P1 – In-Class Work I: Brainstorm, Sketch & Laser-Cut Prep

Group Project – 3 to 4 students per group

⚠️ You must complete the online Thode Makerspace training modules on Avenue to Learn and the in-person training before this session.

In this session, your group will collaboratively plan and prototype a three-dimensional composition using sketches and digital tools. You will explore form, repetition, and spatial relationships, and prepare your designs for laser-cutting using Inkscape—the required software for the Thode Makerspace.

[30–40 min] Brainstorming & Concept Sketching

Work together to generate ideas for your composition, inspired by Wong’s Elements of Two-Dimensional Design and sculptural principles of form through repetition.

Your group sketch must:

Include 20–30 individual planes arranged over a defined base.

You will be provided with birchwood plates (24 × 12 in, 0.3 in thick) –charged to your McMaster account.
Apply at least two of the following design principles:
Form, Repetition, Structure, Similarity, Gradation, Radiation, Anomaly, Contrast, Concentration, Texture.
Clearly define the shape, dimensions, and spacing of each plane.
Incorporate variation in height, depth, and angle.
Propose a colour scheme based on gradation.
Identify potential connectors or supports between planes.
You must consider the shape, size, and color of the base.

Color Scheme - Gradient Strategy:

Assign each shape a single solid colour, arranged to produce a visible gradient transition
You may design:
- Linear gradients (e.g., red to blue)
- Multi-step gradients (e.g., rainbow blends)
Use HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) to guide your colour shifts:
- Hue → controls colour change
- Saturation → intensity of each step
- Value → brightness and darkness across the range

[45–60 min] Digital Vector Setup in Inkscape: Lasser-Cutting Prep Files

Use Inkscape to transform your sketch into vector-ready files for laser-cutting.

What is Inkscape?

Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor similar to Adobe Illustrator. It allows you to design using precise paths, making it ideal for digital fabrication.

While we are using Inkscape because it is required by the Thode Makerspace, learning to adapt to different software platforms is a valuable skill for any media artist.
Being proficient across both proprietary and open-source tools strengthens your ability to work in a variety of production environments, from galleries to labs to community-based studios.

Setup Guidelines:

Divide tasks evenly among group members.
Follow the step-by-step Inkscape tutorial provided below.
Use only vector paths (no fills or strokes).
Each birchwood plate must be represented in a separate document sized 24 × 12 in.
You must be conscious of the measurements of your planes.
Arrange and align all elements to maximize material use.
Save files as .SVG, named as:
Group-#-Plate-1.svg, Group-#-Plate-2.svg, etc.

⚠️ Inkscape is mandatory, as it is the only format accepted by the laser-cutting equipment at Thode Makerspace.

📥 Submission

Group brainstorming notes and sketches
- Naming Protocol: Group-#-Notes.pdf
Lasser-Cutting Prep Files
- File naming: Group-#-Plate-1.svg, Group-#-Plate-2.svg, etc.
  - Double-check all measurements, spacing, and layer organization.

Review the required materials list for Part 2 under Project 1 Overview and bring them to the next class.

📌 Failure to follow document setup or naming instructions may result in a grade deduction.

MediaArtTutorials