Exercise 1

Mindmapping

Using mind mapping to build fast iterations through class to begin the mini sketchbook exercise. We would then take these mind maps the do iterations with different materials and techniques to build a potential sketchbook.

 

 

Mini Sketchbook Iterations

Utilizing the process of mind mapping on the different prompts given: How to live your best life? to stem off of developing new ideas for creating the mini sketchbook using recycled materials.

 

 

Mini Sketchbook Final

I wanted to create a mini sketchbook with recycled material per se syllabus but I wanted to focus on the different materials being used and the functionality on how it would open and close and how it would be bond. Throughout this exercise, it explored my creativity on not only the mind mapping inside but also the various textures that played a role on how it felt to hold and touch. I wanted the cover to feel soft and slick while the form of the composition as a whole was more organic due to the process of making a sketchbook prototype.

Materials Used:

iPad box cover

Thread/Ribbon

Mask elastic earband

Notebook clear plastic pocket

Drawing, Graph, and Newspaper

How to live your best life? Mindmap Illustrations

Sketchbook Process

Concept Statement

“Neutrality”

Exploring natural materials brings a feeling of calmness and subtly within a design. However, the play on neutral tones can be perceived as “boring” or uninteresting. This is why inviting texture provides value to elevate how the feel or look of a piece is. Utilizing natural, organic materials on the outside is considered plain to an artists’ sketchbook but what is important is how creativity is performed in the inside through drawing, sketches, and ideas.

CheeseCloth Process

I decided to use cheese cloth to bring in the organic and texture elements to my sketchbook. I used the laser cutter to cut out 5″ x 7″ chipboard to have a durable stable cover for the cheesecloth to be glued down. I used Golden Heavy Gel Semi-Gloss acrylic glue and performed to two coats of laying the cheesecloth down method. As I gluing them down little lint specs pooped out of the cheesecloth exposing its natural quality.  Not only did the cheesecloth created value in the aspect of its form needed for my final composition but provided natural neutral tones with the chipboard.

Coptic Stitch Process

After getting the cheesecloth glued, I then took a hole punch to create holes through the cheesecloth and chipboard for binding. Once, that was done, I began to punch holes in the scored (used circuit)  drawing paper pages for the thread.

 

 

“Hidden” Element Process

For my “hidden” element, I saw this cloth with the same neutral tones as the chipboard and the cheesecloth and wanted to create a pocket and a pencil holder. I used a hot glue to make it stable and to close the openings.

 

Final Sketchbook Composition

I created a natural tone organic sketchbook with neutral toned chipboard, cheesecloth, woven fabric, wax thread, and toned drawing paper. All of these materials helped me make a sketchbook that is what I wanted to achieve was simple and a handmade feel. With these elements, it made my sketchbook rough around the edges but concise on what I wanted create. Since, I typically pick out a neutral plain colored sketchbook when buying one, this is was my version in making one. Sketchbooks are personal and inside, there is creativity, notes, color, and a variety of whatever you want to place in there. However, to me, the outside of my sketchbook doesn’t define what I place in it even if it is plain and neutralized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reflection

Throughout this project, I experimented with textures, organic materials, and techniques that transformed my understanding on how these materials can be brought together to produce the neutrality of my sketchbook. The lessons that I learned while making my sketchbook were how to use the laser cutter, doing coptic stitching, and gluing down cheesecloth. However, I overcame my worries on creating a tangible, functional, composition that was out of my comfort zone by exploring the function of materials to tools. For instance, the laser cutter to matte board can burn the edges, and when gluing down the cheesecloth with a brush can have the material create fuzz that provides another visual textured element, or how the cheesecloth applies ripples when laid down and taking the gesso over top to make them stay. Furthermore, the exploration into materials and learning how materials interact expanded my design vocabulary. Overall, I could have improved on my craft to make my sketchbook neater and consistent coptic stitching so that my pages are not so loose.

Portfolio

View final project at: Project 1: Sketchbook