Two-Dimensional Design Static vs Dynamic line

Spring 2012

Instructor: Mark Creegan

For this project you are to create 2 designs: 1) Using lines cut out of black construction paper and glued onto a sheet of Bristol paper, make a design that is visually dynamic with lines that are either vertically OR horizontally oriented. 2) Using lines cut out of black construction paper and glued onto a sheet of Bristol paper, make a design that is visually static with lines that are diagonally oriented. Process: Reflect on the two different design qualities (Static vs Dynamic). Already, it should be apparent that I am asking you to create two designs that are a bit contradictory, for example, vertical and horizontal lines are inherently static (still, solid, even), yet I am asking you to use them in a dynamic (moving, changing) way. Diagonal ones are dynamic yet I want you to use them to make a static design. So, this means you have to work against what the lines inherently ARE and focus on what they are DOING. Take a few moments to reflect on the design strategies we have already covered (chaos, unified direction, continuity, relationship to the edge of the frame, proximity, density vs sparseness, picture planes, hierarchies of dominant, subordinate, and accents) and think about how each can be used to achieve either static or dynamic qualities. For example, consider multiple picture planes, is that static or dynamic? Now think about the newer terms we discussed in class and decide how each can be useful in creating either a static or dynamic quality. These terms include: Symmetrical balance Asymmetrical balance Implied lines or edges Alignment Repetition Variation Contrast Anomaly Containment

Now make at least 8 preliminary sketches in your sketchbook for each design (8 for static, 8 more for dynamic). Consider these the experiments to see how the above listed concepts work to create the design goals. Choose the two sketches to base your final designs on and make them using black construction paper, glue and Bristol paper.

TIPS: Don t make your static design SO static its boring, and don t make your dynamic design SO dynamic its chaotic. Try to find the balances. Think about what frame shape you should use, you can use the entire sheet of Bristol board or cut it into a square shape considering which would be more dynamic or static. Remember when you are making your final designs you are scaling up from the preliminary sketch, so consider this when deciding how large to cut your line elements. Remember neatness counts! Use a sharp x-acto blade when cutting the lines and avoid glue smudges.

Criteria for grading: Technical: How well crafted are the designs? Are the cut lines clean and even? Is the placement of the lines controlled and intentional? How is the overall presentation? Conceptual: Do the designs reflect the goals of the project? How effectively are the different design concepts used to create each design. Is the student able to understand and articulate how each concept is used to create either a static or dynamic quality? Aesthetic: Are the designs inventive and interesting? Is the static design overly so to the point it is boring? Is the dynamic one overly so to the point it is a chaotic mess? Process: How much consideration of the various design concepts was made in making the designs. Does the preliminary sketches show this discovery process? DUE for critique Tuesday Jan 31st