The objective of this project is to undergo and understand simplification, interpretation and transformation throughout the design process.

Take a letterform and an object and create a transformation between the two within a 5-panel sequence. This should be achieved by exploring different spatial relationships and changes between elements. You should experiment with various relationships between contrasting visual forces such as positive vs. negative, organic vs. geometric, form vs. counterform, heavy vs. light, large vs. small, vertical vs. horizontal, in-line vs. circular, straight vs. oblique.

Process
You will choose one object and one letterform (from the typefaces that are available from the back of the book) and combine these two elements into a unique visual transformation. The objects should be relatively the same size, this might mean enlarging and reducing with xeroxes).

Think of simplification, interpretation, & transformation, through addition/subtraction, proportion/ weight change, common/contrasting forms & common/contrasting textures.

You will start with several series of sketches to narrow your efforts and finalize a design to be centered on an 8” x 8” layout and pasted onto a matte board with a 1” border all around (final size 10”x10”). This project will be hand-rendered using your rulers and french curves and finalized with micron pens & black gouache. Ultimately, the class will choose one of your compositions to be re-rendered in Adobe Illustrator to function as a logo mark for the fictional company your object represents.

Your project will be graded on creativity and composition (relationships between the two elements), craft (cleanliness and detail), and daily critiqued (project progress).

Materials & Final Presentation
+ Sketch & tracing paper
+ Kneaded eraser
+ Black Gouache
+ Pencils and Micron pens
+ Fine brush
+ 5, 10” x 10” Matte boards with each design/stage visually centered
+ Final presentation should be flapped with tracing and black paper.

Project Schedule
October 14 / Project 3 assigned. Ideation. Explore 3 concepts.
October 16 / Preliminary sketches. Class critique. Working class.
October 21 / Revised sketches. Individual critiques. Working class.
October 23 / Revised sketches. Class critique. Working class.
October 28 / Revised sketches. Class critique. Working class.
October 30 / Revised sketches. Individual critiques. Working class.
November 4 / Finalize/Mount Project 3.
November 6 / Project 3 due. Class critique.

Image: Karel Martens

2024_Project 3

Class Objects & Letters
Class Objects