DES03 : Two-Dimensional Design

Instructor: Jason Travers

Afternoon section: M/W 1:10 pm - 4:00pm Night section: M/W 7:10 pm - 10:00pm
Art Dept. Phone: 83610 Office Hours: (CU203) By appointment
E-Mail: [email protected] / [email protected]
Web Address: http://www.jtravers.com (course listed under Design Foundations)

Course Objective: This class will present the fundamentals of two-dimensional design through the use of creative
assignments and critical discussion. Using a variety of traditional materials and techniques, as well as digital media,
students will explore the concepts of line, form, shape, value, texture, space and color.

Text:
Art Fundamentals
Ocvirk, Stinson, Wigg, Bone, Cayton
Readings from the text will be required and are of fundamental importance to the course.
Readings will be followed by periodic quizzes.
Other recommended texts:
Visual Quickstart Guide: Photoshop CS6 / Illustrator CS6
Elaine Weinmann and Peter Lourekas
Design Principles & Problems - Fischer/Zelanski
The Art of Color - Johannes Itten, Interaction of Color - Josef Albers

Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes, lectures and field trips. Absences must be accompanied by the
appropriate Dean’s or doctor’s excuse to be validated. More than two unexcused absences will result in a lowering of
the final grade. Each additional absence will lower the grade five percentage points. Two cuts for first and second-year
students will result in a Section III Delinquency report to the Dean. Three lates to class will be equivalent to a missed
class. Students will be responsible for all material covered in classes that they have missed. Project schedules will not be
shifted and late penalties will be added to work submitted after the listed due date. The use of phones and messaging
devices is strictly prohibited during class time. Students may listen to music through headphones during working
periods only. Eating is not permitted in the studio during class.

If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting accommodations, please contact both your instructor
and the Office of Academic Support Services, University Center 212 (610-758-4152) as early as possible in the semester.
You must have documentation from the Academic Support Services office before accommodations can be granted.
Lehigh University endorses The Principles of Our Equitable Community. We expect each member of this class to
acknowledge and practice these Principles. Respect for each other and for differing viewpoints is a vital component of
the learning environment inside and outside the classroom.

Grading Policy: The final grade will be averaged from the following:

Projects - 60%
Sketchbook - 10%
Quizzes - 10%
Critique Grade - 10%
Final Project - 10%

Any grade concerns should be addressed before the end of the semester.
Final grades will not be altered under any circumstances.

Projects: Projects will be introduced during class and may consist of various parts. Work is expected to be presented and
mounted cleanly as required. In addition to graded assignments, in class assignments will be collected and reviewed
using a ten point scale. Completion of in-class exercises will be factored into the cumulative project grade. Student work
may be reproduced for sample material in print and on-line.
Project grades will be lowered five points per class for late completion (includes work not complete or mounted by crit)
Students may request to resubmit projects for an improved grade. Resubmissions will be graded and averaged with the
original grade for a final grade.
Major project grades are based on the following criteria (25% each):
Solution to Project as Given - This is the overall assessment of the project based on the criteria of the problem (ie. 21=B,
22=B+ 23= A-, etc). Additional points will be deducted from this category if restrictions of the solution are not followed
(ie size, format or other specific instructions.)
Aesthetics & Creativity - Assessment based on the level of creativity and overall quality of the design.
Craftsmanship - Overall quality of the work based on execution of craft. Includes quality of line work, neatness of
surface, clean cut and paste construction and general quality of execution.
Presentation- Assessment of final presentation of solution. Includes neat and even mounting on proper sized mount.

Critiques: Students will be required to participate in group critiques and topical discussions. These will promote
dialogue as a learning tool, as students will be expected to constructively express critical analysis. Students will also be
expected to take notes during critiques, and written analysis will be reviewed with the sketchbook.

Sketchbooks: A sketchbook will be required for thumbnailing and brainstorming design problems. Students will learn
the importance of recording and reviewing ideas in rough forms. Additional sketchbook assignments meant to stimulate
creative thought will be assigned weekly and will be reviewed at mid-term and again at the conclusion of the seme­­ster.

