Project 1: Archives

^ John Baldessari, Self Portrait

"Archiving their lives, people “live” in the archive."
– Panos Κouros, "The Public Art of Performative Archiving"

Graphic designers love an archive. So often in our practice, we collect, post, and curate images in an effort to author a self catalog, something revealing of one's own canny eye. I'd argue that we are all adept at reading these particular amateur archives, whether accessed through Instagram, Pinterest, or the library. Collections, nests, vessels — these are often the results of "research-based" art, and this project aims to make you clever critics and creators of this particular aesthetic mode.

In this project, I'm asking you to collect and curate with a purpose. I'll ask you to complete and annotate a few readings on this specific type of visual research. I'm also going to ask you to look closely at the world around you—to write, sketch, and photograph the often overlooked.

There are three topics that we'll consider together before composing a final publication.

    • Type: This can be painted, vinyl, or printed.
    • Behavior: This can be human, animal, or built.
    • Object: This can be formal, material, or conceptual.

Drawing on Mindy Seu's course work, I'm going to ask you to compile in an Are.na channel of at least 25 entries for each topic. You will then choose one to refine and develop a bound publication to be printed and submitted in Canvas and class.

Grading

Your grade for this project will make up 1/4 of your grade for the class. You will be evaluated based on your capacity to curate and present a set of thoughtfully designed visual studies grounded in a single subject, a well-articulated and meaningful statement, and a composition that showcases meticulous attention and professionalism in achieving the objective.

    • Part 1: Collections
      1. On 3 separate are.na channels— one for each topic— you will compile 25 entries:
        • At least 5 entries should be photographs. Think about the composition and lighting, and try to surprise us. These images do not have to be too precious—have fun with it.
        • At least 5 entries should be written descriptions (3-5 sentences should suffice)
        • At least 3 should be sketches. Ideally, these will be digitally scanned, but if needed, you can photograph the entry.
        • For each entry, please include a title, date, and caption.
      2. In 100 words (or more) you are to describe the curatorial logic behind your channel. You should have a selection criteria; for example, you might answer what "Behavior" you are aiming to capture, and why did it initially interested you. Or, you might describe how did you first came across the "Object" you chose to study visually.
      3. Using Print Are.na, please print, trim, and staple your three collections into class. You will submit the PDFs through Canvas.
    • Part 2: Final Publication
      1. Based on our initial in-class critique, you will select one of the 3 collections and use the entries to develop a final 32 page publication.
        • You may refine your 25 previous entries and will add 3 new entries (bringing the total to 28)
        • This publication can follow any of the formats elucidated in Robert Bringhurst's The Elements of Typographic Style (pg. 142).
        • This publication can use any method of binding (perfect, stitched, or stapled)
        • You must include a front cover with a title and you should refine your text from part 1 into a 250 word introduction to your collection.
      2. You will turn in your final publication for an in-class critique. You will have the option to refine this publication for submission at the end of the semester.

Resources

Readings

Inspiration

Rubric

EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR NEEDS IMPROVEMENT UNACCEPTABLE
CONCEPT Work demonstrates deep understanding of the project and ability to apply this understanding to outstanding visual and, if applicable, conceptual execution of the objectives. Strong understanding of the project goals and requirements. Student’s visual execution thoughtfully  fits the concept and objectives. Evident understanding of the project goals and requirements. Attempts have been made to explore visual execution and the idea is understandable, yet the piece needed more attention. Project met most, if not all of the minimum criteria. Needs improvement to exhibit fluency. Visual exploration is limited or incomplete and ideas are difficult to follow and/or too basic. Poor quality work that does not meet the project goal or objectives. Visual exploration is weak. Unsatisfactory. The work either does not evidence any of the project’s objects or has not been completed.
Objective 01:
To create a clear visual relationship between the collected elements of your publication.
Objective 02:
To design a publication that reflects this overall concept through type choice and layout.
CRAFT Excellent design craft:
No noticeable inconsistencies in form or execution. Surprising and effective craft choices in form.		 Strong  design craft:
Negligible inconsistencies in form or execution. Effective craft choices in form.		 Solid, well-done work, could improve on the items noted in the Excellent list, in particular: better attention to detail, willingness to experiment without sacrificing quality. Does average work, fulfills the assignment. Feels rushed in execution or sloppy in attention to details.  No attention to detail, and barely qualifies as finished. Unsatisfactory. The work either does not hold together at all or has not been completed.
Objective 03:
To demonstrate care in the craftsmanship of a publication.
Objective 04:
To write with clarity and voice in your introduction to the publication.
Objective 05:
To effectively document the final outcome for your portfolio.
PROCESS Excellent, well-documented design process, ability to sketch and articulate ideas. A thoughtful and flexible honing of your project over the course. Thoughtful design process, ability to sketch and articulate ideas. A gradual honing of your project over the course. Solid, well-done work: could improve on the items noted in the Excellent list, in particular: more iteration and experimentation and willingness to articulate distinctive ideas. Limited iteration; student explores only a few other ideas, and they seem stubborn in their unwillingness to experiment. Singular solution that changes very little throughout the assignment. Unsatisfactory. No iteration or evidence of process.
Objective 06:
To annotate readings thoughtfully, participate in critique, and give and receive feedback
Objective 07:
To fully collate images, text, and sketches across three initial topics. As a designer, your process should make your thinking visual.