Materials needed for THIS CLASS (see Supply List for details):

• photographs of at least 3 artifacts you found on our walk (digital files)
• sketch book for COMD1100 only (9″x12″ or similar)
• graphite pencils (Venus or similar 6B, 2B, HB, 2H, 4H)
• pencil sharpener (basic metal)
• eraser (magic rub, mars, gum or similar)
• small box or travel container for your supplies (reuse/find)
• 1 roll drafting or removable tape

** Note: if you are unable to afford these items due to financial aid delays, please make arrangements with a classmate to borrow or share supplies.

Discussion

The Elements: basic components used as part of any composition, independent of the medium.

1. Point: An element that has position (x,y), but no extension or mass. A series of points forms a line, a mass of points becomes a shape.
   Malevich Black Dot| Seurat La Parade detail | Seurat La Parade du Cirque
2. Line: An series of points, which has length and direction. It can be the connection between two points, the space between shapes, or the path of a moving point. A closed line creates a shape.
   Mondrian | Klee
3. Shape: Created by line (contour) or a grouping of points, it is an area that is separate from other areas, defined by its perimeter.
   Popova| Gris | Gris
4. Organic shape: is one that resembles the flowing contours of an organism.
5. Geometric shape:  such as circles, triangles or squares often have precise, uniform measurements.

The Principles: basic assumptions that guide the design practice.

1. Frame: This boundary (rectangle, square, circle) is represented by the edges of the paper or the margins drawn within.
2. Figure (positive space): The shape of a form that serves as a subject in a composition.
   Craig Stephens | Matisse
3. Ground (negative space): The space surrounding a positive shape or form; sometimes referred to as ground, empty space, field, or void.
   Matisse | Rubin’s vase
4. Figure/Ground: The relationship between positive and negative space.
   MC Escher | GDBasics
5. Obvious (stable) Figure/Ground:  A figure/ground relationship that exists when a form stands clearly apart from its background.
6. Reversal Figure/Ground: A figure/ground relationship that occurs when positive and negative elements are equal and alternate.
7. Ambiguous Figure/Ground: A figure/ground relationship that challenges the viewer to find a point of focus. The figure and ground seem unclear.

STUDENT EXAMPLES: Can you determine which image demonstrates Obvious and Ambiguous Figure/Ground? And why? Are they all successful or could some be improved? How?
Example 1 | Example 2

Let’s look at some professional design examples from 2015.

OpenLab Refresher

1. Create an OpenLab account and/or sign in.
   • If you need help, follow these instructions.
2. Join our OpenLab Course: PLAY WITH YOUR PROBLEMS
   • Click the Join + button
   • If you need help, follow these instructions.

Design Process Introduction

• Let’s review the Design Process Guidelines.

Project 1: Urban Artifacts

Phase 1: Discover

Post to the Class Blog:

• Create a new blog post called Urban Artifacts: Phase 1 on PLAY WITH YOUR PROBLEMS class site.
• Upload images of the three objects you discovered on the Urban Archeology Walk to the PLAY WITH YOUR PROBLEMS course site. Add captions to each image, including the location of each object.
• Include a link to our shared Google Map in your post: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1vFmsV4WKCUY7NXRYmnTl66qTF0A&usp=sharing
• Add Category and Tags:
  • Category = COMD1100 Project #1
  • Tags = Phase 1: Discover, Urban Artifacts

Add to the shared Google Map:

• For Monday’s HOMEWORK, you should have emailed me your gmail address or signed up for one.
• Login to Google and open our shared Google Map.
• Click on the Placemark tool and then on the location where you found an artifact.
• Enter the artifact name in the Name box (example: rusty bottle cap).
• Enter your name and the year in the Description box.
• Click on the paint bucket to change the style to an orange (rgb 230, 81, 0) camera icon.
• More info from Google Support.

Writing

• Look at the images of the three objects you discovered on our Urban Archeology Walk to the art supply store.
• In your sketchbook write the heading: ‘Urban Artifacts’ and compose a minimum 1-paragraph description of the three objects. Describe the shapes. Are they geometric or organic? Observe and describe the points, lines and shapes created by the objects. Note the figure and the ground and the figure/ground relationship. Is it stable or ambiguous? Describe where you think these objects came from.  Describe their relationship to each other. Create a 1-2 paragraph story about these artifacts, imagining how they happened to turn up in the location that you found them.

Documentation and Feedback

• Refine and spell/grammar-check your writing.
• Edit your blog post Urban Artifacts: Phase 1 to include your reworked writing.
• Include the hours that you worked on this part of the project.
• Then comment on at least 3 other student’s posts.

Homework

1. Complete Design Process Blog posts for Project #1: Phase 1: Discover
   Please don’t wait until the night before!
2. Materials Needed for NEXT CLASS (check Supply List):
   • flash drive or Dropbox/Google Drive access.
   • sketch book for COMD1100 only (9″x12″ or similar)
   • Pad of Bristol board (9”x12” 2-ply smooth plate finish)
   • roll of tracing paper (18″ wide)
   • graphite pencils (Venus or similar 6B, 2B, HB, 2H, 4H)
   • pencil sharpener (basic metal)
   • eraser (magic rub, mars, gum or similar)
   • inking pens (.02 and .05 – Pigma Micron,  Faber-Castell Pitt Big Brush Pen)
   • 18″ ruler/T-square
   • triangle
   • small box or travel container for your supplies (reuse/find)
   • portfolio to transport your work (larger than 14″x17″)
   • 1 roll drafting or removable tape

Introductions (1 hour)

Find a partner and introduce yourself.

