Assignment 2

Gestalt theory is a concept that is relative to visual arts, but also many other fields. Gestalt, in terms of visual arts, basically provides the psychological component that allows our minds to rationalize and interpret what we see.

In this project you will potentially explore two aspects of gestalt theory: figure/ground and closure [ Gestalt Theory Handout ].

Assignment Description

Using Illustrator, create a sign, or mark, by combining two letterforms using the typefaces that are supplied on the blog:

[ Typefaces ]

(If you have problems downloading this file right click on your mouse, or try holding control and clicking on the link to get them to automatically download)

or through this link on yousendit: http://senduit.com/cb8f02

The letterforms can be from different typefaces or they can be from the same typeface. Your selection of letterforms and their combination should be completely arbitrary. Select the letters based on their form and their ability to work together. Consider the way that one letter can be made by creating a positive form and the other can use negative space. Try to avoid physically altering the letters in any way. If necessary, you can add or subtract from the forms to create a stronger solution, but you shouldn’t rely upon that as a means to create a solution. Also consider using various fonts from the typeface (ie: the bold, or italic variations of the typeface). You can also use numbers as well as letterforms, avoid using symbols though. Work only in black and white at this time.

Create 5 potential solutions to the assignment and print them together on one 11x17 piece of paper with space around them. You can print at this size in the lab, or if you are working from home you can use two 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of paper. Bring your printed results to class next week for a crit and then we will refine your explorations to one solution.

Section 2B
Continue refining your explorations and create or find 10 images that abstractly illustrate your mark. Consider things like the relationship between your two letterforms, the contrast between the letters, and the overall visual solution, and think about textures and patterns. You can either take your own images or you can find elements from magazines or other sources. If you are still refining more than one mark try to choose images that are versatile or abstract enough to work for each mark, or split your image requirements between the marks.

Section 2C
Begin combining your letterform solution and your abstract images. Working with an image size of 4"x4" create a series of studies that incorporate your letterform with your images. You can crop into the letterform or show certain aspects of it, don't feel rigid or compressed in what you can and can not do. For class on March 21 I expect for you to bring all of your studies trimmed flush please. I am not giving you an exact number of studies that I am looking for but your exploration should be expansive. I will work with you individually to select the final image studies that will be presented when the project is due on March 28.

Project 3 will be assigned on March 21 and will overlap Project 2.

Field Trip Details, Feb 21

We will be attending the AIGA 365 Design Exhibition on Wednesday, February 21. We will not meet at Pratt, we will meet at the AIGA National Design Center at 164 Fifth Avenue (between 21st & 22nd Streets). The exhibit opens at 11am, however I would like for everyone to be there before 11am, around 1045am would be good. Robyn Jordan will be giving us an introduction to the exhibit and will provide some information on AIGA membership. As far as I know there is no entry fee, however bring a little cash in case this is not the issue.

Slacking on the Blog...

Sorry I haven't been updating the site as much as I would like. Here are some interesting things to check out.

[ Paula Scher ]
Hillman Curtis interview of Paula Scher
Paula is an icon of the New York design scene. Best known for her work on the Jazz Center at the Lincoln, the Citi logo, and her theater posters, it is a great interview.

[ Hillman Curtis Interviews ]
Also via Hillman Curtis are a lot of great interviews with Stefan Sagmeister and Milton Glaser (both mentioned in class), Pentagram, and David Carson.

[ Daily Type ]
Daily Type is an ongoing series of type explorations by a collective of Russian designers.

[ Typography Resources ]
A link from one of my professors, this site has a lot to offer on the history of typography. Check out the silent film on Goudy's creation of a typeface.

[ Bembo's Zoo ]
In the history of type lecture I referenced Bembo's Zoo which is a flash piece that creates animals from the typeface Bembo.