Layering Space

Design Foundations 2130

Description:

In this assignment we were asked to construct a composition using paper layering techniques to emphasize and exaggerate a sense of depth and space. The concepts we explored were to extend from techniques explored Autumn term (perspective, layering, scale and other principles), adding an encompassing narrative.
We created a composition in black, white, grey scale cardstock that visually
illustrates the space, using a minimum of 5 flat layers of paper to explore the principle of scale to convey foreground, middle-ground, and background.

Research:

Started with the concept statement
Researched some pictures from realistic pictures on the internet and cited them

Concept Statement Rough Draft-

My number one concern for this assignment is to create a design in certain way to make the image look deep not just to me but also for the audience. So changing curves and lines inside my chosen design is the challenging part, especially using the pen tool on illustrator. Using . So, for my final project I would like to start off by selecting a color scheme with grey card stock and layer them within a chosen color theme. Then I would decide on what design I want on which card stock and decide their arrangement on the paper individually to bring out the intended look. Depth for me is something dark, something that goes deep inside. The thought of depth scares me but there are things that represents depth and are beautiful visually. I want to show something beautiful visually but make it seem deep and scary by applying depth and color scheme to it. For example, a rainbow. Using scale and sizing my design individually on each cardstock, is what I am going to use to create depth with the color to create scene. I want to connect the design together in certain way that even if one part is missing, it still shows the depth and the message.

Pictures for Inspiration:

– Leading Lines

– Bridge getting steeper as it goes further away

– Walking

– Deep in the trails

– Worm’s eye

– Perspective

– Path going away

– Layers of rocks

– Deep inside water

– Not obvious depth

– Shape

– Inside a water well

– deep until water

– Cave

– Abstract shapes

– Light to Dark shows depth

– Mystery

– One point perspective

– Depth created with lines

– Deep into the woods

– Natural positive looking

– Depression

– Deep thoughts

– Falling

– Dark

– Earth’s Core

– Layers of textures

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DESCRIPTION:

In this project we were to explore how narratives play a role in helping designers communicate. Ideas are communicated and supported with a variety of visual (and non-visual) strategies, methods, and styles. Which often begins with the practice of mapping out our ideas in a “simple” sketchbook.

For our assignment purposes, a sketchbook is a “book” of or for drawing or literary sketches. It provides a space to work-out and hold ideas. We will revisit this traditionalbook form by constructing our own sketchbooks for use throughout the term.

– Class Exercise: Mini Sketchbook (Answer the following question through mind mapping).

We started with doing some mind mapping activities, by drawing inside circles in a certain amount of time.
In the beginning of this project, we were asked to choose a question and answer it by using the entire mini sketchbook and mind mapping techniques.
I started by choosing the question “How to live your best life”.
Then I constructed a mini sketchbook and drew a little drawing of mountains and trees labelling it as paradise.
I then wrote the question as the title of my sketchbook, but with a twist. I crossed out the “your” from the question and replaced it with “my” so that I can relate the question to myself, and answer the question using fully my own perspective.
After that I started thinking of categories that I think helps me to live my best life. So, I made three categories; Favorites, Dreams and Responsibilities.
I wrote each category on the middle of two pages and used the page to describe whatever comes in that category related to my life.
Example: Dreams: Traveling to Paris, Favorites: Painting, Responsibility: Study what I enjoy learning.

– Exercise 1: Mini Sketchbook; Mind Mapping

We were asked to construct another mini sketchbook, and start filling it out with the ideas for our actual sketchbook.
I started off with designing my cover page. I wanted to make a logo for the center of the sketchbook. I also decided what color theme and material I should use. I wanted to use a Boho theme, which is a color scheme using shades of brown or nude colors, in natural term it is more like dried leaves or grass.
I then decided to include a calendar and notes page in my sketchbook for important due dates and projects.
For the surprise page, I wanted to do something unique and extra-ordinary, so I decided to use a polaroid camera to take pictures of my building process and include left over materials to show and write my building process inside the sketchbook.
To finish it up, I included the required information in the middle of the page and decided what material to use and how to make it unique, by adding borders.

Research:

I wanted to add floral designs to my project and so I read this Taschen book named “ Florigellum” and took some inspiration from the pictures in it, to create floral designs for my logo and borders.
I also researched deeply about boho theme and colors, to get more knowledge of the material I can use for the project. I wanted to use this unique theme and show it throughout my project, so I selected material and binding technique according to the boho theme.

I researched deeper on the materials that I should use, and created a page to page journal using notibility.
I then, shared ideas with my instructor and got his review on how I can use the laser cutter to create this project.
I decided to use different materials throughout my sketchbook, for diversity and uniqueness.
I also started hand drawing the design for my front and back covers. Including borders, title logo, etc.
Learned etching and cutting techniques for laser cutting by watching videos and asking professor for more help.

Iterations:

– Cover page (Logo)

When we were first introduced to this project, I immediately knew what I wanted to do for the cover page. I wanted to keep my sketchbook very minimalist, yet attractive.
So, I decided to create a logo and add border to keep it dainty but eye-catching.
I knew exactly what to put on my logo. Which was “Dada Arts by Helly Patel”. Dada means Grandpa in my mother tongue Gujarati, and I am very close to my grandpa, and believe that everything I do for success has to start with his name. I make paintings and write dada arts by helly to sign them. My late grandpa inspires me to make designs everyday that would make him proud and bring success to me.
So since I wanted to keep it minimal, I decided to make a logo using minimalist forms of natural patterns using leaves and flowers.
The first picture shows how I started designing the logo. That logo felt incomplete to me and I wanted to add something more.
So I added a circle around the text and filled it with a pattern created by using different forms. But when I laser cut the design, It didn’t look as clear because of the scale it was in and the design of feather.
I then, decided to rescale it and add forms that are more clear to view when laser cut.
So the last picture is what I ended up designing. I wanted to use a wood/plywood for the boho theme and etch the logo on it and vector cut it out in a circular shape.

– Cover page (Border)

After researching and drawing bunch of veils, flowers and leaves; I ended up finalizing these two borders for the final project.
I had many iterations of placing the borders in certain way for it to look most affective.
The one on the left was my first idea for the final sketchbook front cover, But I realized that it doesn’t look as appealing and minimalist as I want it to be.
So the picture in right is what I ended up creating for my final front and bacl design.

Construction and Final Outcomes

I had to use the laser cutter multiple times to try out what will work and what wouldn’t. I tried different materials and scales to experiment with this project. So, I started with the logo and cut multiple times with different scales and materials and even tried to paint it.
I then decided to collect all the papers I wanted to recycle from my old sketchbook and combined different papers like sketchbook paper, Bristol paper, water color paper, and grey card stock. I cut them all in sizes of 8.5×11.
For the front and back cover, I decided to keep the side 9×12, so it’s larger and fully covers all the papers inside.
For the surprise, I decided to use my polaroid camera and record some of the iterations to put as a process on a paper, and add fairy lights on it for the surprise and uniqueness.
My original idea was to include a dry erase white board page, that can be used to write notes and due dates. But while I was taking pictures of my process, I ended up wasting exactly 3 polaroid films, and decided to use each for date, month and year as a dry erase board, where I can note the due dates. I placed it as a first thing in the sketchbook so that I can remember the due dates before I start my work.
I then wrapped it up with binding it all together. For binding, I used a rope like thread and did a very simple binding with it.