Photography - Week 10: 3/30-4/3

Things I Have Learned in My Life So Far (Part 1: Research and Planning)

In your previous assignment, you were asked to rearrange elements in your environment to create abstract designs to then photograph. This forced you to be more than just an observer and to take an active role in composing your scene.

Classroom Forum Comments: (2pts) - Due Monday 3/30

Please review all of your classmates' environmental artworks and select two or more artists to comment on their work. Explain the visual qualities that make them stand out and make specific reference to Elements and Principles of Design. Be sure not to repeat any one else's comments.

Your next assignment, will be extended over the course of two weeks. This time you will be working to rearrange type within a series of photographs that explore a lesson you have learned in your life so far. This is yet another opportunity for you to take an active role in composing your images, but this time you can work both indoors and outdoors.

Stefan Sagmeister is a master of using photography and typography to explore meaning. Typography is defined as the art and technique of arranging type to make written language both legible and appealing. Watch the documentary and short films below to learn about his approach to expressing the things he has learned in his life so far.

Google Drive: Due Tuesday 3/31

Create a new folder in your Google Drive called "Typography." Add a Google Doc so you can take notes while you are watching, including direct quotes from the artist and your overall response to his creative process. You should also make note of some of your favorite works. Explain the visual qualities that make them stand out to you.

Classroom Forum: (3pts) - Due Tuesday 3/31

Create a new post titled "Week 10: Sagmeister." Copy and paste one of the quotes that stood out to you from your notes. Also find an image online of one of your favorite works you watched him create in this documentary then copy and paste your response. Expand on your writing to ensure you are referencing specific Elements and Principles of Design.

Other Short Films Directed by Stefan Sagmeister:

The Happy Film Credits, Commercial for Standard Chartered

Sagmeister's List of "Things I have learned in my life so far"

Complaining is silly. Either act or forget.
Thinking life will be better in the future is stupid, I have to live now.
Being not truthful works against me.
Helping other people helps me.
Organizing a charity group is surprisingly easy.
Everything I do always comes back to me.
Drugs feel great in the beginning and become a drag later on.
Over time I get used to everything and start taking it for granted.
Money does not make me happy.
Traveling alone is helpful for a new perspective on life.
Assuming is stifling.
Keeping a diary supports my personal development.
Trying to look good limits my life.
Worrying solves nothing.
Material luxuries are best enjoyed in small doses.
Having guts always works out for me.

Wednesday 4/1 @ 8AM Zoom In: https://foxcroft.zoom.us/j/3232918222

Meet as a class to review what your discovered creating an environmental artwork and share the inspiration your gained from Stefan Sagmeister's use of typography.
Brainstorm all the ways you can communicate with type in your photographs.
Take a look at photographer, Steven Lovekin, currently shooting in New York at the epicenter of the pandemic: https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-52040206

Google Drive - Due Wednesday 4/1

On your "Typography" Google Doc, write out your own list of 5-10 "Things I Have Learned in Your Life So Far."

Classroom Forum (3pts) - Due Thursday 4/2

Create a new post titled, "Week 10: Things I Have Learned." Choose one lesson to share and expand on it in greater detail. Explain exactly when and how you made this discovery. Take yourself back to that specific moment when the lesson was most relevant. It can be a very recent or a very distant memory.
Provide a plan for how you could communicate this lesson through a series of photographs that utilize typography in a creative way. Explain exactly what you will spell out, how you will spell it out, where, and even why. It's important to consider how you subject matter and setting contribute to the meaning. Remember to also consider legibility and visual appeal. Upload two or more visuals that support your idea such as sketches or sample photographs.

Classroom Forum Comments: (2pt) - Due Friday 4/3

Review all of your classmates' plans and provide constructive feedback on two or more of their project ideas. Explain what you think will be successful and why. Outline new approaches and other things for them to consider as well. Be sure not to repeat any one else's comments.