design basics

Pattern /  by David Matthews

Why​:

The creation and design of patterns in the visual world may be essential in the creation of meaning and memory. As a designer you may create elements or specify elements in repeat, or patterned layout.  Carpet, fabrics, upholsteries, and wall paper, are typical examples of the design and use of repeat printed and woven patterns in the interior environment.  Surface pattern designers (printed world), and textile designers (woven world) are related design professions to interior design. This exercise is created to allow you to experience the process of making a basic repeat pattern related directly to creating visual meaning to your studio project. 

​What ​

Using a photograph from your machine use as an underlay to make a pattern of machine parts. 

How​

Review the following tutorial and create a repeat pattern using a photograph of your found object. Only use an image captured in a studio setting with controlled lighting. 

Lynda.com tutorials​

​Create a blog post for your pattern and upload to Blackboard. 

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Composition and Organization /  by David Matthews

Using the parts and pieces from your found object create the following 2-dimensional compositions on a 18" X 24" piece of white illustration or foam core board. (DO NOT GLUE OR ATTACH THE PIECES TO THE BOARD)

Each composition should effectively and clearly communicate the ideas listed below. Each composition should be creative and provide a synthesized relationship between the parts. The overall effect of the compositions should

include a Gestalt relationship. All compositions should have presence and significance relative to the topics in the course.

  • (2) Compositions Diagonal Transformations in Scale
  • (2) Compositions Linear Transformation in Scale
  • (4) Investigations of Rhythm
  • (1) Composition of Radial Organization
  • (2) Composition of Linear Organization
  • (2) Investigations of Clustered Organization
  • (2) Compositions of Grid Organization
  • (2) Investigation of Datum
  • (2) Investigations Hierarchy
  • (2) Any composition of your choice.

Use Form, Space and Order by Ching to further understand the above concepts. Compose your work on the illustration board. Using the copy stand or studio lights and your digital camera photograph each composition. Attach the camera to the copy stand or tripod and photograph your work from directly above.

All photographs should be cropped and well composed. 


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Color /  by David Matthews

​Why

Color is a primary element in interior design. The ability to create,  edit, and understand color systems appropriate for ​interiors is an essential ability for a designer. This assignment allows you to discover colors in found objects and describe their relationship. You will also experiment with basic color systems and express ideas relevant to the creation of your exhibit design. 

​What

You are to make 10 color schemes for your studio project. Three color schemes are to be based on color extracted from photographs you captured of your object and seven color schemes are to relate to formal color systems.  

How​

Part 1​

Select three unique photographs of your object. For each photograph generate a unique color scheme with the colors existing in each photo. The color scheme should illustrate a minimum of five colors. 

Format the image with total width of 1200 pixels. Add an extra top band of selected colors to the photo by editing your canvas size by increasing the image height by one inch. Proportion the colors in the scheme to match the proportional use of the color in the photograph.

​​Part 2

Create color schemes using color systems created on the Kuler website as  you feel appropriate to the design of the exhibition space. 

http://kuler.adobe.com/

Create an account. ​

Select the Create from Color mode on the website. Select a "rule" and create and save colors schemes from the following color systems.  ​

  • analogous
  • monochromatic
  • triadic
  • complementary
  • compound
  • shades
  • your own idea....

Using photoshop create a 72 X 1200 pixel format canvas. Use the canvas to create schemes based on the color systems created on Kuler. Each color scheme is to have a minim of five colors and be proportioned in asymmetrical balanced visual format. (The area of the color should not be the same for each color, but be a balanced and proportional use of hue, intensity (saturation), and value.) 

Post your color schemes in a gallery on your website. Create a ​brief caption for each color scheme describing your objectives and color system. 


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