Public Art Proposal
FOU 120 | 2D Form and Surface
Students proposed designs for painted electric boxes in downtown New Bedford, drawing inspiration from local history, community culture, and personal causes. Through research, surveys, and site observation, they developed concept sketches, color palettes, and scale models, translating 2D design principles into site-specific public art. The project emphasized the role of design in civic engagement, encouraging students to consider audience, place, and social impact beyond the classroom
Intro to Illustrator Projects: Pattern Tile & Illustrated Box
FOU 140 | Digital Essentials
A two-part digital design sequence introducing students to pattern-making and applied vector illustration. Students first create seamless pattern tiles through geometric design, color harmony, and iterative refinement. They then integrate their pattern into a 3D illustrated tuck box, developing a unified design across surfaces while practicing composition, color integration, and craftsmanship in print assembly
Site Research — Downtown New Bedford
FOU 120 | 2D Form and Space
Students conducted on-site visual research in downtown New Bedford and translated their observations into two refined compositions. Through sensory documentation, thumbnail sketching, and iterative abstraction, they explored 2D design principles, Gestalt theory, and figure–ground relationships. Beginning with black-and-white studies and progressing to multiple colorways, students learned to simplify complex environments into strong graphic compositions while considering form, mood, and spatial relationships.
Color Swap
FOU 120 | 2D Form and Space
In this project, students explore color harmony and value by recreating an iconic artwork using an entirely new palette sourced from a second image. After building a hand-painted color inventory, students trace and repaint the historical composition using only their selected colors, focusing on clarity, flat application, and balanced value relationships. The project deepens understanding of palette construction, color translation, and how shifts in hue and value can transform the emotional and visual impact of an artwork
Intro to Photoshop Projects: Reimagine a Poster
FOU 140 | Digital Essentials
In this project, students reimagine a movie, album, or song poster by creating a digital collage in Photoshop. Using multiple sourced images, students practice selections, transformations, blending, masking, and text integration to build a unified composition. The assignment emphasizes visual storytelling, creative experimentation, and technical fluency, supported by process documentation and a written reflection on concept and design choices
Japanese Ukiyo-e Line Project
FOU 120 | 2D Form and Space
In this project, students researched Edo-period Ukiyo-e prints and created new line-based compositions inspired by their formal qualities. Working from tracings of historical woodblock prints, students explored variation in line weight, rhythm, and expressive mark-making while learning how traditional techniques can inform contemporary design. Through iterative drawing, inking, and careful presentation, the assignment emphasized the communicative potential of line and a thoughtful connection to art-historical sources.
Shape Project
FOU 120 | 2D Form and Space
In this project, students explored the expressive potential of shape through six cut-paper compositions (or an animation piece) based on a chosen word. Through research, mind-mapping, and extensive thumbnail ideation, students investigated how edges, material manipulation, and compositional choices can communicate meaning. By cutting, folding, tearing, bending, and arranging black paper on white grounds, students learned to construct clear visual narratives while refining craftsmanship, precision, and conceptual intent
