Principles in Action - Project 1
Learning Objectives
- To explore the use of the Elements and Principles of Design to communicate visually.
- Become more familiar with specific terminology used for visual information.
- To analyze compositions using design terminology.
- To begin working with hand drafting tools and techniques for visual communication in the Interior Design profession.
Assignment
Designers must be able to manipulate and control the Principles and Elements of Design to communicate effectively. The Elements of Design make up a visual vocabulary, while the Principles of Design provide the organizational characteristics. As designers we must successfully master the use of these tools (the Principles and Elements).
For this project, we will be getting to know our drafting tools while mastering the Principles and Elements of Design. Create a series of 12 compositions that illustrate six of the Principles of Design (harmony, emphasis, rhythm, balance, proportion and scale). Your compositions will be created using some of the Elements of Design (points, lines, shapes, space, ornament, textures, and values). You may use as many of these building blocks as is necessary to communicate any particular Principle. Remember that “white space” (an area with NO filler) is also a powerful Design Element. Although color is an Element of Design, it will not be used for this project.
Using your drafting tools, create your compositions within a 5” x 5“ field. Place two compositions (for the same Principle) on an 11” x 17” piece of drafting vellum. Each page will also include a 1/8” border placed a 1/2” in from the edge of the paper. A 1” wide title block will be placed on the right hand side of each page. You will hand letter the title of each drawing below the compositions, and your title block must include page numbers, your name, the name and number of the course, as well as the name of the project; “Principles in Action,” and the name of the Principle appearing on each page. Under each composition, hand letter the name of the Principle in 3/16” high letters with a description of the Elements used below in 1/8” high letters. Include 1/16” spaces between lines of text.
Process
1. Make at least 20 thumbnail sketches for each of the 6 principles (120 total).
2. Based on class critique take your three best ideas for each principle and improve/revise/create three roughs (18 roughs at half-size).
3. Based on class critique take your two strongest roughs to tight roughs (12 tight roughs at full size)
4. Revise as needed and create finals of the Principles using your drafting tools and pencils on 11” x 17” vellum (1 Principle, two compositions per page).
5. Below each composition hand letter a label with the name of the Principle. Below the label, hand letter a brief description of what Elements were applied, and what tools were used to create your final composition.
6. Each page will include a border and title block which will be demonstrated in class. (See illustration below)
Hints
It is more effective to use simple geometric forms to communicate the Principles. Notice that some of the Principles are combinations of other Principles (e.g. rhythm is repetition with variety). Create your early thumbnails and sketches on tracing paper to save money and keep your work neat.
Craft
Craft counts, and you will be graded on it. Please take the time to clean up all stray pencil marks, and smudges. Make your lines straight, sharp crisp and clean.
DO NOT LEAVE THIS PROJECT UNTIL THE NIGHT BEFORE IT’S DUE!
Deliverables
6 pages of your original drawings with a total of twelve 5” x 5” compositions drafted in pencil on 11” x 17” vellum.
One black line copy of your 6 pages bound on the left hand side of the paper. The binding method will be demonstrated in class.
Detailed Specification
Student Examples
