Abstract Expression: Using Design Elements to Depict Emotions

Overview

An effective design uses one or more variations of design elements. Such variations add depth and meaning to the overall message of the design, including expressing emotions.

In this activity, you are required to express various emotions using line, shape, space, and texture. Here is a list of words that represent 15 emotional states. Select any 10 of these words to use in your activity.

· Tired

· Anxious

· Hungry

· Confused

· Afraid

· Loved

· Surprised

· Strong

· Excited

· Distracted

· Happy

· Relieved

· Calm

· Disappointed

· Uncomfortable

Directions

Demonstrate how line, shape, space, and texture can be used to express your chosen emotions. Remember to use each emotion only once in this assignment. Your illustrations must be abstract in nature and showcase unique variations of each element. Abstract designs do not look like any identifiable object; that is, they do not depict visual reality. The examples you reviewed in the Resources section were abstract designs.

In the Supporting Materials section of this assignment, two templates are provided:

· Option 1: Illustrator Template. Use this format if you’re proficient in using Adobe Illustrator.

· Option 2: PDF Template. Use this format if your internet connection is not strong, or if you are not proficient in using Adobe Illustrator.

You may select either of these templates. Both formats will open an Illustrator file, which you will use to complete this activity. Detailed instructions to open the chosen template and save your work are provided in the Supporting Materials section below.

Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

1. Illustrate three emotions using at least three variations of  line as a design element . Use at least one unique variation of line in each illustration related to line. Consider the following questions to guide your work:

· Have you illustrated each emotion only once in this activity?

· Which three variations (minimum) of line have you used in your illustrations?

· Have you used at least one unique variation of line in each illustration? Variations of lines include solid lines, dashed lines, zig-zag lines, etc.

· Are the chosen variations effective for your design?

2. Illustrate three emotions using at least three variations of  shape as a design element. Use at least one unique variation of shape in each illustration related to shape. Consider the following questions to guide your work:

· Have you illustrated each emotion only once in this activity?

· Which three variations (minimum) of shape have you used in your illustration?

· Have you used at least one unique variation of shape in each illustration? Variations of shapes include star, circle, square, etc.

· Are the chosen variations effective for your design?

3. Illustrate two emotions using at least two variations of  space as a design element. Use at least one unique variation of space in each illustration related to space. Consider the following questions to guide your work:

· Have you illustrated each emotion only once in this activity?

· Which two variations (minimum) of space have you used in your illustration?

· Have you used at least one unique variation of space in each illustration? Variations of space include near, far, etc.

· Are the chosen variations effective for your design?

4. Illustrate two emotions using at least two variations of  texture as a design element. Variation of texture include smooth, rough, etc. Consider the following questions to guide your work:

· Have you illustrated each emotion only once in this activity?

· Which two variations (minimum) of texture have you used in your illustration?

· Have you used at least one unique variation of texture in each illustration? Use different types of textures, such as furry, rough, etc. in each illustration to ensure this.

· Are the chosen variations effective for your design?

5. Label all depicted emotions.

6. Save the completed template as a  PDF file.