mm-110-03
multimedia
VISUAL CONCEPTS I
WEEK THIRTEEN
THE ILLUSION OF FORM AND SPACE
IN CLASS WORK
Up until now, we have been working with type, hierarchy and space by manipulating the grid on the two dimensional surface. As we begin using the properties of images, one of the first things we should be aware of is the illusion of three dimensional space. Just as we defined the flat surface utilizing the grid, we can now incorporate the illusion of three dimensional space.
Starting again with a letterform, use color and one point perspective to position this as an object in space. Set up your horizon line and vanishing point and understand how the type would look as a three dimensional object. The 3/d structure shows the interrelating parts and ³personality of the character - the design subtleties - as revealed through close examination. The exercise also allows you to utilize color to further enhance the illusion of 3/d. Try several compositions using different characters and different colors. Set them up on a background. Push the function of cool and warm, projecting and recessive colors. Once this is in place place the word "form" or "space" into the composition using the same type as the rendered character. This will enable us to see the fluctuation between the 3/d image and the 2/d line of type. This line of type should make the composition stronger. If it doesnıt, the size and placement is at fault. Be aware of the relationship of the two. Each of these elements should reinforce the other.
Fusion of dimensional illusion and the flat surface
Once you have successfully developed the illusion of the 3-d type character in space, articulate the 2-d surface by reinforcing a grid. Use the ordered characters of the alphabet to do this (see attached). Be careful to use the same sensibilities of composition on the first couple attempts. Explore the effects and relationships the "FLAT TYPE" has against the "3-D ELEMENT".
After you've established the relationship the two pieces are going to have, FUSE THEM TOGETHER (use your handy DIVIDE tool in Illustrator). By doing this, you will create a series of grid shapes and spliced pieces of type. Begin selecting these and think about your decisions for color: hue, value and saturation. The idea is to find ways to incorporate parts of the 3-d image with the 2-d and visa-versa. The was a device used with remarkable effect by the Cubists. It's also a process of transformation which opens up several visual possibilities.
Remember, use color definition, the grid and a fusion of the 2-d and 3-d to create your composition. Think about the moment in the composition where the two pieces come together as the focus of the finished composition.
HOMEWORK
TYPE AS VOICE
Up to this point, we have been working with structural issues regarding the visual language: composition, division of space, scale, form and counterform, color, etc. For this little assignment, I want to develope the voice of an image, in this case, TYPE. This will require you to look at the "personality" of the type face. The wieght and presence of the type. Then I want a thoughtful configuration of the type to express a visual message about it's subject matter. The subject matter we'll be working with here is Phobias.
Have fun with this and look at the samples on the Cooper Union web page that is supplied at the bottom of the assignment. There's some great stuff on there.
NOTE: PLEASE WORK WITH JUST BLACK & WHITE. No color. PRINT THESE OUT BEFORE CLASS
EXPRESSIVE TYPOGRAPHY
Choose a WORD from the list below, or find another that interests you and typographically illustrate that word. I would like three finished treatments.
These should be produced using type. Using all the elements of designing with type to illustrate or express the concept.
You must build the design around the name of the word. These can be Illustrator or Photoshop, roughly 640x480 points. use a different WORD for each treatment.
FOR ONE OF THE COMPOSITIONS
For one of the three compositions, you need not stay the course of pre-designed fonts, I suggest you try to create the ³art² for the name of the phobia outside of the computer. This means that anything is fair game. You can create the type digitally, but it can then be printed, altered and then scanned back in. You may also consider creating the type/image with found objects or collage. Hand drawn, hand painted or hand built. This may require a photograph or scanning the assembly in direct (this is a favored technique of mine, be kind to the scanner though).
SAMPLE COPY:
CORRUPT
DISSOLVE
YAWN
CRACK
WARFARE
DIABOLICAL
PIERCE
SPACE
DIFFUSION
ISOLATED
GRAVITY
CRUSHED
COLLAPSED
FADE
DELIVER
RELIGIOUS
DIASEASE
NEFARIOUS
EXCITED
view sample ideas
TYPE AS VOICE
EXPRESSIVE WORDS