1. Clearly state your full name.
2. Choose 2 words to describe your personality.
3. Describe your favorite animal.

Next, we will go around the room and introduce our partners to the class. (2 min. each)

Learning Community and Course Overview (1/2 hour)

PLAY WITH YOUR PROBLEMS Learning Community
Life is a series of problems to solve. Learn to embrace play: discovery, ideation and experimentation, to find imaginative solutions. This First Year Learning Community brings together Graphic Design Principles 1 and English Composition 1 to introduce Communication Design students to a creative process they can use in design, writing and life!

• What is a Learning Community? 

COMD1100: Graphic Design Principles 1

This design and color theory course explores graphic communication through the understanding of the elements and principles of design, as well as the design process, from idea development through final execution.

What is Design?
To design is to plan or arrange elements in order to communicate a thought, feeling, or concept. Design can also be described as the organization of information.  This information can be visual, aural, informational, or tactile.

The products of design are compositions — arrangements of elements. We will focus primarily on the arrangement of visual elements in this course, but we will also consider how all our senses affect how we interact with and understand the world.

Why Learn Design?
A good designer, independent of the medium (data, sound, pixels, paint, wood) has a significant advanpage in the world, because s/he can influence what people see/feel/do.

How do you become a good designer?
First you must learn the fundamental tenets or guidelines. When building a sturdy house you need a strong foundation. When learning a new language you need to master grammar. It takes patience, attention to detail, and dedication to the craft.

Good designers love problem-solving. They love a challenge. They are inquisitive investigators with a strong internal motivation. They use all of their senses to find inspiration and solutions to design problems. Like a scientist they research, experiment, and repeat– until they arrive at the best solution to the problem they face. Their first idea is rarely the best.

A good designer follows a design process.

What is a Design Process?
A Design Process is the workflow a designer uses. Following a clear design process gives structure to design problem and helps to bring an idea from conception to final delivery. It is especially helpful when collaborating with others.

The primary design process we will follow in this class is:

Phase 1: Discover: Inspiration and Exploration
Phase 2: Define: Experimentation, Iteration and Feedback
Phase 3: Develop: Refined expression of Form, Skill, Craft and Voice
Phase 4: Deliver: Professional verbal, written, and visual presentation; critical reflection

Review of Course Documents

• Online Resources:
  • profspevack.com/gdprinciples1
  • openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/groups/play-with-your-problems-fylc-fall-2016
• Syllabus
• Understanding Your Grade
• Supply List
• Study and Learning Aids
• Design Process Guidelines

Getting on OpenLab (1/2 hour)

Become a member of our OpenLab course:

1. Follow these instructions if you don’t have access to your City Tech email.
   NOTE: You need be able to access your City Tech email before signing up for OpenLab.
   Check this page for instructions for City Tech email access or contact Help Desk at 718-260-4900 or studenthelpdesk@citytech.cuny.edu, or visit the Help Desk on the first floor of the Atrium Building.
2. Create an OpenLab account and/or sign in.
   • If you need help, follow these instructions.
3. Join our OpenLab Course: PLAY WITH YOUR PROBLEMS
   • Click the Join + button
   • If you need help, follow these instructions.

Urban Archeology Walk (15 min)

The WALK:

1. Together we will walk from the classroom to the art supply store, taking a circuitous route and arriving at our destination in about 15 minutes.
   W.C. Art & Drafting Supply Co. 351 Jay Street

2. Each group will help decide which direction we will travel together.
3. Along the way each member of your group will be looking for three small “urban artifacts” — detritus, objects or fragments of objects that have been discarded, lost, or destroyed. (at least 3 objects per person.)
4. Think about the history of each object, the color, the shape,  the texture, how it ended up where it did.
5. Document the exact location of the object, exactly where you found it.
   • Take a photo and record the location or street intersection.
   • If you use Google Maps, drop a pin, label and/or save the location.
6. We will add these photos to a shared Google Map next class and use the photographs for our first project.

References:

• http://jensen-projects.com/category/collecting-soho-walk/
• https://jensenprojects.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/walking-flatbush.pdf
• http://www.nps.gov/archeology/visit/urbanarch.htm
• Image Examples

Homework

1. Become a member of our OpenLab course:
   • Create an OpenLab account and/or sign in.
     NOTE: You need be able to access your City Tech email before signing up for OpenLab. Check this page for instructions for City Tech email access or contact HelpDesk (718-260-5610).
   • Join our OpenLab Course: openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/groups/play-with-your-problems-fylc-fall-2016
2. Email me your gmail address or sign up for one first, if you don’t have one. We will use it to edit our shared Google Map.
3. Buy/find materials needed for next class. (see Supply List for details)

Materials needed for NEXT CLASS:

• photographs of at least 3 artifacts you found on our walk (digital files)
• sketch book for COMD1100 only (9″x12″ or similar)
• graphite pencils (Venus or similar 6B, 2B, HB, 2H, 4H)
• pencil sharpener (basic metal)
• eraser (magic rub, mars, gum or similar)
• small box or travel container for your supplies (reuse/find)
• 1 roll drafting or removable tape

** Note: if you are unable to afford these items due to financial aid delays, please make arrangements with a classmate to borrow or share supplies next class. And contact me BEFORE the next class.