Drawing as Design Process

Course Description:

This course will focus on specific freehand drawing skills needed to be successful in the daily requirements of the advertising and commercial design fields through structural analysis of man-made and natural forms. The elements of line shape, value and spatial organization will be stressed to develop drawings suitable for inclusion in the student's design portfolio. Demonstration, discussion and formal critiques will augment studio work.

Course Compentencies

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

-Draw from observation using elementary forms and linear methods to achieve structure.

-Analyze proportion and form to build complex geometric forms.

-Create drawings using one-point, two-point, three-point and intuitive perspective techniques.

-Employ the value scale to achieve volume and mass.

-Apply rapid "visualization processes to draw objects from memory.

-Produce finished "symbol" drawings through the process of icon translation.

-Solve projects in a unique and creative manner.

-Produce content as an effective form of visual communication.

-Communicate issues of critical thinking skills though the creation of artworks and participation in the -formal critique process.

Homework:

Homework will be assigned every week or is a continuation of a current project. It is your obligation to obtain missed information. We will have group critiques on your homework, so it is imperative that your work is complete on the due date. A 9 x 12-inch spiral sketchbook should be used to draw preliminary sketches for projects and to peruse ideas outside of class. I will randomly check your sketchbook.

Presentation: Attention will be given to proper use of professional grade artist's materials and clean, neat presentation. All projects should conform to the original assignment specifications in terms of size and medium. Students will be expected to present their projects verbally to the class. Learning to work an idea through the stages of the design/drawing process is an important part of design. Therefore, thumbnails, roughs and/or preliminary sketches are to be submitted when the project is due.

Attendance: If you miss more than two classes your grade will be lowered one full letter grade from your final grade. If you miss more than three classes you risk failing the course. Please speak to me if personal issues affect your attendance.

Punctuality: Make sure you are not late. Each week, at the beginning of class, I will collect an answer to a question I will ask you in the previous class. Your answer is your attendance.

Grading:
I take into account the student’s growth, work ethic, attendance, and the ability to receive and use criticism. Assignments are very particular and the grade reflects your ability to meet the specifics of that assignment. I measure student’s class work, homework, and quantity / quality of work as evidence of development. The assignments will be viewed and discussed by faculty and your peers on the due date. Sufficient use of sketchpad will add a bonus to your final grade. When the assignments are returned, each student will receive a “grading sheet” explaining the grade. We will have student / teacher meetings throughout the semester so students understand their current progress.

A = 90-100, B = 80-89, C = 70-79, D = 60-69, F = 59-or below

70% Assignments: Assignments must be submitted on the due date (at the beginning of class) to receive full credit. Each week the assignment is late your project will be lowered one full letter grade (if you earn a C, you will receive a D).

20% Preparation: Each week students are expected to arrive to class well prepared. Preparation includes sketches (various visual ideas), possible materials to be used in a project, and research. How to research will be demonstrated in class. I will evaluate your preparation each week.

10 % class participation: during group critiques students are expected to contribute to analyzing and critical review of student work.

Weekly Content, (subject to change)

Please note that all project descriptions are located on www.jaimetreadwell.com (click student page, then click Drawing as Design Process)

Week 1-4: Project 1: Cube Constructions (isometric). Each student must have their own materials by next class.
-Additive cube construction.
-Subtractive cube construction.
-Nonrepresentational geometric form
-Nonrepresentational organic form
-Demonstrate orthographic and axonometric projection of the geometric form.
-Draw one cube construction in 3 point perspective.
-Apply value to 2 drawings using grayscale markers

Consider form and design. Also hand in sketches for each drawing

Week 4-8: Project 2: 3 point Perspective robot build: build a robot using utilitarian forms and car parts) large paper

Week 9-12: Project 3: Selecting a form from the robot drawing make an Icon translation of the utilitarian object

Week 13-15: Projetc 5: Cube to amorphous shape cross contour metamorphous (6 stages).

Final Project 5: Build a bird house (creativity counts)

Writing Across the curriculum:

Writing # 2: Self assessment and Peer assessment. Write about your work and the work of another student using post-it comments used during the critique as a source of insight. Look at the assessment concepts from the presentation from thingy to write a short paragraph of what you hope to achieve by doing this).

