The Language of Design

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Class Length:		2, 2-1/2, or 3 days This class is formatted to be a flexible experience. If offered as a 2 day class, four emphases will be covered. If offered as a 2-1/2 day, five emphases will be given. If offered as a 3 day class six emphases will be covered. Thus the students will feel neither the rush of a condensed class nor will they have time left over as they might in an expanded class. Time in class will be maximized.
Proficiency Level:		All levels; no prerequisites
Targeted Audience:		Have you wanted to take a design class, but were afraid? Have you told yourself over and over that you just can't design? Are you afraid to take a design class because everyone in the class might know the language -- except for you? Or have you taken design classes before and felt left out on a limb when the teacher said, "Now go design something!"? Then this is your class!
Description of Class:		Design is the basis of any visual art form. The elements of design are the building blocks in the framework of a composition. This framework -- made up of elements such as line, shape, direction, size, color, value and texture -- is used in accordance with principles such as repetition, alternation, harmony, gradation, dominance and balance. These elements and principles apply to the art of needlework, and you are probably using many of them by instinct! Whether or not you ever want to design your own pieces, you should know what constitutes a good design. This class will lead you to that end. Although this is not a stitching class, it is both lively and relevant. You will cut and paste and glue and compare and learn about design. This class starts at the very beginning of the language of design, and is guaranteed not to leave you behind. You won't fall asleep, no one will read out loud to you, you will end up with an invaluable finished reference notebook, and, best of all, you will be able to use everything you learn to improve and enhance your personal stitching, whatever your chosen technique.
Course Objectives:		This class is designed as an introduction to the language of design with specific reference to its use for needlework. The exercises worked during class are in a notebook format. Though the scope of the class is limited to non-stitched exercises, suggestions for further stitched exercises to be done after class are made as an invitation to further exploration. At the end of the class, students should have a greater understanding of the elements and principles of design and how they apply to the art of embroidery. They will be encouraged to evaluate the quality of the design -- whether their own or that of others -- in their own work. This will be a lively, informative class. Many resources will be provided, and students will finish the class feeling confident. Although proficiency in some embroidery technique is presumed, this is a non-stitching class. No previous experience in design theory is required.
Kit Cost:		$45, includes pre-printed notebook pages plus blank sheets for exercises; colored papers and template material; an extensive annotated color and design bibliography; access to communal supplies (art magazines, patterned paper, yarns, fabric scraps); access to copy machine (brought by teacher); and reference materials.
Student to Supply:		3" binder notebook, page protectors, colored pencils, regular pencil, ruler, black pens in various widths, glue sticks, paper scissors, a package of notebook dividers, and old magazines or catalogues to share.
Teacher Will Need		No more than 2 students per 6-foot table or 3 students to an 8-foot table (tables at least 24" wide); student will need about 24" deep x 36" wide table space. Marker board and markers and two large tables for supplies and visual aids. Walls that can have papers taped or tacked to them would be helpful, but not required. This class will be noisy -- lots of discussion and movement going on -- and we will need a classroom where we will not disturb others.
Pre-Class Work:		None
Class Outline:		This class will be divided into half-day emphases, as listed below. Emphasis One The Elements of Design Line, shape, size, direction, texture. Define these. Show examples. Line drawings. Find small pictures to illustrate the use of each element. Talk about how elements can be modified. Emphasis Two Color and Value The importance color and value, separately and together, play in a design. Define color, and work exercises in color. Color and its attributes. Color schemes. Color contrasts and color harmonies. Value. Make a gray scale. Look for magazine illustrations of artworks that utilize these effect. How can this change the mood of a piece? Add examples to notebook. Value and mood. Emphasis Three Principles of Design The principles of design are the guidelines we use for the organization of the design. Repetition/rhythm/alternation. Balance. Dominance. Harmony/unity. Contrast/variation/tension. Movement/motion/direction. Space/illusion of space. Gradation. Depth. Illustrate using sketches, magazine illustrations or small collages. Emphasis Four Composition Positive and negative space. Focal point. Balance: symmetry and asymmetry. Creating illusion of depth/space. Emphasis Five Types of Design Creating motifs. The use of pattern. Making choices in prepared designs. Is it good or is it bad? Visit to exhibit (if one is being held) or display of visual aids.
General Comments:		Teaching design to the adult learner in a non-threatening manner can be a tricky task. In my opinion, the best way to accomplish this is through carefully planned guided exercises, which allow the more adventurous student to take steps away from the prepared material, while allowing the fearful student to follow carefully - but confidently - in the teacher's pattern. The ultimate goal is to have even the most fearful student being adventurous by the time the end of class is reached
Bibliography:		This class includes an extensive color and design bibliography. I have collected a substantial library on color and design over the years, and will bring it to use during the class. Students may 'check out' books over lunch or overnight to see if they would find them useful personally. I do not sell books myself. I will be happy to provide to your bookstore (if you have one) a list of the books I will be bringing so that they can have them available for purchase. I can also provide information on mail order sources.
Copier:		The use of a copier is essential to this class, particularly in the discussion of value and gray scales. I will bring my own copier to use, which requires only a regular electric outlet. The cost of copy paper and toner is included in the kit fee.

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Last Updated July 04, 2005