Supplies: A $75 lab fee is included with the course. The lab fee will provide a basic kit of supplies and additional
communal class supplies and will also supplement general studio infrastructure. Replacement kit supplies will be
available for purchase during the semester. Storage is available in CU208 and personal locks are highly recommended
for use with drawers.

SUPPLY LIST
Kit Supplies
Strathmore Sketchbook, 9 x 12
Lumograph Sketchset (6 pencils/Vinyl Eraser/Sharpener)
Micron Pen, .50MM
Tru Ray Black Construction Paper, 9 x 12
Alvin Cutting Mat, 12" x 18"
X-acto Knife and replacement blades
Stainless steel ruler, 18"
Drafting Tape
Rubber Cement
Rubber Cement Pick-up
Acrylic Paint Set (6 colors 120ML)
Lid Container
Compass
Assorted Paint brushes
Reclosable Pencil Bag
Communal Supplies
StudioTac/Letratac Dry Adhesive / Glue Sticks
18 x 24 Drawing Paper
Other suggested supplies:
USB Storage Device
Fine & medium point black permanent pens
Erasing shield
Scissors
Triangle
Circle or shape templates
French curve or curve designer
Tuff Stuff Erasing Stick and eraser refills (large and small sizes)
ArtBin Storage Container
Note: This schedule is intended as a general guide to course projects and is subject to change. Exact dates and
requirements will be issued in class.

1/19 - Introduction
General introduction of course outline, including grading policies, classroom and attendance requirements.
Reading Assignment: Chapter 1: Introduction (pp26-32) & Chapter 2 : Form
Homework: Students will be asked to locate and identify an intriguing example of design in contemporary two-
dimensional media and write a brief critical summation of their choice.

1/21- After reviewing and discussing the introductory assignment, students

will explore the realm of compositional possibilities by exploring a single
observed subject through the use of thumbnail sketches.
Three final compositions will be created from the sketches.
Reading Assignment: Chapter 3: Line

LINE
1/26 - 1/28 -Project: Subdivision of a Groundsheet
Using cut and paste techniques with black construction paper , students will create
four 8”x 10” compositions on white groundsheets that divide the page into a design
that emphasizes line, but develops interest in how the space is subdivided.
Composition A will utilize only straight horizontal and vertical lines. Composition
B will utilize only diagonal lines. Compositional C will utilize only curved lines
and Composition D will be the combination of at least one of each line type.
Four compositions will be mounted and submitted for critique on 2/2

SHAPE
2/2-2/4 Project : Changing Identity of a Shape
Using a 4” black square as a starting point, students will create from the
cut pieces an 8”x10” composition of shapes in which observers will not
recognize the original square. In a second composition, students will be
asked to create a design that still looks like a square or looks as if it could
easily return to a square.
Project : Black on White/ White on Black
Students will demonstrate creativity with shape and composition in two
cut and paste compositions. Composition A will feature 5 black shapes
arranged on a white groundsheet. Composition B will feature 5 white
shapes arranged on a black groundsheet. Four compositions will be mounted
and submitted for critique on 2/9
Reading Assignment: Chapter 8: Space

SPACE
2/9-2/11 - Introduction to Perspective
Beginning with basic theory, students will be introduced to the basics of one-point
linear perspective.
Project: Students will be required to create an invented composition that utilizes
one-point perspective.
Due for critique 2/16
2/16 - Golden Section - Demonstrations of basic root rectangles and terminology
will precede exploration of the system for compositional purposes.
INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL MEDIA
(Lecture classes will meet in the Digital Media Studio)
2/18- Introduction to Macintosh
The fundamental operations of the computer and its terminology will be explained in most basic terms. The
Macintosh operating system will be introduced and explored in a guided tour of the system. Important features will
be highlighted and discussed, including server usage, general file maintenance and saving procedures.
Introduction to Photoshop
This introductory lecture will focus on basic screen navigation as well as an introduction to the Photoshop tool box.
Exercise: Mr. Melon Head - This project will introduce selection tools, copy and paste commands and basic layer
functions.

