visual journal handout
TRANSCRIPT
Visual Journals Art 2/2GT
Ms. Manger
Your visual journal will be a place where you can practice your creative thinking skills by generating a visual response to a given word or concept. Below is a list of all the visual journal entries you must complete by the end of the school year. Each topic should be dissected and interpreted in a conceptual and personal manner to give it a new visual life within a 2 page spread in your journal (2 pages total every 2 weeks or so).
Complete the journal in the order listed – the topics under each date are expected to be finished by the beginning of class for a class critique and to be graded. Work at your own pace, but be sure to have the required assignments done at the collection dates – ½ credit will be deducted if your journal is late. You may have some class time to work on these assignments, but working outside of class is necessary – this is a major component of your homework grade, so make it count.
Due Friday, September 271. Identity
Due Friday, October 11 & 25 2. Conflict3. Relationships
Due Friday, November 9 & 20 (Tues)4. Transformation5. Memory
Due Friday, December 6 & 206. Class7. Absence
Due Friday, January 10 & 248. Spirituality9. Consumption
Due Friday, February 7 & 2110. Work11. Play
Due Friday, March 7 & 2112. Perfection 13. Place
Due Friday, April 4 & 2514. Power15. Time Due Friday, May 9 & 23 (10th/11th grade only)16. Advantage17. Journey
Due Friday, June 6 (12th grade: Fri. before finals)18. Freedom
Grading CriteriaIdea / Concept (10pts) Respond to the topic in a personal, creative, and conceptual way.
Design / Composition/ Craftsmanship (10pts)
Use each 2-page spread to demonstrate an interesting and effective composition, chose the right materials to best communicate your ideas, and use a variety of art materials in a skillful way.
Tips for a successful Visual Journal
Think outside the box – Experiment and take risks…and don’t be too literal in your interpretation of the prompt. Avoid trite, cliché, or predictable responses – the point is not to simply illustrate a word, but to see a commonplace idea in a new and novel way.
Use space wisely – Avoid working on a white background unless it is significant to your idea. Thoughtfully plan out and emphasize a strong composition – think of the 2 page spread as a miniature work of art, not just a space to collect things that relate to your topic.
Experiment with materials – Try new things (see techniques list for ideas), and choose a medium that best conveys your idea. Use media in a sophisticated way, DO NOT just fill in areas with plain color of any media– it looks childish.
Make it Personal – Follow your creative instincts and style, and use your own life and experiences to make connections to the prompts…and do not use copyrighted images – those are somebody else’s ideas – come up with your own.
Invest time and effort – Think and plan before putting thought to paper…every mark you make on the page should be significant – keep in mind - you and I both know that you have two weeks to complete 2 pages. I grade accordingly – so work accordingly.
Techniques to add interest to your Visual Journal
Stain
Weave
Paint
Fold
Color
Window
Frame
Pockets
Mosaic
Text
Fabric
Dry Brush
Tape
Borders
Weather
Sew into
Stamp
Burn
Tear
Collage