Scale and Texture

In this project, I ask my students to locate and capture five interesting letterforms in either print media, or in the environment. After scanning or photographing the letterforms, the students then scale them to different sizes before printing and cutting stencils from the letters.

Once students have their stencils, they render the letterforms in a variety of textures such as stippling or cross-hatching while considering how changes in scale, placement, and texture to imply motion and depth.

While earlier projects incorporated serendipity and randomness into the work, this project is about being deliberate in their actions. The students consider the use of contrast to create tension, depth and movement while thinking about their mark-making. This project take place during the same week that the students read the chapters on Scale and Texture in Ellen Lupton’s book Graphic Design: The New Basics.