Project Learning Outcome Goal: Create by exploring a variety of skills and techniques

Anna Atkins – Algae, 1854

Project synopsis: Cyanotype is an alternative photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print.

You will create a Cyanotype by applying a light-sensitive solution of ammonium iron(III) citrate and potassium ferricyanide to a natural fiber surface and then exposing it using UltraViolet light.

Remember: All Epic Design Quests require documentation of your design process. Be sure you are very familiar with the design process before beginning any Epic Quest.

Digitally Downloaded images Due: Monday April 3

To begin this project now you may click Accept.

Create your new project page titled Cyanotype. Now copy and paste the following as you will need to complete and correctly document these 7 steps on the your design process:

1. Understand the Problem
2. Research and Investigate
3. Generate Possible Solutions
4. Select AND DEVELOP Best Solution 
5. Model and Prototype (Create)
6. Test and Evaluate
7. Produce

PROCESS & INSTRUCTION

     Design Process STAGE 1: Understand the Problem

1. Consider what the goal is for your Cyanotype?

• What is a cyanotype and what is unique about them (other than they are blue)?

     Design Process STAGE 2: Research and Investigate

• Cyanotype Notes (read or at least skim these notes)
• Who are John Herschel and Anna Atkins?
• How are you going to create a Cyanotype?
• What do you need to do for this process?

Please check out some of the Captain’s  cyanotype resource sites

     Design Process STAGE 3: Generate Possible Solutions

3. Use your own personal passions as Inspiration

• What do you enjoy to photograph?
• Maybe tell a story or record a moment and memory in a well composed image.
• Explore cyanotype inspiration from other photographers. Which cyanotypes interest you the most and why?
• Look at what HRHS students have done in past semesters – Student Gallery

     Design Process STAGE 4: Plan and Develop Best Solution

4. Plan out your printing composition

• Plan out a couple of shoots to create some possible images for your own cyanotype negative to be printed
• Plan how you will paint your light-sensitive chemical onto your paper. This will impact your final composition SIGNIFICANTLY
• Be aware of size restrictions – cropping to non-traditional proportions may cause print to be small (Your digital printed negatives can be a max of 11″ x 17″
• You should add additional contrast to your image before printing your negative because cyanotypes do not record as much detail in the middle values as a traditional silver gelatin B&W prints.

      Design Process STAGE 5: Model and Prototype (Create)

6. Begin production of your design

• Digital Negatives must fit your film size (11″ x 17″) with a resolution of 300ppi
• Turn in your final NEGATIVE image to be printed onto FILM by Coulson.
• Beware of contrast in your detail or details will likely be lost.
• Plan out your painting of the Cyanotype Paper based on your composition design!!!
• Paint three sheet of paper with cyanotype chemical
• Print 3 versions of your composition (to learn from each exposure)
• Dry and Iron (use the heat press) your final three prints flat

     Design Process STAGE 6: Test and Evaluate

7. Self-reflect on your final composition

• self-reflect and carefully evaluate your successes and difficulties?
• What are the prints strength & weaknesses
• Do you want or need to give it another try?

     Design Process STAGE 7: Produce

8. Turn in your most successful final Cyanotype Print

• Include a digital image (photograph your print) of your final print at top your project page
• Finalize Project Page with a thorough project reflection
  • successes
  • struggles
  • what you learned
• Turn in a self-evaluation form

COMPLETE: You need a fully documented project page including all scanned sketchbook work with captions. Paste the URL to your project page below and check that you have completed all requirements, then click complete.

Great Work Design Agent.

Amazing work, Visitor.

Go hang the finished piece on the Critique wall at the front of the classroom. Other’s need to see what you have accomplished.

MASTERY: To earn your mastery:

• Matte your final Print AND
• Have it selected for display in the hall

You are a truly special talent, Visitor!

We have big plans for you!!