For this project we will investigate how the element of chance may be used as a starting point when creating an artwork. Each element within your design will be chosen at random; you will then use your random choices to create a design with a dynamic composition using all of the tools you have learned. You will also choose a word at random. This word will serve as the concept (idea/subject matter) for your piece. For example, if you choose the word “frigid”, your task will be to create a design that eludes to the word “frigid”. Form and content should always be carefully utilized to support the idea behind your piece.
- Creative Brainstorming: Specific techniques for generating many ideas and possibilities either individually or collectively. Creative brainstorming encourages a non-judgmental attitude, rapid generation of ideas, record-keeping, and a willingness to push to the edges for strange and unexpected possibilities within a limited time-frame.
- Form and Content: Physical forms and compositional principles can and should reinforce the content of any work. Content may include your emotional, intellectual, symbolic, spiritual, and/or narrative intentions, as well as subject matter (the imagery included within a piece). Unity of form and content is important to communicating an idea or message feature in any work of art or design.
Materials:
| 9”x12” Drawing Paper | 14”x17” Bristol Board |
| PITT Pens (black) | Rubber Cement |
| Unconventional Material (chosen in class) | Ruler |
Directions:
Step 1: Choose 4 numbers at random from the pile provided in class. Refer to the chart below to see what each of your numbers correspond with, circle each of your randomized choices:
| Blue: Shape
1- Circles 2- Triangles 3- Squares/Rectangles 4- Biomorphic Shapes |
Red: Design Tool
1- Repetition 2- Implied Line 3- Directional Conflict 4- Visual Texture |
| Purple: Word (theme for your design)
1- Rhythm 2- Graceful 3- Jittery 4- Ephemeral 5- Aggressive |
Yellow: Unconventional Material
1- Black Tape 2- Black Thread & Needle 3- Reinforcement Stickers 4- Black Ink Pad |
Step 2: In your sketchbook: Do 4 separate experiments with your unconventional material. How can you use it to create line, value, shape, and/or texture?
Step 3: In your sketchbook: Using your PITT pens AND your unconventional material, create at least 4 thumbnail sketches that incorporate each of the random elements that you chose. The design may include other elements as well. Remember that your goal is create a visually interesting design with the following criteria:
- a unified and dynamic composition
- a focal point
- variation of line
- broad value scale (refer to the value scales you created)
- figure/ground relationships
- sense of space through size, overlapping, atmospheric perspective, and/or linear perspective
- the entire picture plane should be activated
Other design tools to consider utilizing:
- Directional Dominance
- texture (visual &/or actual)
- repetition/proximity/continuation
- the grid
Step 4: On 9” x 12” Drawing paper: Choose your strongest composition and recreate it on your 9” x 12” drawing paper using both your unconventional material and PITT pens. Your drawing should take up the ENTIRE page, don’t forget to consider all of your negative space!
Step 5: Once your drawing is complete, mount it on the 14”x17” piece of bristol board using your rubber cement glue. Make sure the drawing is centered; use your ruler to create guidelines with pencil before gluing.
E-PORTFOLIO
Once you complete the project:
- Document the final image at 300ppi and upload it to your online e-portfolio.
- Writing Assignment: In paragraph form, answer the questions below to complete your written self-critique (do not include the actual questions). Use correct grammar and spelling for each of your writing assignments. Refer to the assigned reading and the in-class slideshow to help you with proper use of the vocabulary. Remember that you can review the slideshow on our class website.
Answer each of the following in full sentences:
- Describe how your design incorporates each of the design words you chose at random and your unconventional material.
- Does your design include a full value range and display variation of line and mark-making?
- How did you convey your concept through the use of the elements and principles of design? Your concept is the word that you chose at random.
- How can you improve this design? Remember that we learn just as much from our failures than from our achievements!
- Add your writing assignment to your e-portfolio on the same page as the image of your project. I recommend that you type this as a word document and save it before pasting it into your e-portfolio.
- Label both the image and writing with the project number and title: Project #8: Organizing the Random
Both the image & the writing assignment should be uploaded to your wordpress e-portfolio BEFORE class! Take note of when the classroom is open and available for you to use the computers and/or scanners.
2D Design 