Craft Studio1 students recently created repeat designs using letter forms as the basis of their design. Looking more carefully into the objective of this lesson, students will be able to answer the essential question: How do artists use initial ideas to develop a finished product? While students created their own repeat designs, we discussed how their designs may be used in industry. Furthermore, we discussed how surface design; image and pattern applied to surfaces within the man-made environment, can be found all around them: in the fabrics on their couches, the rugs on their floors and on the wrapping paper they use to decorate gifts.
The image above is an example of a repeat design found on the internet and used here as an example. Another form of design that we discussed during the repeat design project was typography. Typography is the design, arrangement and style of letter forms. This skill is often found at play in the Graphic Design industry. Students were made aware of typography through their use of letter forms as the central design motif for their repeating patterns.
With both, Graphic Design and Textile Design at the forefront of our lesson, we would like to offer opportunities for further exploration regarding each topic. For more information on pattern and textile designs please click here. Be prepared for a little history on the Arts and Crafts Movement, including a little bit about a man named, William Morris.
In addition, students who are interested in finding out more about Textile Design and/or Graphic Design should visit university or college websites that explain the expectations of both professions. Locally, students can find out more information from the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Umass Dartmouth. Both Graphic Design and Textile Design are represented well at this institution. Just click on the links to learn more. Still not satisfied? Let your fingers do the walking, and check out this link to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. They are located on the West Coast, in California, and they offer information on both Graphic and Textile Design, as well.
In addition, see your guidance counselor for a more thorough list of schools across the country that offer one or both of these majors. And, stop by Wareham High School to see our display of student work in the Main Foyer.
