Assignment 9.2 - Connections to Classroom Teaching (2D Design)

1. Digital Character Creation - Middle or High School

Goal: Using Inkscape or Vectorpea, create a totally unique cartoon character. 

Learning Target: I can use the elements and principles of art and design to demonstrate the unique qualities of my character. 

Lesson would begin with an analysis of the visual qualities of different cartoon characters, using the elements/principles as a jumping off point. What makes Homer Simpson different from Spongebob Squarepants? How do we know Pikachu is Pikachu and Tweety Bird is Tweety Bird? How can we tell? Rick from Rick and Morty is a cranky dude, but how do we know that just by looking at him? 

Students would make a character map, listing the qualities they want their cartoon character to have, as well as what kind of shapes and colors they associate with those qualities before diving into the main design. 

A potential enhancement would be to make other characters in that universe, or make a 3-5 second animation of that character. 

A choice could be to make a cartoon character based on a person that means a lot to them, with an emphasis on approaching the design from a place of kindness. 

2. Merch Table - Middle or High School 

Goal: Using Inkscape or Vectorpea, create a piece of merch for any band/musician, either imagined or real. 

Learning Target: I can use the elements and principles of art and design to create a unique design that clearly reflects the personality/character/genre of the band or musician I am designing for. 

Merch can be (but not limited to): album cover, t-shirt design or tour poster

Lesson would begin with a discussion of students' favorite bands, and why - there would be room for an impromptu listening party. We'd talk about how music makes them feel, and how they can reflect these feelings through design. Is it upbeat and poppy music? Or is it quiet, and contemplative? What colors and shapes do you associate with these feelings? Then we'd look at the album covers/merch design for the artists we just listened to and see if it lines up with their overall brand, and discuss why or why not. 

Following discussion, students can use their sketchbooks to come up with initial design ideas, and notes that they can refer back to as they work. 

A potential choice could be to design a new jersey/logo/helmet for a sports team of their choosing, or create a team brand for a sport they love that doesn't have a team (i.e: kickball, silent ball, etc). 

 

3.  Household Object Redesign - Middle or High School

Goal: Using Inkscape or Vectorpea, create a prototype for a redesign of a household object. 

Learning Target: I can combine principles of art and design with ergonomics to create a prototype of a re-design of a household object. 

Lesson would begin with a passing around of a few different household items, like whisks, hammers, pens, cups, etc. (Or, I'd ask them to bring in a household item of their choosing that they want to re-design, and of course email the parents ahead of time...) 

We'd talk about how they feel in their hands. Is it comfortable? How does it feel to hold it? Is it heavy, light? Is its intended purpose clear, or not? What material is it? Why do you think it's that material, i.e: how does the material serve its purpose? Do they like using it? Why or why not? Who is it designed for? What makes you say that? Why would someone redesign a basic object like a hammer, that's been around forever? 

Then we'd discuss what a prototype is, and look at a few examples of object prototypes. 

Following dialogue, they'll consider how they can enhance this object. A few different questions to consider: Who should be able to use it? What is it going to be used for? Is it only for its original purpose, or can it do other things? 

Expansion: create a sculpture of the object they create, or if resources allow, a 3-d printed version.