creativity | drawing f'18

Creativity starts with a playful mindset. So imagine that you are seven years old, you find a stick on the ground, dip it in a bottle of ink, and start to draw. With the lack of control that comes with such a primitive tool, now the fun can begin. 

Kohdai

In the process

Charlene

In the process

Rich

In the process

...and with a tight grip on the pencil, Kimberly finally tries the ink, and her design takes on a life of its own. 

Kimberly

creative sketching assignment | SIS II '18

With no preconceived idea, students flung ink onto pages of their sketchbook, and later worked a drawing that utilized the splatters. 

Elias

Chloe

Amanda

Emily

Catie

Jaci

in the process | drawing S'18

Shoes take on the persona of actors on a stage. Dialogue and lighting heightens the drama, while students learn the importance of focus, perspective, negative space, and even the proximity of the audience to their production. 

Galen

Tonni

Bianca

lessons learned | drawing f'17

1) Birds fly. Lines need to as well. 2) Negative space is as important as the focus. 3) Leave things out for the viewer to complete. 4) Perspective takes us on a journey.

Hiroko

 1) Shadows need to recede for the light to come forward. 2) If you want something to appear light, what is next to it should be darker. 3) Give more space around your center of interest. 

Juliana

1) Show spirit. The lines are your voice. 3) Enjoy the process!

Hannah

process | SIS II '17

I encourage students to take photos at all stages of their drawing. Beginning with a light gesture, to plan her composition, Emma follows with a contour line, to carve out the flesh, and then maps out the shapes of shadows, to later fill in with values. (Luckily, I had my camera ready.)

final project | drawing S'16

As a graphic designer, this was an opportunity for the client to be yourself. With so much freedom, Moa was at a loss at where to begin. Looking for advice, she drew what brought her pleasure, and then turned her designs into a promotional piece. 

Lessons learned: Not to center everything. Ultimately, the client is buying your vision. 

final project | drawing S'16

Maria designed a party invitation for her mother and best friend - both vibrant personalities, who often dress alike. Attitude and glamour were mimicked in the loose-handed illustrations of Kenneth Paul Block. With marker, Maria moved onto tracing paper, and then experimented with gouache. When finalized in photoshop, their bubbly vibe went unchallenged among a flock of admirers. 

Lessons learned: Focus, simplicity, and incomplete contours.

some helpful pointers | drawing: figure and meaning SIS II '15

Each of Alyssa's drawings illustrate one or more lessons: What is the focus? Downplay the supporting character. Negative space is important. Look for large, simple shapes of light and shadow. Use the tip of the charcoal, or the tip of the brush, for a contour line. Avoid bringing attention to the edge of the paper. 

the final project | drawing s'15

Before these graphic designers experimented with gouache, colored pencil, or photoshop, the first step in their process was to draw. 

Yvonne

Alex

Julie