For the “How Does It Feel: Texture and Value Monochrome Collage” project, we were asked to make a monochrome value/texture collage using photos we took ourselves, based on a ROYGBIV color we picked. The goal was to understand concepts like texture (both actual and visual), grayscale or achromatic tones, monochrome, gradation, contrast, value key, and color attributes like hue, value, and chroma. Like with other projects, we followed a four-step design process: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver. For the Discover step, we were asked to take photos focused on a single color—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, or purple/violet—and capture its shades, tints, tones, and adjacent colors. I decided to focus on green, which allowed me to include yellow-greens and blue-greens. Over the weekend, I put this into practice and ended up taking about eighty photos. For the Define step, we were asked to draw a value scale and a 4” by 4” grid, with each square showing a different drawn texture. Then we moved on to the Develop stage, where we decided whether to make an analog or digital collage. I chose digital because it’s easier to work with and doesn’t waste materials. Finally, for the Deliver stage, we were asked to write a reflection about the project and post it on OpenLab.
To be honest, this project was not one of my favorites to work on, but it was still a valuable learning experience. I find collages beautiful to look at—they are the embodiment of controlled chaos. However, it made me question: how much control is too much, and how much chaos is too chaotic? Who decides that balance? I understand the importance of color theory and creating visuals that are pleasing to the eye, but I felt that the project’s requirements limited my creativity. To me, a collage is a collection of random images placed on a canvas without a strict order, similar to a scrapbook. While I see the purpose of this project—helping us students practice concepts like gradation, contrast, and unity—I personally enjoy the more spontaneous, rugged feel of collages. I think that rushed and imperfect look adds a personal touch, like being so excited to glue a new photograph down that you do not worry about placement and figure the rest out later. All in all, while this project had its challenges for me, it provided useful insights and gave me a chance to refine my skills.
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