Digital Portfolio

Madison Pfaff
Assignment 1:
Design four geometric shape compositions in paired groups that explore dynamic
vs. static principles, (asymmetry vs. symmetry).
Sketches & Brainstorming
For the asymmetrical and symmetrical sides I
wanted to play with balance and the idea of
the shapes balancing on the circle. On the
asymmetrical side, the shapes are chaotic
and seem unstable, whereas on the
symmetrical side, the shapes look stable and
balanced.
Final Piece
For the final piece, I kept with my
original idea, but made a few
improvements. To make the piece
more visually interesting, I made the
shapes different sizes. To create a
sense of cohesiveness, I only used
the book pages on the circles. Also,
I utilized linework to further my
narrative of chaos vs stability. The
lines on the asymmetrical side are
all going different directions,
whereas the lines on the
symmetrical side are all going the
same direction (vertical).
Assignment 2:
Identify circulinear, rectilinear, and biomorphic shapes, and render them using
micron pens and india ink. Once this is done, take the studies and use them to
create one composition.
Sketches & Brainstorming
When selecting my rectilinear,
biomorphic, and circulinear studies,
I went out of my way to choose
imagery that was visually
interesting. In the rectilinear study, I
liked how the lines showed space.
In the biomorphic study, I liked how
unique the shapes of the shoes
were. Finally, in the circulinear
study, I liked how the circles were
overlapping and also showed
space.
Sketches & Brainstorming: Final
Draft
The final composition was inspired by
computer graphics and the idea of
cyberspace, especially with the grid
pattern. I also liked how the group of
circles looked like balloons, so I added
circles above them to create the illusion
of them floating.
Final Piece
Assignment 3:
After creating and then reducing complex, overlapping Notan forms, layer them
over underlying patterns. This piece utilizes symmetry, visual texture, and pattern.
Sketches & Brainstorming
I tried many different
methods while making
these notans. With some
experiments I was
mathematical and precise
whereas in others I was
random. In the end I was
able to use a few to
create an
overlapping/interactive
pattern.
Final Piece
When selecting the visual texture
for this piece, I knew I wanted to
use only imagery from nature, to
show the different patterns and
textures found specifically in
nature. I also liked the contrast of
the harsh cut lines of the paper
and the softer shapes found in
the images.
Assignment 4:
Create a self portrait using an eleven step value scale and gridding.
Sketches & Brainstorming
When I was taking my self
portrait, I made sure to position
myself in a way that the light
would cast dramatic shadows
across my face. I also liked how
many values I was able to
create, ranging from the
highlighted areas of my hair to
the dark shadows of my shirt.
Final Piece
Final Piece: Closer Details
When adding the different paint
values, I decided to create a
rubber stamp. At first, I liked the
idea because I thought it would
be more precise. Instead I was
happily surprised to see the
texture each stamp created and it
became my favorite part of the
piece. I also love how the lines
aren’t as perfect, it makes the
piece look softer and less like
pixels
Assignment 5:
Using a pre-existing, sourced visual texture create three studies that explore
texture; visual texture, surface texture, and a composition that combines both.
Sketches & Brainstorming
The texture I recreated was
seafoam. I liked how unique the
shape of the foam was, sitting on
top of the water. I also liked the
variety of details to choose from.
There’s the light-weight fluffiness
of the foam, but there are also the
variety of values as the foam
becomes thinner, along with the
bubbles.
Final Piece
Final Piece: Closer Details
Study 1: Visual Texture
I rendered the areas of water
with micron pen and filled it in
with India ink. I then mixed the
India ink with water to create a
watercolor look that I felt
showed the variety of values. I
also used stippling to show the
darker values where the
bubbles were
Final Piece: Closer Details
Study 2: Surface Texture
I was very experimental when
trying to recreate the physical
texture of seafoam. I wanted it
to actually feel foamy. I
decided to make my own puffy
paint and I am extremely
happy with how it turned out.
Even after the paint dried the
material was still light and had
the desired feeling.
Final Piece: Closer Details
Study 3: Visual and Surface Texture

I started the piece by painting the entire

surface in the diluted india ink. Even
though the original study used the India
ink watercolor for the foam, I liked the
water-like quality, so I used it for the
water. Then, I went in with the
homemade puffy paint for the seafoam
and also dabbed some white acrylic
paint around the edges to represent the
small pieces of foam that can be seen
floating in the original photo reference.
Assignment 6:
Create three achromatic compositions on illustration board that depict two abstract
terms (antonyms) and metamorphosis between these concepts
Sketches & Brainstorming: Coming Up With the Composition
for “Dreams vs Reality”
Sketches & Brainstorming: Rough Drafts
Dreams vs Reality

The antonyms chosen for the project by my

group were “dreams vs reality”. My idea of how
to interpret that was to play with the idea of
“living in a bubble”, which is a phrase that
means an individual only sees a fictional perfect
world rather than the harsh realities. Within the
composition, the bubbles represent the dream
side and the barbed wire represents reality.
Within the bubbles are leafy vines, and I liked
how they look similar to the barbed wire, yet
they are perceived differently. Finally, I wanted
to include a bubble being popped by the barbed
wire to represent reality “bursting my bubble”.
Sketches & Brainstorming:
Deciding on Details
Within this piece, every detail and
decision has a purpose. The dream side
is made with lighter values and the
reality side is made with darker values to
represent how one is to be perceived as
whimsical and dreamy, whereas the
other is to be perceived as scary and
dreadful. I also experimented with
applying India ink with a spray bottle to
the reality side to create a rough grainy
texture. I also wanted to find a way to
make the bubbles have a shiny smooth
finish, so that when the light hits the
piece the bubbles shine. I ended up
using glaze on the bubbles, which had
the desired effect.
Final Piece
Final Piece: Closer Details