Course ARTS 2380.

003 2D Design Foundations

Professor MaryEllen Lacy
Term Spring 2011
Meetings 10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., Thursdays, AS1.116

Professor’s Contact Information

Direct Phone 214.697.9503
Email Address melacy@utdallas.edu
Office Hours Schedule appointments with professor by email or phone
Other Information Use UTD email (melacy@utdallas.edu) to contact professor.

General Course Information

Pre-requisites, Co-
requisites, & other none
restrictions
This course provides a foundation for most 3000-level art courses. The course
will introduce the problem of working with color and design, emphasizing either
traditional studio or digital processes. Lectures and discussions will relate to both
the history of visual art and current issues in contemporary art and design. 2D
Design Foundations is a studio workshop pertaining to the fundamentals of “The
Elements of Design” (Line, Space, Shape and Form/Volume, Texture, Motion,
Course Description
Value, Color) and “The Principles of Design” (Unity and Variety, Balance,
Rhythm and Emphasis, Proportion and Scale). Students are presented with visual
problems to solve and guided towards a process or method of investigation
utilizing multiplicity, comparison, and variation; search and uncertainty; and the
application of analytical thinking. Assignments encourage an understanding,
sensitivity, and command of the visual language. Individual and group critiques.

Become aware of the principles and elements of design, and develop verbal and
visual understanding.
Develop a working vocabulary of design allowing creation, interpretation, and
Learning Outcomes critical thinking and analysis (critiques) within all fields of the visual arts.
Gain the ability to compose visually.
Develop creative problem solving skills used in communicating visually as an
artist.

Required Texts none

Suggested Texts
Design Basics by David A. Lauer and Stephen Pentak

Launching the Imagination: A Guide to Two Dimensional Design Third Edition

by MaryStewart

Design and Form: The Basic Course at the Bauhaus by Johannes Itten

The Art of Color by Johannes Itten

Interaction of Color by Josef Albers

Required Materials You are required to bring ALL items by January 20 (all supplies required are to
& Supplies be brought to every class of entire semester). Keep receipts. You may need to
replenish items during the semester. (Do not purchase items prior to first day of
class discussion.)

1. The following items can be from recycled sources or from various retail:
A notebook or sketchbook for this class only, for assignments, lecture notes,
hand-outs Cheap Pentel or Bic #2 0.7 mm mechanical pencil
Some kind of water jar, recycled plastic with lid
Several rags of absorbent material
Scissors
Box, backpack, or bag to carry supplies in (students often use Asel’s shopping
bag provided with kit)

2. USB Flash Drive or other portable storage device for digital imaging materials

3. 2D Design – pick up your pre-assembled kit at a discount purchase from Asel

Art, S/W corner of I75 and Beltline, phone 972-690-6320, it contains:

Red Rope paper portfolio or handmade cardboard portfolio big enough (20x26”)
for drawing pad and projects
Exacto pen with blade
Rubber cement, such as 4 oz. with brush
6B Woodless Drawing Pencil
Pencil, HB
Pencil, 2H
White vinyl/plastic eraser, such as Mars Staedtler
Kneaded eraser
Sakura Pigma Micron Pens – set of three (black)
Masking Tape, 1”, the cheap kind (drafting tape is NOT necessary)
Strathmore Drawing Pad (Series 400) 14” x 17” or similar smooth surface type –
top bound, white or cream
Ruler 12” or 18”, cork back works best, but not necessary
Ink, 1 oz. such as Higgins
Bamboo brush
Palette Kit #1013 or similar (plastic palette, 9 3/4” x 13 1/2”, for watercolors,
large mixing area, 20 tubs/wells, lid, storage)
Sabelline brush (Round, size 4) Artificial, synthetic sabelline (at least one,
students may find 2-3 helpful) OR #6 American Painter 2300 Shader
Designer Colors Gouache, Windsor/Newton: (These colors are selected for a
special palette, do not substitute) Ivory Black, Zinc White, Cadmium Yellow
Pale, Cobalt blue, Magenta red (14ml)

If additional supplies are needed: Hobby Lobby, MJDesigns, Michaels, Sav On

Office, Office Depot, Office Max, and websites (allow 5-7 days shipping)
www.dickblick.com, www.pearlpaint.com, www.cheapjoes.com,
www.danielsmith.com, www.utrecht.com
Assignments & Academic Calendar

Topics Assignments
Class introduction – The major categories of 2D elements and principles
January 13 procedures – goals – for visual communications will be covered
expectations throughout the course. Weekly exercises and projects
January 20 are designed to explore the potential of formal design
January 27 Format elements and the principles of composition and to
February 3 Line increase understanding of message and
February 10 Shape communication.
February 17 Texture/pattern
February 24 Text Some exercises are executed by hand and some
March 3 Value digitally. In some cases, the exercise instructions will
March 10 Color indicate the required method of execution.
March 17 Balance Assignments in the form of exercises and projects
Visual Hierarchy will be performed both in class and outside of class.
March 24
March 31 Rhythm
Unity Out of class assignments:
April 7 Go to this address:
April 14 Space/depth/scale
Illusion of Motion http://www.utdallas.edu/~melacy/
April 21 click on arts 2380.003 2D Design Foundations and
April 28 the link will take you to the assignment page:
May 5 Portfolio Review http://www.utdallas.edu/~melacy/pages/index02.html

Course Policies
Concepts are through lectures, exercises and projects.
Successfully completing this course involves attending all classes & participating in
class studio & discussion.
The semester grade evaluates in-class work/participation, class exercises, and
projects.
All work must be completed by due dates for full credit.
All assignments are valued. Grading criteria rises as the class progresses.
Discuss questions regarding grades concurrent with any concern.

Considerations in evaluations:
Grading (credit) Attend class from 10:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and be prepared with the proper materials.
Criteria Complete assignments within specified time.
Work demonstrates effort, focus, complexity, and growth or understanding of design
objectives and principles with evidence of openness to new learning processes.
Work shows demonstrated awareness of problems involved, experimentation within
objectives, variety in solutions and investigations. Work exhibits good craftsmanship,
care, presentation and execution.
Participation in class studio and discussions, critiques, and activities; maintains a
good attitude and has a good work ethic. Respects fellow students and studio
property.

Possible grade example outcomes:

 A - All objectives/projects are achieved. Exemplary commitment, effort, and results
are demonstrated in all work. Participation is excellent. The student is fully engaged
in the process of learning.
B - All objectives/projects are achieved. Good results and good growth are
demonstrated in work. The student makes a strong effort. Good participation in class.
C - Many objectives are achieved, satisfactory results shown in most work. Some
assignments may be late or unfinished, due to a variety of reasons; and/or student’s
habits may be influencing their ability to practice, execute and grow skills important
to the class objectives.
D - Important objectives are not achieved. Course work is late, incomplete, or
missing for evaluations. Student is struggling with class participation. Focus and
commitment to the class objectives may be factors.
F - Failed course. Lack of work, attendance too low, disruptive to learning process.
Student should have withdrawn by deadline.

Make-up Exams n/a

Extra Credit n/a
Late Work receives a lower assessment
Special
n/a
Assignments
Class Attendance required for successful completion of course
Classroom consideration and cooperation with others and respect of property
Citizenship focus with receptive attention
UT Dallas
Syllabus Policies  http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies
and Procedures