Project 1

Project 1: What is an Image and How Does it Mean? 
January 11 – February 06

In this first project you will develop manual sketches into digital (vector) drawings using Adobe Illustrator, creating abstract, non-representational shapes and simple symbolic forms in a fixed space, using a variety of tools, methods, and organizing principles.

Project 1 Readings
Arranging Things – Koren: January 18
‘Image’ definition, Wikipedia: January 18
Communication Models – Davis: January 18
Nature of Representation – Davis: January 25
Invisible Cities – Italo Calvino: January 30

Intro Lecture
Spring 2017 Intro Lecture.pdf

Weekend Tutorial Schedule
Tutorials are strongly encouraged and will take place in the same computer lab where we have our class. Seats may be limited, so you may have to double up on computers.

Illustrator Tutorial #1: Sunday, Jan 22
Session 1 -12pm – 2pm
Session 2 – 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Illustrator Tutorial #2: Sunday, Jan 29
Session 1 -12pm – 2pm
Session 2 – 2:30pm – 4:30pm

Project 1.1: Literacy: January 18 –January 23
Project 1.1 – Updated 1/11/17
Project 1.1 Examples
visual literacy: image analysis, translation/abstraction/repetition
Discuss assigned readings, bring a sound recording to class and describe—identify source, media, visual character. Review reduction strategies for the audio, translate/draw your interpretation in Illustrator; develop as repeating unit in a pattern composition.
Final + 6 studies, 1-color (black and white)
 Bring in a field recording (30 seconds – minute) to class on January 18

UPDATES TO PROJECT
1. In class I went over how to print from a PDF. You can also print from Illustrator, the directions for how to do this are here.

 

2. You will also notice that the project final work should be 10.5″ x 10.5″.  This means that you need to print on paper larger than the standard 8.5″ x 11″. The Phaser prints on Tabloid paper, which is sized to 11″ x 17″. You should set your Final Layout page to this size, and then place your Final Image inside this image. 

I have made a short video tutorial on how to do this, please watch: 

 

3. As stated in class, please come to class on Monday with your studies and your final image for Project 1.1 printed out before coming to class. You do not need to submit it online before class, we will go over how to do that during class on Monday.  

Communication Models – Davis: January 18
Arranging Things – Koren: January 18
‘Image’ definition, Wikipedia: January 18

Project 1.2: Meaning: January 23 –January 30
Project 1.2 – Updated 1/9/17
Project 1.2 Examples
symbolic representation: visual research, reduction
Design a symbol for a contemporary or fictional problem. Research and appropriate/adapt/hybrid designs using existing vector symbol libraries.
Final + 6 studies, 2-color (black and white plus 1-color)
Bring three hand drawn studies to class on Wednesday, 1/25 for 1.2. These can be simply drawn. We’ll be using class time to work on these projects.
Nature of Representation – Davis: January 25

Project 1.3: Abstraction: January 30 – February 06
Project 1.3 – Updated 1/30/17
Project 1.3 Examples
Abstract interpretation of a city from Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities
Reading: Invisible Cities – Italo Calvino. January 30
Final + 6 studies, Full color