Graphic design for children
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- bmacneill
In a conversation with my son's Grade 6 teacher, I mentioned that I was a graphic designer. She asked if I would help teach some rudimentary graphic design to her students for an art class or two. I thought about maybe leading them through designing a poster for a school event, or maybe doing a personal logo or identity of some sort. You guys have any other ideas that might be worthwhile and educational? She wanted to do it on the computer, but I'm afraid that they might be pretty limited in terms of software.
- bmacneill0
@ETM haha!
- reaIity0
have them log on to qbn and bemoan others efforts without ever doing anything themselves. they'll be way ahead of the curve.
instill these sentiments into their everyday vocabulary
1. fuck off
2. spam
3. looks shit
- ETM0
Maybe teach some basic desktop publishing... a digital collage of themselves. Have them draw or find elements about themselves, teach them how to scan it in and do basic cleanup, then some basic composition. Maybe you could use open office since they would have limited resources.
- orrinward0
If their computers have internet access, teach them something in Aviary or Pixlr?
You could maybe create a bunch of assets (type nicely done) and pictures cropped out and guide them through creating layouts. Start by showing them the basics of how to add an image/asset and move them around. Give them instruction on a method of arranging it nicely and then give them free reign to do their own.
At that age showing them something and then giving them time to experiment would probably be better than giving them free reign, then telling them better ways of doing it.
- bmacneill0
@ETM and orrinward - Thank you!
- ETM0
Teach those punks the grid system and basic typography please.
- must_dash0
Stick with ideas, don't go near a computer.
- bmacneill0
@must_dash I was thinking the same thing. Maybe doing pencil/sharpie sketches, or doing collage with type and photos from magazines, etc.
- Isn't that the sort of things they already do in elementary school art classes?ETM
- Yes. I thought about the idea of leading them through a wall mural where they each have a square to do something graphic in, etc... Sagmeister-esque... but not sure the school would let me paint on their walls.bmacneill
- I like that. Collaboration is a good thing.ETM
- isn't that what they do in design/art school (college) too?whatthefunk
- ETM0
They're in grade six... not exactly the hands off concept only types. Plus it's not art school.
- ETM0
Well, wish I could listen in on the feedback...
No Billy, what did I say about the grid system? And your kerning is shit son. I mean, what do I have to do for you to understand? Plus, what did I say about using more than 2 to 3 fonts max? You must have 7 different type faces in this. Also, the assignment was to show examples of juxtaposition... I am not seeing it.
Jenny, I am not don't with you either, do you even understand color theory?
- bmacneill0
What about doing a book cover? They brainstorm with me on shapes, colors, moods surrounding the book topic then they're set loose to design their own cover based on our brainstorm? lol, no idea.
- ETM0
Pretty cheap:
http://www.artrage.com/
- ETM0
- orrinward0
Outsource any freelance work you have going to the children.
Two birds. One stone.
- doesnotexist0
have them create a character and color/draw it.
logo + poster seems way over their head and a little depressing
- Miesfan0
To all, all children. The history of 2 red squares...1922
http://www.citrinitas.com/histor…- I've heard of Lissitzky—really awesome stuff there. thanks!jaylarson
- bmacneill0
Thanks a bunch. You've all been a big help in getting MY creative juices flowing at least. A+ and a gold star for all of you.