This course is an introduction to the elements and principles of design including basic compositional theory, graphic design methodology and production and presentation skills. Emphasis is placed on technical proficiency in the handling of tools and materials and the mastery of a visual language via basic problem-solving.
The required textbook for this course is Basic Visual Concepts and Principles for Artists, Architects and Designers by Charles Wallschlaeger and Cynthia Busic-Snyder. The text emphasizes a traditional problem-solving approach to the creation of both abstract and representational compositions in both two- and three-dimensional space.
GRAPHIC COMPOSITIONS
This unit provides an introduction to the creation, analysis and documentation of a series of simple compositions, using the attributes of scale, value, proportion, size, dimension and overlap (or interposition) within a specific format. Concepts of positive and negative space with regard to figure/ground relationships are explored. Emphasis of the exercise is to develop students' observation, visual documentation of a formal problem-solving process and visual vocabulary skills. Students discover the effect of size on the recognition of compositional figures as they change from representational to abstract in each progressive composition.
Problem Statement: Using one letterform or numeral AND one basic geometric shape, students are asked to develop a series of four visual solutions exploring and experimenting with the conceptual ideas of highly representational, representational, abstract representational and abstract with respect to legibility and readability in a two-dimensional composition. Students are encouraged to utilize the "Interrelationships of form," concepts as described by Wucious Wong.
BLACK SQUARES
This unit provides an introduction to the creation, analysis and documentation of a simple composition, using the attributes of scale, value, proportion, size, dimension and depth within a specific format. Concepts of positive and negative space with regard to figure/ground relationships are explored. Emphasis of the exercise is to develop students' observation, visual documentation of a formal problem-solving process, and visual vocabulary skills.
Using 4 or more black squares in each solution, students create a series of graphic compositions that best express the meaning of the following words: grow, dependent, order, contradict, playful, precarious, quiet, and congested.