Digital Foundations

Project Description

Artists and graphic designers communicate with images. We as humans have a visual language, not just a written one. We have a language made of images that we use to communicate every day. This project is designed to challenge and improve your skills as well as to introduce you to ways to invent new words and sentences in a visual manner. As I noted before, these are skills needed by all visual and graphic artists.

You will choose a word in class “from the hat.” This word describes an object which you will now go find images of in the library or on the internet. Your goal will be to alter the image--- subtract from, add to, distort, etc.

You will change, subvert, enhance the word's “original” meaning by making it communicate one of the of the following:

• aggression
• ethereality
• nationalism
• absurdity
• sexuality
• spirituality
• substantiality
• exoticism
• futuristic
• antiquated
• desirable
• utilitarian
• superfluous
• lethargy

You will choose only four of the words above to be communicated in four separate images, all incorporating the original image/object in some form. In other words, create four images, each one should communicate only one of the above words.

About Definitions

Definitions of words often have multiple entries in the dictionary. Generally it is best to choose the most common defninition. This is often the definition listed first or second and they are marked 1 or 2. Look at the entries for ethereal below.

Recommended Process

• Write down the definition of each term.
• Write down related ideas.
• Draw in your sketchbook.
• Make lists of related concepts.
• Draw more in your sketchbook.

Goals

• To further refine image editing skills
• To further refine ability to create visual metaphors and to think visually
• Improvepresentation skills
• To encourage and practice creative thinking

Reading / Review

Javier Jaen presentation at Adobe Max. October 2024. Click blue "watch" button.
JavierJaen.com

Requirements for Finished Works

• Each image must be presented with a uniform and even ¹/₂ inch to 1 inch border on all sides.
• Each image must be at least 10 inches in the smallest dimension
• Create four separate images
• 300 pixels per inch for printing. This is a must. I will not print images that are not at the proper resolution and scale.
• Consistency of presentation
• Each image must be labeled on the back as to which word your intend to communicate, BEFORE critique.
• Professional presentation

Project Materials

1. USB drive.
2. Colored pencils, sketchbook, markers, pens
3. Camera, scanners and other input devices
4. Public domain websites like Pexels.com for high resolution images

Grade Rubric

As always originality, craftmanship, presentation, and uniqueness of your solutions will be considered in determining your grade with the most original and highest craft receiving the best grades. For critique be prepared to discuss your process and how your work communicates the selected metaphor with the class.

• 10% quality presentation
• 40% effective communication of desired outcome
• 50% demonstration of art and design principles to achieve original and well crafted images.

Class Rules

No cell phones may be used during class. CELL PHONES MUST BE TURNED OFF during class. If you are using a cell phone during class you may have your grade dropped by one letter grade for each instance.

Subject Matter

Lilli

purse

Evan

teapot

Kloey

watch

Emilie

hat

Peter

hamburger

Kasey

block of cheese

Ciara

key

Garrett

evergreen tree

Theo

bottle

Elizabeth

chair

Jay

coffee mug

Nani

candy cane

Emma

butterfly

Robert

goat