GDS 108 Design Media and Principles
The Sketchbook Blog
Instructor: Paul Young
Objective
To practice thumbnail sketching. To apply design principles to compositions. To record ideas for future reference. To use blogs as a reflection tool.
- See instructions for starting a blog
- See instructions on how to scan in C138
- See instructions on scanning and resolution

- See Serena's very interesting blog
Description
Keep a visual diary of everything that happens in your life. Keep
notes of your thoughts for future reference. Develop your ideas
and compositions by sketching variations (see examples
).
Procedure
- Purchase a blank book. Carry it with you wherever you go. You may use it to take notes with, to doodle in, to write in, whatever.
- Discipline yourself by drawing something in your sketchbook at least once every day.
- Whenever you see something interesting, sketch it in your sketchbook.
- Develop your concepts and roughs for this class in your sketchbook.
- Scan and post at least one of your sketches on your blog once every week (crop for visual interest, maximum width is 800 pixels).
- In your blog entry, be prepared to discuss about what you were thinking of when you drew the sketch, then discuss what design principles are at work in your sketch.
- Present your blog for team critique and feedback every week by posting your blog's web address as part of each week's Angel homework assignment. Revise your blog as needed for grading at midterm and at the end of the semester.
- Read the post(s) of the team members in your assigned group. Post a response to their post on their blog.
- Bring your sketchbook to your midterm and final review for grading
(I will be specifically looking for at least one sketch per day).
Important: Your blog and your sketchbook will be graded once at midterm and once at the end of the semester. Adherence to assignment specifications will count towards your grade.
Note
If you are concurrently taking more than one Graphic Design class which has a sketchbook assignment, it is recommended that you use one sketchbook for all your classes. If appropriate, you may also use your sketchbook for any other classes as along as it fulfills you instructor's requirements. You may combine notes, journal entries, classroom assignments, etc. all into one sketchbook.
Last updated: 6/9/09 Webmaster: Paul Young