This project will require some drawing skills, your design skills using photoshop and illustrator, and getting a little messy. It’s a nice step away from the sterile computer world and will allow you to work with your hands.
As with all of our projects you will begin with finding out what the problem is, by reading this page. Then you will begin on your solution to the problem by doing a little research. Making some sketches, create your design and then execute your plan.
Here is some information about the problem:
Create a Stamp Design for a Linoleum Block Print
The purpose of a posteage stamp is to function as currency- a prepaid certificate that can be redeemed for mail delivery services. As a design, it is often an image with a small amount of typography. Stamps are avidly collected and often resemble miniature versions of contemporary posters. Aside from their obvious difference in scale, posters and stamps have much in common. Both are posted or affixed to another surface, and both tend to have an ephemeral existence, where they only are on display for a short period of time, although stamp and poster collectors will cherish them for much longer. The most effective stamps and posters attract attention by communicating content in a conceptually clear, immediate, and legible manner.
Your job is to create an original design using the software you have been using this year and apply it to this project. You will use the computer as a tool for creating your art work.
Specifications:
The Linoleum blocks are 4″x6″ (set your project in AI or PS to 4×6 inches).
The colors I have to use are your primary and secondary colors, plus black, white, and a few metallic colors. You may also mix colors as well.
Process:
1. Perform some research:
Begin this project by conducting research of your topic or theme. Create word lists of your theme topics and ideas. Create thought maps to diagram how your words are connected and help develop your ideas. Search for stamp designs on the web and print the ones you like best. Include multiple images on a page prior to printing. Include these images in your sketchbook. Once you have this complete have the teacher sign off on your work.
The design process begins by reviewing all of your research: your collected materials, word lists, thought maps and synthesizing this information into your thumbnail sketches. Once you have identified what aspects you want to focus on, begin your thumbnail sketches of different stamp design ideas. You will probably create far more than four at this stage. Use the imagery you found to help develop your own design.
Your ideas, thoughts, initial designs, sketches or images you find must be included in your sketch book. Show evidence of research and thumbnail sketches prior to beginning work on the computer. Your sketchbook should include word lists, written ideas, printed images, and of course many thumbnail sketches of your stamp design. You should fill two pages to get full credit for your sketchbook.
Here are some places to begin your research:
The US Government regulations for stamp designs.
Look at some lino block prints on Flickr:
Block Prints on Flickr: Lino prints are a form of block printing. Other materials people carve are wood and rubber.
Printmaking on Flickr: Not necessarily all of these prints are lino blocks.
2. You will create a design for a stamp on the computer.
3. Print out your design and use a heat transfer method to get your design onto your linoleum block. Use the laser printer in this room.
4. Carve your design into the linoleum block.
5. Test your lino block out, make some changes if necessary.
6. Create 10 prints of your stamp design
