Visual Analogy - Poster Analysis

Course: Computer Graphics in the Classroom

Level: Higher Education (second or third year art education students)

Instructor: Donna Carroll

Subject Area: Elements of Graphic Design

Duration: One Class Meeting time and additional online discussion time (Assignment will be allowed two online class meetings to complete the analysis and allow for thoughtful discussions).

Objectives: The objectives focus on the students establishing a strong basic understanding of the elements of good design, good design methods and how to visually critique, write and discuss an analysis of the posters from the reading. Further students share their analysis with their classmates to build on strong in depth interactions through online discussions.

Instructions:

1.  You are to read the chapter Rules can be broken-but never ignored written by David Jury from the book Design Elements – A Graphic Style Manual by Timothy Samara. 
2. Write an analysis (two-three pages) based on the three posters of Austin Cooper. The analysis must include:

a.     Elements of good design methods

                                               i.     Balance

                                             ii.     Proximity

                                            iii.     Alignment

                                            iv.     Contrast

                                             v.     White Space and how it’s used

                                            vi.     Is it Simple

b.     How the elements work to make well-balanced designs in the three posters

            3. Do not merely quote David Jury or borrow his words as yours, but reflect on the importance of     
                each of the individual elements of art and the principles of design to create a compelling 
                composition.

            4.  Reflect on what elements may or may not convey a call to action and how the elements affect  
                 the message overall.

            5.  Post the analysis to the Discussion Board in Blackboard entitled “Visual Analysis and 
                Discussion of Elements of Good Design.”

a.     Requirements

                                               i.     Comment on three of your classmate’s posted analysis

                                             ii.     Quality contributions that add to the discussion (no one liners or unsupported statements)

                                            iii.     Bring forth new questions from the analysis and/or from previous postings

                                            iv.     Support your position with evidence

Activities: Reading, visual and written analysis, and reflective online discussions with classmates.

Materials:

1.       Samara, Timothy.

          Title    Design Elements: a graphic style manual: understanding the rules and knowing when to   
                break them / Timothy Samara.
          Publication Info.    Gloucester, Mass.: Rockport Publishers, c2007.

ISBN: 97815925332612

Attached File: Design-Elements--A-Graphic-Style-Manual
http://www.ferrispark.com/audio/Design%20Elements%20A%20GRAPHIC%20STYLE%20MANUAL.pdf

2         2. Austin Cooper’s three posters on cubism and graphic design

Technology:

Students view the posters and post their analysis to the Discussion Board in Blackboard entitled “Visual Analysis and Discussion of Elements of Good Design.”

Assessment (Total: 25 pts.):

•  Two to three-page written analysis on the visual critique of Austin Cooper’s posters (10 pts.)

·      Cover Key points from the readings in the critique of the posters

·      Summary clearly states your understanding of the readings in relation to the visual analysis

•      Both visual and written analysis demonstrates appropriate communication skills in the written analysis (5 pts.)

·      Correct Spelling

·      Punctuation

·      Grammar

•        Discussion board postings shows appropriate communication skills (10 pts.
•     Quality contributions that add to the discussion

o   Raise new questions from the reading of the visual analysis and previous postings

o   Raise a different point of view

o   Evidence to support your position

o   Correct Spelling

o   Punctuation

o   Grammar

Outcomes:

•  Students build on visual critique skills in relation to others artwork.
• Students build an understanding of the elements of good design in graphic arts.
• Students build an understanding of good design methods in graphic arts.
• Students build on analytical skills in thinking, an understanding of new ideas and insights.
• Students build in communications skills with their classmates by contributing to the discussion with posting that raise new questions; different points of view and state evidence that supports their statements.
• Student demonstrate how to engage in self-regulated learning in elements of good design, through the readings, analysis and online discussions.