between the two.

Assignment Requirements:

Your blog post should include:

1. Final Monogram Logo

   • In color or greyscale

   • In black and white only

2. Surface Design Tessellation

   • In color or greyscale

   • In black and white only

3. Mockup Graphic

   • A single image showing your logo and tessellation used together (e.g. pattern background with logo overlay, packaging mockup, or simple layout).
     
     

Submission:

• Publish all visuals and short captions or notes (if needed) on your process blog.

• Ensure images are clear, cropped, and well-presented.