Statement of Intent
In this project, the development of dynamic shapes is explored through the observation and analysis of nature. Various methods are used to create a pattern design such as sketching, implementing elements/ principles, and digital techniques. This pattern is then applied to a card and envelope design. Using abstracted shapes and patterned designs, a theme (about an element of nature) will be illustrated in the final card/ envelope composition. Digital application, prototype making, dynamic testing, and intentional applications are practiced through this assignment.
The card is required to be a standard size that can be sent through the US Postal Service. Functionality, cost effects, and size must be taken into account. Color can be used, but a black, white, and greyscale digital version is provided in the submission. A minimum of 2 cards are created if they are handmade and a minimum of 5 if printed from digital images. If a combined method is used, then a minimum of 2 cards are made. Advancements are optional and go beyond the essential project requirements.
The materials used in this project are cardstock, glue, a cutting knife, scissors, a computer, Adobe Illustrator, Ipad, and the Cricut machine.
The final deliverable of this assignment is an uploaded single PDF file which consists of 3 images of the final composition with labels and notes if needed.
Ideation
Our first-in-class activity was to go outside and collect a minimum of 10 images of natural forms.
Exercise #1: Tessellation Making
On a square piece of paper, we sketch out some of the natural forms we took pictures of prior.
Natural forms Sketches
Then we cut a line vertically down the middle of the page and flip both sides.
Picture Flipped
Then the same process was repeated but horizontally this time.
Horizontal cut and switch of both sides.
This a now a tessellation each side of the paper will always match the other (parallel) side. We took a picture of this and imported it into the Illustrator app on the IPad. We repeated this pattern to see the tessellation form.
Tessellation on Illustrator
Then we did more practice with tessellations of more complex shapes. For this tessellation, we labeled each side 1, 2, 3, and 4 cut a shape out of the 1/2 side, and taped them on the opposite sides.
Tessellation of more complex shapes
Then I practiced making another tessellation with Illustrator using the same methods above.
Illustrator Tessellation
We were introduced to how to use the Cricut and learned how to import things made on illustrator into the Cricket to cut.
Cricut Cutter
Exercise #2: Abstractions using a Grid:
We then start working on our abstractions of natural forms using the images we took in the beginning. We start by making a grid with 4 rows:
Row 1 consists of the photographs we took of nature
Row 2 explores principle elements: using proportion, scale, balance, size, etc., and basic shape relationships seen in these natural forms
Row 3 depicts the direction and movement
Row 4 illustrates different components that make it unique
Row 5 shows the value and color
Research:
I began researching some more pattern ideas and finding inspiration for my card design.
Koi Fish Fish scales Fish Scales #2 Fish Scales #3 Mountain Spider Web Flower
Patterns found in nature
I sketch some ideas I could use for my card design.
Fish Idea Water Idea
Spider Web Idea
I liked both the fish and the water idea because there are a lot of great patterns seen in both forms and they pair well together.
I go on Pinterest to find more inspiration on fish/ water illustrations and compositions.
I liked the idea of the layering of the water, having a gradient effect. It creates a sort of depth as the water gets darker in the middle.
Water Layering Effect Coffee Water Layering Effect
I also want to incorporate the pattern of scales seen on a fish.
Fish Scale Pattern
After that, I begin testing some different ideas and making prototypes.
Prototype #1
I wanted to make it 3D so I wedged tape between the water layers. I also tried having the fish in the back jump over the pond using a folded piece of paper connected to the top of the card. I thought the 3D elements in this design weren’t very stable so I wanted to try something different.
Prototype #2
I wanted to focus more on the scale/ pattern of the fish. Using a circled stencil I found in our classroom, I picked a circle that was a good size for the card and began making multiple circles. I begin to arrange them in a circular layered pattern. This represents both the water and the scales of the fish. I liked this idea much more and decided to move forward with this design.
I wanted to add movement to the design. I wanted to come up with a way to make the fish move or spin. I made a little T-shaped device out of paper. The vertical part of the T sticks through a small hole while the horizontal part of the T sits on top of the paper so that you could spin it from underneath. And anything attached to the horizontal part of the T can spin
I research items that resemble my T-shaped device and I find something called brass fasteners which were exactly what I needed.
Iteration and Production:
I decided to use different colors in my final design. I wanted to use blue to represent the water and orange. Orange and blue are directly opposite on the color wheel so they go well with each other.
First measured the circles from the stencil and then made them in illustrator. I picked 3 different size circles: a large medium and a small from the stencil.
I send it to the cricket and cut out the circles. I wanted the larger circles to be on the outside and the circles to become smaller as you move into the circle. The large circles are light and the smaller circles are dark to create a gradient effect. I tested the colors in black and white and you can see the difference between all the colors.
Color Circles Black and white circles
Then I started assembling the circle
Assembling the Circle
I poked a hole in the center and placed the bass fastener on the inside.
Back of the Card Front of the Card
The Stencil of a Fish Colored and Attached to The Brass Fasteners
I glued a white rectangle on the top of the inside so that any notes written could be legible
For the envelope, I took a sheet of cardstock and folded both sides and the bottom. I made sure to make the envelope slightly larger than the card itself so that it would fit. The flaps are about 1 inch thick and will be glued to the other side of the envelope.
I decided to make a layered water design in the front so I took the different shades of blue I had and cut out the waves and putting on top of one another.
Layer 1
Layer 2
Layer 3
Layer 4
Layers Combined
This is then glued to the flaps/ bottom of the envelope.
I wanted to also make a fish pattern on the front of the envelope. I made a fish scale shape in illustrator and duplicated it to fill the entire page. I sent it to the Cricut to cut my design out. Instead of using the cutouts, I decided to use the outline of the design. I glue this to the white part of the envelope and cut out the top of the envelope to match the shape of the scales.
I printed it out in 2 shades of orange. The dark orange color against the white paper creates contrast and makes the scales stand out.
Front of the envelope
Reflection
Through this assignment, I have learned how to create patterns in techniques such as Illustrator and Cricut. The Cricut was such a useful tool to use for this assignment. I also got to make multiple prototypes and test out some of my ideas which is a really important part of the design process. I was able to learn more about color theory methods to see if the colors I chose had enough contrast so that they can be viewable to all audiences. I was able to practice and stren
Final Work
