Objective

• Visually interpret a singular word
• Stretch your idea of imagery creation: Photography, Illustration, Typography, Found imagery, etc.
• Visual Communication

 

The challenge isn’t in finding the answer but in your unique interpretation of the question.

To begin this project now you may click Accept.

Create your new project page titled Word It. Now copy and paste the following 7 steps of the design process on your Behance page. You will need to complete and thoroughly document each of these:

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

 

“WORD IT” PROJECT GUIDELINES & GUIDED DESIGN PROCESS

EVALUATION:

• CRAFT = Quality of Digital Skills 
• CREATIVITY = Originality of Solution
• PROCESS = Thorough design process documentation on Behance
• EFFORT = The easy way out isn’t always the best solution
• REQUIREMENTS = Sizes and all the styles are executed as directed

 

     Design Process STAGE 1: UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM

1. Define the assignment challenge and document ALL the requirements that are needed to succeed on this project.

Typography: is the DESIGN usage of type not typing out a word or sentence
Photography: is the opportunity to manipulate or USE a photograph within your design idea.
Illustration: is the original drawings (usually digital) created from photographs or your own mind.

Select 4 words from this list that visually intrigue you:

Reflective   Nightmare   Oops   Extreme   Public   Rebel   Giant   Saturated   Surprise   Cold   Green   Wiggle   Ridiculous   Begin   Box   Suburban

• What does the word make you think of?
• What does the word mean?
• What COULD the word be associated with?

Unique personal expression or interpretation is half of the challenge with a project like this. It’s your design and there is no right or wrong answer. We will be giving anonymous feedback on these but that doesn’t mean you are trying to satisfy your viewer.

• What is a concept?
• What will you be communicating?
• What is the goal of your art?
  

 

     Design Process STAGE 2: Research and Investigate

If you use digital resources be sure to document them with a link and reference on your project page.

2. Research thoroughly

• Define & Interpret your words
• What kind of imagery could be used for these solutions
• What have other artists done in previous Word it Challenges?

Resource Starting Points:

• Original Word It Archived site (examples)

 

     Design Process STAGE 3: Generate Possible Solutions

These “Word It’s” can be funny, sad, harsh, political, obscure, obvious, abstract, shallow, shocking, or intriguing. Dive deep into your vast options and ideas before settling on your design idea for each word.

3a.  Brainstorm ideas for visual imagery representing elements of your word — Show your brainstorming as idea webs, clouds, lists, found imagery, small sketches of elements (at least 25 ideas, words, elements required)

• Brainstorm what it can look like
• Consider symbols
• Brainstorm meanings
• Think outside the box

3b.  Begin sketching thumbnail design idea compositions.

WARNING: Avoid using the word as a label in your design

The obvious/easiest solution likely isn’t the most original or best option you have.

• Sketch at least 3 completely different design solutions in your sketchbook.
• Thumbnail sketches should be about 3-4″ sketches in a sketchbook
• Designs should be ORIGINAL though inspired!

 

     Design Process STAGE 4: Select and Develop Best Solution

4. Develop the best solutions to final designs

• The obvious/easiest solution likely isn’t the most original or best option you have.
• note why you have chosen each design
• Focus on at least one principle &  one element of design with each composition. You will need to label the principle or element you have focused on in the composition that you develop to a final design.
  • Elements: Space, Line, Texture, Value, Color, Form, Shape
  • Principles: Contrast, Visual Movement, Rhythm, Balance, Emphasis, Pattern, Unity
• Consider the space, size, and organization of your design decisions
• create more detailed sketches if possible, especially for your illustrated solution

 

      Design Process STAGE 5: Model and Prototype (Create)

5. Begin creating your designs, inside and out of class.

• Practice, develop or refine your composition and style.
• Execute your Plan in Photoshop or Illustrator.

 

     Design Process STAGE 6: Test and Evaluate WIP

6. In Progress Self-reflection on your design development

• What are the greatest challenges you need to improve?
• Ask for critique from a friend or Coulson.
• Do you need to re-approach one of your design ideas or plans in a different way?
• Is there a skill you need to focus your improvement on?
• Have you considered different backgrounds, colors, filters, cropping etc to change the composition?

 

     Design Process STAGE 7: Final Publication

7. Export and Publish the final designs

• title each file correctly
  • lastname_firstname_yourword.jpg
• Export web .jpg for digital upload
• Upload all four final designs to Behance AT TOP OF PAGE
  • add a caption with an explanation of your + the word itself
• Export or save a high resolution .jpg for print ready server submission
• Turn 4 files into the Coulson’s server
• Request your two best designs to be printed for critique
• Finalize Project Page with final self-reflection for stage 7
  • successes
  • struggles
  • improvements
  • what you learned

You need a fully finished project page including all scanned sketchbook work with captions. Turn your finished artwork to Coulson’s server. Finally, Paste the URL to your project page below and you may then click complete.

Great Work Visitor.

Amazing work, Visitor.

Be Proud.

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

• Matte or Mount for BONUS LOOT: Matte or Mount Bonus

 

BONUS Self Assessment Loot:

After completion of your project and project page documentation choose one of the appropriate self-assessments for yourself. Consider the skill, craftsmanship, originality, and composition of your final Product:

Over The Top Nailed It Good, But… At Least I Finished It