Layers – Deep Space

Design 2130: Design Fundamentals

Project 1– Layers: Deep Space

Description

In this assignment you will construct a composition that visually illustrates an idea of deep space. You will use paper layering techniques to emphasize and exaggerate a sense of depth and space. We will also introduce the element of light in your compositions. You will test how light can be used to activate materials and ideas. You will develop a surprise element in your design activated by light. When light is introduced to your composition, the concealed or surprise element of your design will be revealed.

Objectives

  1. To demonstrate proficiency in using compositional elements and principles of design (i.e. form, space, light, time, pattern, balance, harmony, scale) as a means through which to build and communicate design intention.

  2. To experiment with specific components of 3D to 2D form and image building techniques with supportive vocabularies: gestalt principles, interior/exterior volume, positive/negative space, static and dynamic, organic/geometric, concrete/abstraction.

  3. To experiment with and develop proficiency in material techniques (both hand and digital) that express and support design intentions.

  4. To clearly define and apply observational analysis techniques in order establish and construct design intentions.

Exercise 1 – Text: Figure, ground, closure

This exercise is designed to provide practice using vectors, exploring positive and negative shapes and introduce the laser cutting or reinforce Cricut or vinyl cutter technologies. Using your own initials, pick a font that provides an opportunity to use the negative space to “hide” an image in its negative space that communicates something about yourself. This form will be designed using vectors- with the intention of cutting on the laser cutter. You will need to make both a vector image for cutting, and a contrasting color or value filled image like the sample images in the PowerPoint. You will essentially create a “puzzle”- maximum number of parts: 3 per letter form.

Assignment Requirements

  • Primary material: White cardstock or Bristol. You may use only one additional material to assist you in forming your composition (i.e. glue or other connective material).
  • Primary compositional considerations: Flat 2D layered paper composition activated by light, layers, shape, volume, light, scale/proportion, balance, visual movement.
  • Layer requirements: You will use a minimum of 5 layers, Maximum of 10 layers.
  • Size requirement (paper layers): 7”x9”. Your layers must fit the provided frames. Paper layers will fit in the provided frames.

Assignment Process

  1. Define potential contexts to convey a sense of deep space. Document your research with pictures, notes, sketches, and reflection. Record a minimum of 10 spaces with associated visuals or images. Consider our compositional language to help you tease out potential image building structures–use the elements and principles of design to help you identify qualities found key definitions and associated characteristics.
  2. Write a rough draft summary of your research strategy/ intention for your composition= CONCEPT. Length of summary- approximately 250 words.
  3. Using this analysis, develop a minimum of 3 models/drawings that you feel communicates your chosen idea visually through visual layers and the surprise or hidden element. Consider and test abstraction techniques explored last term in both visualizations and fundamentals. Focus on layers (foreground, middle grounds, and background) and build supportive principles to emphasize your ideas.
  4. Refine and complete your idea by testing how light activates your layers.
  5. Select one of your models to refine imagery and idea: construct it!
  6. Review your concept statement draft. Edit for final submission (reflecting essential changes made during process).

Final project due with written statement on February 9th.

Reminder: photographically document the process of designing and making in anticipation of your final portfolio!

Tools

Adobe Illustrator (vectors), Laser cutter/vinyl cutter/Cricut, X-acto/Olfa kives, straight edge, cutting mat, light..

Final Deliverables

Submission due dates: February 9th at beginning of class.

Physical Submission: Designed and constructed composition

Digital Submission, uploaded to Carmen:

  1. A single PDF named as Layers_YourName_SPFund23.pdf  formatted with name, class, and term identified. Organize pages by providing headings and labels to your images. Include:
    1. Minimum 3 labeled images of the composition: full composition (no light), full composition (with light on – reveal), 1-2 detail images
    2. Concept statement (approx 200-300 words)
  2. A link to your Process Post in the Carmen submission comment box
    1. See posts here for more information on creating blog posts. Your process post will contain:
        1. Statement- your concept statement 
        2. Ideation- notes, exercises, research on techniques, including Exercise 1 final design with concise supportive process images 
        3. Iteration & Production- drafts, tests, final construction process 
        4. Reflection- Identify discoveries in the process of ideation and production. 

Rubric 

There are 100 possible points for this assignment. 

Process

Requirements met and instructions followed – 10 points
Quality of documented process including exercises, readings, composition iterations. Clear documentation of multiple moments in progress, research, iteration

Process – 30 points
Active testing/research, technical practice extracting and composing details from subject matter through iteration and tool exploration

Professionalism – 10 points
Participation in discussions and critique; Attendance and preparedness to work; Meeting checkpoints and deadlines.

Final Outcome

Craft – 15 points
Degree of complexity and quality of work: technical proficiency – digital and hand work, initiative/adaptive learning

Concept – 10 points
Expression of ideas extending from research. Clear communication of intention/narrative

Design and composition – 25 points
General organization of elements with consideration and accessibility/readability of visual information – viewer experience: information editing, hierarchy, and creative and purposefully organized design elements
Development of visual layers, depth, and space
Use of light and reveal

Calendar (subject to change)

1/10 – Course introduction; A1 and E1 intro

1/12 – E1 work; concept discussion

1/17 – E1 work; Space building

1/19 – E1 due; concept statement drafting and sketching ideas

1/24 – Checkpoint: concept statement draft, sketched/model ideas

1/26 – Building graphics/vector files and images; Demo: construction techniques

1/31 – Building graphics, cutting files, or cutting by hand

2/2 – Construction 80% complete for final in-progress discussion

2/7 – Revisions based on discussion and testing

2/9 – A1 Due