Homework Due

  1. Complete the design thinking Mind Map and writing that we started last class.
  2. Bring in the three curiosity artifacts (actual objects or photos of objects) that you identified in your mind map.
  3. A new image posted to the Visual Library that demonstrates the vocabulary word: Economy (Less is More). Add the tag: Economy to your post.

Materials for THIS CLASS

** Note: if you are unable to purchase these items due to financial aid delays, pleasecontact me BEFORE the next class.

Visual Library (15 min)

The Visual Library is part of your Participation grade. When prompts are given, such as “add an image that represents the visual concept: Economy” you will be given credit for that prompt. The more you contribute (following the guidelines), the better your grade!

Let’s take a look at the images you posted to the Visual Library, specifically those posted using the tag: Economy, but also any that could be described with the terms Organic shape, Geometric shape, Figure (positive space), Ground (negative space), and Unity.

New Vocabulary (15 min)

Figure/Ground: The relationship between positive and negative space. Figure and ground are equally important compositional elements.
Turner Duckworth

Stable Figure/Ground:  A figure/ground relationship that is demonstrated when a form stands clearly apart from its background. A stable figure-ground will generally have an imbalance of figure and ground (70%/30% or visa versa), but the compositions feel unified. The ground “supports” or surrounds the figure.
John Currin | Henri Rousseau | Coca Cola

Ambiguous Figure/Ground: A figure/ground relationship that challenges the viewer to find a point of focus. The figure and ground seem unclear. An ambiguous figure-ground will generally have a closer balance of figure and ground (50%/50%) and the differentiation between figure and ground become blurred. Often the figure (positive space) will intersect the boundaries of the frame.
Casa Rex | Coca Cola Campaign | Juan Gris

Peer Critique: Mind Map (30 min)

You will be paired with a partner to share your mind map and provide feedback.

  1. Read and reread the Project Guidelines before providing feedback.
  2. When you critique another designer’s work, your job is to understand the designer’s goals and provide feedback to help them to achieve those goals.
  3. Based on the Project Guidelines discuss what is successful and what needs improvement.

Project #1: Define (15 min)

Thumbnail Sketching – Lynda.com
[Access with NYPL card]

Let’s read through the guidelines for the Define phase of this project. We will be reviewing concepts, asking questions, creating lots of thumbnail sketches, and then refining them in preparation for the Development phase of the project.

Lab (1 hr 15 min)

  • Work on your thumbnail sketches.
  • Individual meetings with Professor.

Homework

  1. Following the guidelines for refining your thumbnail sketches and bring a refined sketch to class.
  2. Come prepared (see materials list) to work on your inked sketches in class!
  3. If you didn’t contribute to the Visual Library yet this week, do so! Consider adding an image that represents ambiguous figure-ground.

Materials needed for NEXT CLASS