Last Friday we talked about PORTFOLIOS and how they are used in art... In this class, you will create an art portfolio to hold your screen printing papers and prints. Most of the work for screen printing is done IN-CLASS, and some of it is larger than would fit in an ordinary binder, so not only does this give you a place to keep your work... it gives you a place where you should keep it.
Rather than have a blank or randomly decorated portfolio, we start off the screen printing course with the first mini-project: Portfolio Cover Design. The purpose of this project is to:
- get your creative juices flowing and your hand drawing
- organize varying images and designs into one uniform composition
- work with ACTUAL and IMPLIED LINE
- practice good craftsmanship
and, VERY importantly-- to learn to
follow instructions! In this beginning art class, you are not so much graded on your natural drawing talent as you are on fulfilling the requirements for each project, with good effort and craftsmanship. Following instructions is important not only for this reason, but also because there are two sides to screen printing: the CREATIVE/ARTISTIC side, and the TECHNICAL side. Screen Printing as an artistic medium is very technical, and if you don't follow instructions, a lot of things can go wrong:
- you could be harmed by a potentially dangerous machine;
- processes won't work (a screen is non-functional; the ink doesn't dry on a shirt; etc
- projects can be delayed or damaged
- clothes and personal items could be ruined
So-- you may feel like I am pretty strict and picky sometimes about following steps/rules/instructions, but believe me-- it is to HELP YOU. I know how to do this :), and I've developed efficient and effective ways for you to be successful screen printers.
You received a handout that details the requirements and specs for the portfolio cover, with a space to plan/sketch a rough draft (which must be approved by me before drawing on the actual portfolio).
If you lose your handout, go to this link to print out a replacement:
Portfolio Cover Design worksheet (PDF)
There are a lot of options and ways to complete this design, and you do NOT have to be a good "drawer" to do so. The handout gives you options of drawing just lines, shapes, stick figures, etc. You can be straightforward in following the requirements, or you can stretch them to make them fit to your own creativity.
Here are some exceptional student portfolios from previous years... You will notice differing levels of drawing ability-- what makes these all exceptional is the COMPOSITION, USE OF COLOR and CONTRAST, the FILLING OF SPACE, CREATIVITY and ORIGINALITY, and most importantly-- excellent CRAFTSMANSHIP.
The project is worth 50 points, which means it should take you about five full class periods to complete. You may work on it outside of class (take it home) if you need more time.
The finished cover won't be due until close to the end of the first Progress Grade period, as we will be starting other projects as well during this time (and projects almost always overlap!) So-- work steadily, but take your time to do it WELL. Use good craftsmanship, and show me what you can do! :)
