ASSIGNMENT ONE: IMAGE SQUARES

Problem
In 8”x8” squares, find or create photographic images that represent the following ideas:
1. Love/Hate
2. Life/Death
3. Pleasure/Pain
You must create two sets of images (four squares altogether) for the thematic pair
you are given. The first set should be obvious in meaning, while the second set pushes the meaning further than the first. For example, if you have love and hate; the first set, consisting of, one square representing love and one square representing hate, in the
most obvious way and the second set, having one square representing love and one square representing hate, in a way that pushes the way we look at those same themes.
These images should be mounted on foam core and the images should bleed (or flush)
to the border. (Pay attention to craft and presentation. Change your blades!)
After you have chosen your images, write a corresponding text that explores
the meaning behind each image and describes what you hope to evoke with your
choices. This text should be well thought out and also interesting to read; you might
try reading it aloud to see if it makes sense. The length of the text is up to you.
Please e-mail me the text by Wednesday, January 29 by 5PM.
Bring a copy of the text (typed, with your name on it) in class next Friday, January 31.

Process
The sketch book will be an important part of the class this semester. Everyone should
start to jot down words/ideas/sketches in your sketch books before doing research.
Just take a half hour or so just doing a brain “dump”.
We’ll look at this list/sketches next class.
Some questions you might think about:
What obvious things are related to my themes?
What other themes/ideas are related to it?
Are there literary references?
Are there societal and social references?
Are there references to media: TV/film/music?
If there are personal references, will people get the “idea” through the photo
I choose to show?
What photographs would communicate this ideas so people (other than me) would get it?
How should I present this photograph?
Should I crop the photo in a specific way so my audience will get it?
Or, so they focus on the idea more clearly?
Is the photo interesting visually? (No Photoshop manipulation!)

The purpose of this project
To start to develop your interpretive and analytical ability.
To start to develop you visual communication skills.
To begin development of your understanding how to develop meaning and message.
To begin development of verbal critique; develop your written/verbal articulation skills.
To start to be aware of how you approach/think about things (your process)
How it will be evaluated
Clarity in meaning: Do people get it?
With my second set, do I succeed in showing my theme from a different perspective?
Are my images visually compelling to others?
How is the level of craft/execution? Are picture pixilated?

Due next class
Next week is a workshop class. You should have a conceptual matrix in sketchbooks, collected images and indication of developing idea, in written form.

ASSIGNMENT TWO: word/meaning Poster
Assigned Feb 7

Problem
1. Core
2. Arm
3. Part
Research the various meanings associated with your word. Consider cultural, social, and
personal meanings. Design a poster that explores and perhaps comments on these meanings,
as well as the social/cultural connotations of your word.

Process
Start brainstorming and creating conceptual maps.
Think of everything that could be associated to your word. Start visual research.
Some questions to think about:
What is the common meaning of your word?
How do you understand the word?
Are there societal/cultural connections to your word?
Are there media/literary references?
Is the word connected to specific events/situations?
After brainstorming, what meaning did you find are the most interesting to you and also give
the word meaning that might be of interest to larger audience?
Which meaning would render visually interesting?
What other words are related?
Are there visuals (photographic and iconic) related to the meaning of the word?
Are there clichés/phrases connected to the word/meaning?
How about facts?
How can your word be portrayed visually in terms of type and composition?

Due next week
Next week will be an in-class workshop
1. Show conceptual Matrix
2. Show 10-15 collected images and created images connected to your ideas.
3. Show created or found text you plan to use
4. Show 8-10 layout sketches/thumbnails

The purpose of this project
To expand your knowledge of typography as visual expression of language and meaning.
To explore the relationship between meanings/readings of messages and the role of visual form
in affecting those interpretations.
To understand that meaning is formed within a context that includes the formal qualities
of type and image.
To understand that language made visual is affected by writer, culture, designer and reader.