Objective

To learn design principles through exploration and experimentation. To learn visual grammar by making abstract compositions. To practice thumbnail sketching. To be introduced to Adobe Photoshop and InDesign's layout tools.

Discussion

Creating an illusion of depth in two-dimensional compositions is a centuries-old tradition. We are attracted to this illusion for the same reason we are attracted to magic tricks and 3D movies. And indeed, these are tricks that can be mastered with a little practice.

Creating depth is an optional design principle. Use it only if depth will help communicate your concept. In fact, if the illusion of depth is overused or used for the wrong reason, it can look cheap or cheesy. One example might be the overuse of drop shadows on type for no reason. Because Photoshop can achieve a drop shadow effect with a single mouse click, this effect has become a cliché (so use it with caution).

• Design Principles Lecture
• Download "Seeing" Handout

Procedure

Part A (Concepts and Roughs)

1. download starter files, examine files, read directions
2. download "classic fonts" PDF specimen sheet
3. using your sketchbook, begin to conceptualize possible solutions that use only one typographic character per composition (unity by repetition)
4. using Adobe Illustrator, create five abstract compositions (3x2 ratio) that illustrate each of the five different ways to achieve an illusion of depth (use only "classic fonts," try to retain the integrity of the original font design)
5. using Adobe Photoshop, create five 3x2 inch (150 PPI) grayscale files and import your Illustrator vector art (file > place or use the clipboard; place as pixels)
6. manipulate your art further to enhance depth
7. print out your roughs from Photoshop (file > print with preview)
8. in your assigned small groups, critique each other's work
9. based on the critique above, make adjustments (if needed)

Part B (Best Solutions)

1. import your Photoshop files into InDesign, arrange layout (use the direct select tool to scale and crop art)
2. add your name to the file, then export a JPEG and publish it on your personal projects page for class critique
3. based on the critique above, make adjustments (if needed)
4. submit b&w laser proof with your name on it for grading
5. file graded proof in your Process Book for individual review
6. update your projects page by publishing a JPEG of your final art

Photoshop Tips:

• edit > fill: fills current layer with foreground color (opt+DELETE) or background color (cmd+DELETE) with the option to retain transparency (opt+shift+DELETE or cmd+shift+DELETE)
• filter > blur > gaussian blur: gives you control over the amount of blurring (does not work on vector objects)
• edit > transform: useful distortion tools
• edit > free transform: scales, rotates, moves; ESCAPE to cancel, RETURN to accept (cmd+T), SHIFT to constrain
• important: pixels can be scaled smaller, but should not be scaled larger as the art will likely lose its integrity

Note: When working with InDesign, keep all linked images in the same folder as the original InDesign file to avoid broken links. When moving files, move the entire folder (never move just the InDesign file).