Project 1: Dingbats

 

Halloween Dingbats by Samuel Casal

PROJECT 1: DINGBATS
1. Choose a theme of some sort and post a minimum of 10 related images on your blog. The theme can be very loose and fun. For example: "abstract pattern designs," "monsters," "random stuff that I've drawn for no good reason," "famous biscuits of the middle ages," "angry old people," "doodles," "pseudopods," "goat referendum," "body parts and organs," etc. If you get stuck, just use the Miles Inada method and start downloading cool imagery and come up with a theme later! Ha ha! In any event, use the theme to help you, not hinder you. Don't be afraid to let your theme evolve/change as you create your dingbats! These are images to help inspire your work, you do not have to copy them or be true to them in any way whatsoever. Post your images to your blog by Thursday, January 6.

2. Create a Flash Library of 30 "dingbat" symbols related to your theme! I am using the term "dingbats" very loosely here. You can use layers and colors galore.

3. Use your library to create an organized layout of your symbols and export it as .png. Post to your blog by Tuesday, January 11 before the beginning of class.

BLOG
You are required to keep a blog for this course and post all of your lab projects there. If you're new to bloggin', I recommend blogger.com as it's free and easy to use. If you find a service that works better for you, however, by all means, go for it. Yes, you may use a blog you have started before this class, just make sure you label your posts clearly so I don't get cranky. Once you have your blog set up, post your name and your blog's URL as a comment to this post. Do this now, as in today, January 4. Check the comments section of this post for an example of how to do this.

PHOTO
Take a photo of your self and post it in the "about me" section of your blog by Tuesday, January 11.

READING
Each week, you'll have a reading or two and will write a reflective essay related to your project. You'll post your writing assignment to your blog along with your studio work. Your written reflection is 25% of your project grade and must be posted before class on Tuesday, January 11.
Here are your readings/watchings for the first week:
Reflective Essay Writing Tips For College Students
Milton Glaser: Drawing is Thinking

REFLECTIVE ESSAY:
Reflect on the process of creating your dingbats. In two or three clear, precise paragraphs, try to answer at least three of the following questions: Did you come up with a theme before or after you started drawing? Did you consult your references while you drew or did they feel extraneous? Did you start with a plan and stick to it, or were there some unexpected discoveries along the way? What approaches did you take to creating your dingbats and why? What did you think about drawing in Flash--were there particular aspects of the program that came in handy during this project? Did you work back and revise your images as you did more of them? Did the Glaser video help your process or inspire you? Did you work with characters or themes you've worked with before or did you go in a new direction?

DEMO VIDEOS:
How does I draws in Flash you says? Miles shows you how!


GRADING
Here's the rubric I'll be using to assess the project. 5 categories, maximum of 5 points per category. Click the image for a larger view or click here for the .docx file.

 Arms & Ether character dingbats by Miles.