Syllabus
ART 150
2 DIMENSIONAL DESIGN
Instructor:Paul Wittenbraker, wittenbp@gvsu.edu
http://look.gvsu.edu:8000/f82d
Course Description: This is an introductory course in two-dimensional design. By stressing design principles, this course is intended to change the way you look at visual media. As the semester progresses, we will work understand various concepts; you are encouraged to take an accumulative approach throughout the course regarding these concepts. Classes will consist of studio work, slide presentations and individual and group critiques. Students will work on assigned problems in and outside of class.
Projects will be done by hand and on the computer. Illustrator will be used, and to a lesser extent, Photoshop. Craftsmanship is of the utmost importance. This should encompass neat and precise cutting, attaching or painting, as well as the use of exact measurements. Poor craftsmanship not only exhibits poor professionalism, but also hinders the effectiveness of your solutions to the assignments.
Course objectives:
1. Understand that composition is fundamentally important to all areas of visual art.
2. Understand and utilize visual elements successfully.
3. Become more aware of visual relationships.
4. Understand and apply principles of design to compose more effectively.
5. Think critically about design.
6. Solve problems more effectively by developing a variety of approaches to generate ideas.
7. Encourage creativity and risk taking.
8. Develop good craftsmanship and a professional attitude.
9. Experience working with a few different media.
10. Understand and use basic visual terms in talking about art.
11. Understanding the historic and ideological context of 2d Design.
Course Requirements:
1. Students must attend class fully, regularly and punctually.
2. Students must work on projects in and outside of class.
Students must turn in the assignments on the due date. Late assignments will receive a significantly lower score. Absence on the due date does not change things.
3. Students are expected to participate in group critiques and discussions.
Attendance:
Attendance is mandatory. It is taken at the beginning of class. If you are late find an appropriate time to ask me to mark you here. Otherwise you’ll remain marked absent. Each absence impacts your grade. Over five absences of any kind will result in an automatic “F”.
Grades:
Grades will not be inflated. They will accurately reflect the quality of your work. An “A” means exceptional, excellent, a ”B” means good, a ”C” means average, and a “D” means poor. Final course grades will be based upon the solutions to the problems, the vocabulary test, and attendance. Studio problems will be given equal weight. They will be evaluated on your effectiveness in solving the problem, originality, depth and craftsmanship. The final exam will be equal to one project. Attendance and participation will be 1/3 of your final grade.
Course Content:
1. Line
2. Value
3. Shape/volume
4. Space
5. Figure/ground relationship
6. Linear structure/continuations
7. Value structure/interpenetration
8. Similarity grouping – repetition, rhythm and pattern
9. Proximity grouping
10. Closure
11. Balance
12. Variety, contrast, emphasis and focal point
13. Vocabulary test
Supplies:
18” x 24” newsprint pad
Vinyl eraser and pencil
Scissors
Illustration board for each project – cold pressed (textured)
Portfolio – nylon, paper or vinyl
Art supply box, or portable storage for tools and things.
X-acto knife and blades (get the box w/lots of blades 15)
Utility knife/ blades
30o/60o/90o triangle
Permanent photo spray mount or 3M super 77 adhesive
- or Rubber cement but it is not permanent.
- or wheat paste which is the greenest solution – takes some
T-square
24” metal ruler (cork back is best- if not you can put masking tape on the back)
Self-healing cutting board
Small jar for holding water
Glue stick
Regular roll scotch tape
1 GB thumb drive
Notebook or something to keep readings and instruction
We’ll output some things to the digital print shop. (aprox. $30)