About the Working Process

Successful solutions often come from responsive working. Heighten your awareness during the process of working. What alternative solutions present themselves? Constantly develop your idea. Ideas evolve; ideas do not plateau. A creative mind is always aware of possibilities. A creative mind takes work and effort. Carry your sketch book with you at all times. You will not remember an idea as vivid as you do in the present. Write or draw it down. This approach allows you to develop your idea further than your original idea. Push beyond your expectations in all that you do. This process is vital toward success in all disciplines.

Grading Definitions

A- Superior, B- Above Average, C- Average, D- Below Average, F-Failure

A. Superior work of the highest quality. The "A" level student goes beyond what is
expected or required. The work demonstrates consistent creative and original
design solutions with the highest technical ability showing mastery of the tools
and techniques. The work demonstrates a sense of confidence. The "A" level
student understands artistic/historical strategies and concepts used in graphic
design/digital processes and can articulate those ideas in their work and class
discussion. The work of the "A" level student shows obvious evidence of thinking;
it conveys a sense that it is about something and involves risk-taking and informed decision making.
B. Confident, above-average work. The "B" student demonstrates professionalism in
both attitude and approach to assignments with a sound level of technical ability
that demonstrates evidence of critical-thinking skills. The "B" student contributes to class discussion and understands artistic strategies associated with graphic design and/or digital processes. Assignments are completed on time. Scores on written and practical examinations are consistent with the grade of B. Inconsistencies in concept, composition, and technique cannot warrant a higher grade.
C. Average effort and quality. The "C" student demonstrates a basic understanding
of technical control and artistic ability with a sense of real effort, but problems are not successfully resolved. Erratic technical skills with little or no sense of challenge becomes obvious. Contributes to class discussions and understands concepts used in design/digital environments. Assignments are usually completed on time. Scores on written and practical examinations are consistent with the grade of C.
D. Below Average. The "D" student meets the minimum course requirements.
Concepts are weak, lacking critical-thinking skills and technical skills are poor
requiring remedial work. Assignments are below average and/or not completed
in a timely manner. Contributions to class discussions are minimal. Scores on written and practical examinations are consistent with the grade of D. D is a passing grade, not a failure.
F. The "F" level student either does not meet all course requirements, or performs
inadequately, or both. F is a failing grade.
DCCC

PROFESSIONALISM: CLASSROOM ETTIQUITE AND SUCCESS

• Cell phones: Your ringer must be turned off during class. There are several breaks in class to check calls and text; however, you may use an internet phone for class research when allowed.
-Texting in class is not tolerated.

I do not tolerate inappropriate behavior:
Do not participate in any behavior that may distract or disrupt a learning environment. In other words, be respectful to your neighbor’s ability to learn and succeed.

• Professional behavior: We are preparing you for the professional world; now is the time to practice “professionalism”. The items listed below represent professional behavior.

-Be Punctual
-Attend Class
-Be prepared or prepare to fail
-Do not distract or interrupt the others
-Be Helpful and respectful to your peers
-Participate in a healthy learning experience
-Practice a strong work ethic
-Improve time management skills.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION (first day, group discussions)

-What are your academic goals?

- If you attend one class for 4 hours, how many hours do you think you are expected to spend working outside of class for each week?

-The Studio Arts require labor, time, and critical thinking. Be prepared to log in weekly hours.

Students with Disabilities: Students with learning, physical or psychological disabilities who require accommodations for this course must contact Ann Binder, Director of Special Needs Services, in room 320 in the Career and Counseling Center or call 610-325-2748. Please meet with me to discuss your accommodation letter.

MATERIALS LIST:

Please note that there may be added materials needed during the course.

1. 9 x 12-inch basic sketch book
2. 18 x 24 inch all purpose white paper (80 weight). Preferably strathmore, (brown cover)
3. Tackle Box or Art Box to hold materials
4. Straight edge 30 inch ruler
5. 12 inch transparent ruler
6. 6 inch transparent ruler
7. 30, 60, 90 transparent triangle
8. Protractor (transparent)
9. Compass
10. Rapidiographic ink
11 Round (Sable OR Sabelette) Watercolor Brush
12. Portfolio (nothing fancy) 20 x 26 inches
13. Pencils: (2)4H, (2)2H, (2)HB, (2)2B, (2) 4B or a variety pack
14. Pencil Sharpener (small metal one)
15. (5) Medium size kneaded erasers, (2) Art gum and (1) Whiter eraser
16. Blue tape, sensitive
17. Exacto knife
18. (1) Sketch clipboard 22.5 x 25 inches
19. Grayscale marker set
20. Micron Pen