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Concept Statement

Through the use of Bristol and black paper, one digital and one physical composition display the word “sway” using squares, circles, and negative space.

Research

In class we went over the different principle of design in more depth. I began to focus my attention in seeing those principles in everyday objects around me to get a better understanding of the concepts.

Exercises

In this exercise, we created new shapes using circles, triangles, and squares. Here are a few ideas/iterations I created in class.

To view full exercise iteration view PDF Shape Iterations

“Rest”= Geometric static using balance.

”Sit”= Curve and Linear static using balance.

“Sleep”=Geometric dynamic using movement

”Swamy”=Curve and Linear dynamic using movement

This was an exercise we did in class to to get us familiar with creating new shapes and using Adobe Illustrator. In my geometric pieces, I created the shapes by connecting the points from multiple (circles). My curve and linear shapes were also created through a combination of circles.

Some feedback I received was that my geometric dynamic picture (top right) could be perceived as somewhat static. In the future, I would change the placement of the line to create a more mobile effect.

In addition to the digital exercise, we also completed one on paper. I quickly learned that cutting precise lines and curves can be extremely difficult. Also, I added too much glue, which made my work look messy.

We then repeated the exercise with just one shape to try and improve our technique. Making the curves smooth still proved to be a challenge, but I limited the amount of glue I used, which was very helpful.

Iterations

I decided to focus on the word “sway” using movement and specifically rhythm to portray it. I played with rhythm by changing the sizes of the shapes and their orientation.

To view full iterations view PDF Shape iterations

I found it difficult to think of the negative shapes, so instead of thinking of just one string of shapes, I began to expand out and use the whole page. This allowed there to be more negative shapes. I experimented with angles and placements of shapes to create a flow as seen in the PDF.

Production

I started this process digitally, trying to perfect my shape. I was going back and forth between a few options (in Shape Iterations pdf), and I ultimately decided to do something different from both of them. I found it difficult to include the negative shapes into the final product because I was too focused on the positive shapes.

To make physical composition as accurate as possible, I printed out an 8×8 picture of the digital composition. I then cut out the individual shapes like stencils to make sure they were the same size. I still used my ruler/right triangle to make my lines straight. I also drew on the back of the stencil so when I outlined the other side, it left soft marks showing where to cut.

These are a couple pictures of one of the stencils I created/used.

After I got all my shapes cut out, I arranged them how I wanted them on my page.

I did change my shape a little bit before I glued it down. I detached a couple of circles from the middle figure to give it more movement. I also removed one of the squares on the left side to make it flow better and add variation.

Overall, I faced challenges when it came to cutting out the small shapes. They came out with some rough edges, so I used a nail file to clean them up. Also, instead of using tacky glue, I used a glue stick, which made my composition look much neater than my exercises. I have learned that details are very important to design. Going forward, I will look even closer at all of the minute details to produce my best work possible.

View final portfolio project at Point, Line, Plane