2/23 - Photo Retouching

The basics of image editing will be introduced in a photo retouching tutorial.
Exercise: Following the tutorial, students will correct poor quality photographs using the previously introduced
techniques.

2/25 - Introduction to Image Effects and Filters - Creative Exploration

Exercise: Students will explore the creative options of Photoshop through an exploration of the filter menu.
Students will be required to demonstrate the use of filters in five different image files.

3/2-3/4 - Project: Self-Portrait

Students will be expected to utilize multiple images and the creative effects of Photoshop in
order to create a non-traditional self-portrait. Although images of the student are not required,
the capabilities of the program should be utilized to create an image that focuses on the
character and personality of the artist. Final image may be color or grayscale.
Due mounted for critique 3/16 (No classes Spring Break 3/9-3/11)

3/16 -Introduction to Adobe Illustrator

Differences between vector and raster-based programs will be examined with the introduction of Illustrator. The
majority of time will be spent working with the pen and selection tools to gain an understanding of vector editing.
Exercise 1: Drawing with the Pen -Introduction to the pen and selection tools.
Exercise 2: Students will practice vector drawing by tracing over a line art image.

3/18-3/23 - Project: Alphabet Soup - Students will focus on the typographic capabilities
of Illustrator to create a composition made only of the twenty-six letters of the alphabet.
Multiple type faces, outlined text variations, path and area type are all available for use,
but no color is permitted (composition may contain varieties of gray including gradients).
Emphasis will be on organizing complex elements through use of selection tools,
arrangement commands, layers and other organizational systems.
Due mounted for critique 3/25
Reading Assignment: Chapter 6: Texture

TEXTURE
3/25-3/30 - Project - Digital Texture Composition
Using a digital camera, students will spend the first class photographing a vast
array of textures. Images can range from minimal to complex and should explore
the tactile qualities of the subject in an abstract way. During the second working
period, students will integrate the texture photographs into a creative Photoshop
composition. The full range of effects in Photoshop may be utilized including color
and value adjustments, filters and blending modes. Emphasis will be on creating
a dynamic abstract composition. No additional elements other than the original
source photos may be used in the composition.
Due at start of class 4/1 ; Reading Assignment: Chapter 7: Color
COLOR
4/1 - Exercise: Mixing Colors
Using acrylic paint, students will cover a 3” square with small swatches of mixed color. No color should be
repeated.
4/6-Exercise: Vibrating Edges
Students will create a cut paper design with two colors that, when placed together, create simultaneous contrast.
Exercise: Making 3 Colors 4
Students will choose two colors to use as groundsheets, then find a third color that when placed on these
groundsheets will develop different qualities on each. The result should appear to be a total of four different
colors.

4/8- Project: Color

Four unique cut and paste compositions will be created utilizing the same four color
palette. There is no limit on how much or little color is used but each color must be
present in each composition. The four colors should be harmonious and represent a full
range of value (from dark to light). The ground sheet may consist of a single color or be
subdivided. Saturation levels and color schemes should be consistent. Tints and shades
may be used, but black, white and grays may not.
Due mounted for critique 4/20

4/13- Color and Emotive Response

Using only non-representational mark making and color, students will create compositions based entirely on
responses to emotive words.
4/15 -Slide Critique of Masterworks
Students will be expected to critically analyze both formal aesthetics and content in presented
two-dimensional works.

FINAL PROJECT
4/20-4/29 - Playing Card Redesign
Beginning with a standard playing card, students will create a redesigned
composition based on research of an assigned artist. General aesthetic
characteristics should be incorporated into the image based on research of the
specific artist. Final image size will be 17.5” x 12.5” ( 5 times actual card size)
and should be mounted or include at least a one inch border. Materials and
surface will be the students choice.
Due for final critique at start of class 4/29