Positive & Negative Space Carved Pumpkins

Purpose:
• To use problem-solving skills and knowledge of positive and negative space to create a unique design on the surface of a pumpkin and with carving a pumpkin

This project was a blast! However, the process of this project was much more challenging than I expected. This is because there are many factors we considered from a designer's "point of view," as opposed to just hacking away at a pumpkin with a plastic carving tool. The design aspects we focused on were, most importantly, positive and negative space, proximity, overall layout/composition of the design, texture, and more. As you can see, the first pumpkin we carved was strictly a surface carving (similar to a "relief" sculpture). In terms of the second pumpkin, I incorporated both carving and surface-"engraving" to create interest and varied texture. Overall, I feel as though the surface-"engraving" technique was much more successful than the regular carving approach in this scenario. This is because it created distinct differentiation between the positive and negative space, enhancing the carving as a whole.

Screen Printed T-Shirts

Purpose:
• To be introduced to the process of screen printing;
• To create a simple design that uses a variety of shapes which emphasize the interaction between positive and negative space;
• To demonstrate the process of screen-printing by printing designs on paper and fabric.

        Through this screen-printing project, I acquired much new and valuable knowledge involving the process of screen-printing, the importance of considering positive and negative space in design, and the power of simplicity. To begin, I was completely unfamiliar with screen-printing before this project. As I learned through this assignment, the screen-printing process is very detail-oriented and, thus, frustrating. Although it seems somewhat simple, various factors come into play that create difficulties. For example, some difficulties I encountered include: accidentally getting ink from my fingers on a shirt when picking it up, smudging a still-wet design, and many more. Evidently, the process requires extreme diligence to produce a successful outcome. Furthermore, this project taught me the importance of considering positive and negative space in design. By drawing my design and creating a stencil, I had to consider what space would be filled in with ink (positive space), and what would be left of the white shirt (negative space). Thus, I thoughtfully created the size and structure of my design with positive and negative space in mind. Lastly, I was greatly reminded of the power of simplicity through this project. As my design demonstrates, simplicity has the ability to make a strong statement. My design is made-up of four main portions; two eyes and two eyebrows. When creating my design, I focused mostly on the basic outline of each feature as opposed to getting caught up in the details. By doing this, I created a bold and pronounced design.
        All three of these factors are very significant to my learnings as a Graphic Design student, as well as artist in general. The process of screen-printing incorporates an infinite variety of art elements that should be considered in any design project. Examples of these important elements include the consideration of composition, contrast, positive and negative space, proximity, alignment, size, repetition, and many more. Overall, this project forced me to exercise and apply my knowledge of many basic art principles.

Fonts have Feelings, too

Purpose:
• To continue to explore and learn tools in Photoshop, specifically, the text tool and it’s many options;
• To continue to use creative problem-solving skills to complete the assignment.

        For the “Fonts have feelings too” assignment, I feel like I deserve a 3.5-4. To begin, I met the standard requirements by creating twelve pairs of antonyms in two separate 8.5 x 11 documents, six pairs of words per page, and only using black and white. Through use of various photoshop tools, I feel that I was able to communicate the “feeling” of each word simply through the font, shape, size, style, and more. For example, two antonyms I used were “fat” and “thin.” To portray the meaning of “fat,” I used a very bold, rounded font. To portray the meaning of “thin,” I used a very light font and altered it so it was smaller and skinnier in width. Some of the tools I used in the assignment include the warp tool, the contour tool, the texture tool, and more. 

        In addition, I feel as though I deserve this grade due to my balanced use of positive of negative space, my utilization of the entire page, and my use of proximity between each word to create a certain effect or sense of movement. Altogether, I feel as though both of my designs demonstrate this score due to the accurate and creative representation of all words, correctly following the guidelines, and the consideration of the page’s layout as a whole.

Adjective Designs: Positive and Negative Space

"Indestructible"

"Intimidating"

"Spirited"

Purpose: 

• To become familiar with Photoshop Shape and Selection Tools through experimentation and the creation of designs 

• To continue to communicate a message through the use of positive and negative shapes 

        Through completing this project, I’ve acquired many new skills and abilities in Photoshop, an improved ability to devise a concept, then execute it successfully, and most importantly, much new and valuable knowledge regarding design in general.

        To begin, I am beginning to become much more comfortable and savvy in using Photoshop. While working on this project, I experimented with many new tools, such as the warp tool, the skew tool, the shape tool, and many more. The more I experiment, the more I get a sense of when the various tools should be used and the effects that they can create. I am also starting to get a better understanding of the program as a whole and how it functions.

        In addition, this project greatly helped me understand myself as a designer. Through creating many different drafts of the three designs, I was able obtain an understanding of what worked in the execution of each design and what didn’t. On top of this, I learned to pinpoint why something didn’t work. I was then able to use this realization as a way to help my next design improve.

        Lastly, this project refreshed and built on my knowledge of design in many ways. The concept of balancing positive and negative space was a refresher for me. Another refresher involved use of symmetry and asymmetry in design. In terms of new concepts and knowledge, I learned that the meaning of a given design isn’t always candid. Design is very sophisticated and, often, more complex than one may think. In other words, all elements of a given design are there for a reason: interactions between different shapes, the arrangement of different shapes, the design’s composition, and more all are created in a way to convey something. That something doesn’t always have to be complicated, however there is a reason for everything in design.